patternmaking 101

how to draft a

basic sleeve pattern

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what you will learn

in this tutorial, you will learn how to draft a basic sleeve block pattern. depending on the garment you are making, you may need a more fitted sleeve, a looser one, or even an oversized silhouette. this guide walks you through drafting a versatile sleeve block that sits right in the middle and makes a great starting point for any design.

LooseSleeveBlock.text1a

measurements you will need

for this tutorial you only need four measurements: the front armhole length from your bodice block, the back armhole length, the sleeve length, and your wrist circumference. this interactive guide includes image references for each measurement and is available in both cm and inches, so use whichever you prefer!

enter your measurements

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mannequin

drafting the sleeve pattern

in this section you will find the step by step guide to draft your sleeve pattern. take your time going through each step and make sure you feel comfortable before moving on. there is no need to rush.

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01
measurement
draw a straight line from point A to B for reference
mark C at the midpoint of the line
click to zoom

your sleeve block is ready

great work making it all the way through! you have just drafted your own basic sleeve block from your measurements, and that is a big deal. this block is a foundation you will come back to again and again. from here you can adjust the fit, add volume, or use it as a starting point for almost any sleeve design. when you feel ready, head to the roadmap and keep building your patternmaking skills.

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