Draft Your Bespoke Dress Body Block

£410.00

Spend 3 days learning how to draft your own bespoke dress block with Izzy in Sheffield. Leave the masterclass with a bespoke sleeved block which will allow you to design your own sewing patterns. Limited to 4 participants per course.

2025 Dates: Fri 26th-Sun 28th September.

2026 Dates: Mon 2nd - Wed 4th March and Mon 7th - Wed 9th September.

Location: Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, Sheffield. S7 2QU.

Date:

Spend 3 days learning how to draft your own bespoke dress block with Izzy in Sheffield. Leave the masterclass with a bespoke sleeved block which will allow you to design your own sewing patterns. Limited to 4 participants per course.

2025 Dates: Fri 26th-Sun 28th September.

2026 Dates: Mon 2nd - Wed 4th March and Mon 7th - Wed 9th September.

Location: Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, Sheffield. S7 2QU.

This is an exclusive opportunity to come and learn to draw your own dress body block. Using your own body measurements, you will learn how to draft and sew a sleeved shift-style dress which will fit your body beautifully. The block will be drafted from scratch so that you fully understand the process. This block can then be used to make a dress, top or skirt!

Izzy's experience as a pattern designer means that she loves to help people achieve an incredible fit when designing and sewing their clothes.

  • During the workshop Izzy will clearly explain the method of pattern drafting from scratch, using your own body measurements. During the workshop, you will learn the following:

    • How to take accurate body measurements.

    • How to draft a dress block and sleeve. This can be used to create a skirt, top or dress!

    • How to create a pattern using your bespoke block.

    • How to sew a calico toile accurately.

    • How to fit the block and make the changes required to your paper block.

    • How to rotate darts to create new top styles.

    If time allows, Izzy will demo how to alter your block to create different styles of garments. Please note that if there is insufficient time to do this in the class, we have filmed over 100 videos which show how to alter the block, which you will have access to.

  • We will provide all of the tools you need to complete the course, which includes:

    • Calico for all your toiles.

    • Pattern drafting paper.

    • Tracing paper.

    • Pattern drafting ruler.

    • Pens, pencils and rubbers, tracing wheel, coloured pencils.

    • Sewing tools (scissors, pins, irons etc).

    • A clearly illustrated step by step instruction booklet on how to draft your block, so you can repeat the process at home in your own time too.

  • You just need to bring the following:

    • A basic calculator (your phone will be fine).

    • We want you to feel comfortable while sewing so we encourage you to bring your own sewing machine. However, if you would prefer to use one of our sewing machines (Janome M100QDC) then please let us know on your booking form.

  • The workshop will run from 09:30 – 16:30 over three days. On day 3 we will finish at 4pm.

    Tea / coffee and biscuits will be provided each day, but you will need to bring your own lunch. Alternatively, there is the option purchase lunch from the superb cafe next door ‘Joni’. Please also let us know of any dietary requirements you may have.

  • This workshop is ideal if you're comfortable with basic sewing patterns and are ready to tackle a new challenge. You'll learn to draft a personalized "block" using your own measurements. You'll need some basic math skills to accurately draw your block (simple adding and diving – nothing complex!). We'll guide you through each step, and with a maximum of four students, you'll have plenty of time for questions and personalised help.

Location and Directions

The workshop is held at The Learning Centre, Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, Abbeydale Rd South, Sheffield S7 2QU.

Getting there by train: Dore and Totley train station is a 10min walk from the workshop venue.  It’s a flat route along a main road, so it’s an easy walk.  Alternatively, a taxi from Sheffield station is around £10-£15.

Getting there by bus: There is a bus stop right next to the venue. The following bus services stop there: 97, 98, 218, 798 and 798a.

Getting there by car: There is free parking onsite and the venue is fully accessible.