When I first learned to sew, I sometimes dismissed patterns for reasons like the hem length or neckline shape. As I learned more, I realized how foolish this was: the joy of sewing is that you can adapt any pattern to be whatever you want! In fact, that’s exactly how pattern designers work: they develop a great fitting base pattern, and then adapt it over and over again to make lots of different styles. The new Cashmerette online workshop, “Pattern Hacking for Curves: 1 Top, 10 Ways” will teach you how to take your well-fitting Springfield Top and turn it into ten different garments – and you can apply the techniques to any pattern, in any combination, which means the potential is endless!
If you dream of taking a well-fitting pattern and using it to create other garments you know will fit you – then this course is for you! Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced sewist, this online class is full of techniques that will massively expand the potential of the patterns you already know, and grow your skill set.
Register now
Register for Pattern Hacking for Curves now and you’ll get extra bonuses including:
- 30% off the Springfield Top pattern (PDF or print) – or any other Cashmerette Pattern, if you already have the Springfield.
- A free downloadable cap sleeve pattern piece for the Springfield (which also works for the Upton Dress!).
New Springfield Top printed pattern & new kits
Together with the launch of our new course, we also have two new things for you: the Springfield Top is now available as a printed pattern (no more taping!), and we have three new fabulous Springfield kits. All the kits are available with the printed pattern, with the PDF pattern, or as the fabric alone (perfect if you buy the course with the pattern discount).
Clockwise from top left we have: an amazingly drapey black and white rayon challis, a beautifully soft burgundy silk crepe de chine, a pink floral rayon challis, a grey and pink rose rayon challis,a fun blue and orange floral crepe, and last but not least a gorgeous arrow-print turquoise Pendleton silk.
Learn more about Pattern Hacking For Curves
In the course, I start with the Cashmerette Springfield Top, and take you step-by-step through how to draft and sew 10 new garments:
- A swing knit tank
- A ruffle-hemmed top
- A princess-seamed top
- A button-back or button-front blouse
- A top with cap or tulip sleeves – the course includes an exclusive sleeve pattern piece for the Springfield
- A V-neck top with an all-in-one-facing which covers the neckline and armholes
- A cross-over back top
- A trapeze dress
- A back keyhole top with a neckline facing
- A top with a collar
The techniques I teach can be applied to any sewing pattern, and include:
- How to draft flat pattern alterations
- Drafting a button placket
- Creating a keyhole opening with tie
- Drafting and sewing a neckline facing and an all-in-one facing
- Converting darts into princess seams
- Creating and sewing a collar of any shape
- Adding a hem ruffle to any top
- Adding cap sleeves to a sleeveless garment
- Transforming a top into a swing dress
- Converting a woven pattern into a knit
Once you’ve mastered these techniques, you can use any combination to “mix and match” and create totally new garments- how about a V-neck top with sleeves and a ruffle? Easy! Or a trapeze dress with a keyhole back and facing? No problem. Or a collared top with princess seams… done!
Like our other Cashmerette workshops, Shirtmaking for Curves and Fitting for Curves, Pattern Hacking for Curves is an online workshop where I teach you in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, any time. The course videos can be paused, rewinded or replayed at any time, and they never expire. There’s also the opportunity to ask me questions on each lesson, and get personalized feedback. It’s like having me with you at your sewing machine!
I hope you enjoy the class! I’m excited about the wardrobe full of samples that I made… and I can’t wait to see what you make. What combination of features would be your dream top or dress?
I’m excited about taking this class too with you Jenny. Your Harrison shirt class was brilliant in every way – technically, its pace and helpful sewing guidance. I have 2 lovely shirts to show for it and have no doubt I’ll be making many more. I’ve been HOPING you would release the Springfield in print and now you have with an accompanying class on how to make it up into a variety of different styles. Perfect! Can’t wait to receive my pattern and get started 🙂
I just purchased the Pattern Hacking for Curves course. So far, I really like the presentations and lessons. But, I don’t see an additional file anywhere for the cap sleeve pattern. Can you advise where to look?
You can find it in the introduction section (called “before you start”), and also in the sleeve lesson.
The course description reads, “A top with cap or tulip sleeves.” I didn’t see any line art for the tulip sleeves. Is there a tutorial for tulip sleeves? Thank you.
Do you have courses for hacking skirts or pants?
Not at the moment, no.