LEVEL 2

Welcome to Level 2 of Dressmakers’ Path! In this level, you’ll start learning about your materials, your tools, and how to prepare them. Then we’ll start training our hands & eyes on Draping Bodice Foundations, and process of transferring them to patterns. First we’ll do a Basic Bodice Foundation with 2 darts, then Basic Bodices with Shoulder Dart, Armhole Dart, and Center Front Darts. Finally we’ll drape a Princess Bodice. As you progress through the level, make sure you share your progress with us in our Community group, so you can get support & feedback from our members & also from me during our Weekly Live Q&A Sessions! Let’s dive right in.

BACK TO ALL LEVELS

LEVEL 2 ACTION ITEMS

Learn about and prepare your materials and tools.
Drape a Basic Bodice Foundation with 2-darts.
Transfer the Basic Bodice Foundation to pattern.
Learn about dart manipulations by draping basic bodices with shoulder dart, armhole dart and center-front dart.
Drape a Classic Princess Bodice.
Transfer all bodices to patterns.
Share your progress in the Community & get feedback from Neda and other members!

LEVEL 2 STUDY MATERIALS

Learn About & Prepare Your Materials & Tools

How to Choose Your Muslin for Draping

In this guide, I teach about different types of muslins used for draping and how to choose the right one based on your project's silhouette, fabric, and stretch. I cover various muslin options including voile, lightweight and mid-weight standard muslin, cotton twill, hemp muslin, and mid-weight linen, explaining their characteristics and best uses in draping different garments.

How to Calculate How Much Muslin You Need to Cut for Draping Your Project

This guide covers how to calculate the right amount of fabric needed for draping a bodice, including measuring the length and width at key points while adding extra fabric, and properly preparing the fabric before draping.

How to Properly Pin on Your Dress Form

I teach the proper technique for pinning fabric during draping and sewing. I emphasize the importance of pinning close to the seamlines and at an angle, ensuring the pins are secure and the fabric doesn't shift. I also demonstrate the incorrect way of pinning, which can lead to fabric distortion and inaccurate darts or seamlines.

The 7 Mistakes Beginners Make When Draping PDF

Print this PDF for future reference!

Make a Basic Bodice Foundation with 1-Dart / 2-Darts

Draping Basic Bodice Foundation with 1 Dart (Waist)

Step-by-step process of draping the front and back bodice pieces, creating darts to shape the fabric around the curves, and marking all the necessary points and lines to transfer the draped muslin into a pattern later.

Draping Basic Bodice Foundation with 2 Darts (Waist and Bust)

How to drape a basic bodice with two darts - one at the waistline and another at the bust line. This method is especially helpful for those with a fuller bust and smaller waist, as it distributes the excess fabric into two separate darts for a better fit.

Patternmaking Basic Bodice Foundation with 1 Dart (Waist)

How to transfer the draped muslin pieces to paper patterns and true the darts. I demonstrate the steps using a basic bodice front and back with a single waist dart.

Patternmaking Basic Bodice Foundation with 2 Darts (Waist and Bust)

How to transfer a draped basic bodice pattern with two darts - one at the waistline and one at the bust line. I demonstrate transferring the draped muslin pieces onto paper to make the pattern.

Learn about Dart Manipulations & Drape the Other Bodices

Draping Basic Bodice Foundation with Shoulder Dart

How to create a shoulder dart through draping. I demonstrate the process of manipulating fabric to create a well-fitted bodice, focusing on the shoulder area and explaining the difference between armhole and shoulder darts.

Draping Basic Bodice Foundation with Armhole Dart

In this lesson, I teach how to drape an armhole princess bodice, which differs from the classic princess bodice. I demonstrate how to prepare the muslin, drape the front and back pieces, and create the side panels. I also explain the importance of adding ease and making adjustments for a proper fit.

Draping Basic Bodice Foundation with Center Front Dart

How to create a bodice with a center front dart using draping techniques. I demonstrate the process of preparing the dress form, placing and pinning the muslin, and creating the center front dart. I also show how to drape the back of the bodice and make necessary adjustments.

Draping a Classic Princess Bodice

How to create a classic princess bodice through draping. I demonstrate how to measure the dress form, prepare muslin pieces, and drape both the front and back sections of the bodice, including the center and side pieces.

Transfer Your Draped Bodices to Patterns

Basic Bodice Foundation with Shoulder Dart – Patternmaking

How to transfer the shoulder dart bodice to pattern. I demonstrate the process of adjusting the armhole and neckline, and folding the dart. I also show how to handle excess fabric in large darts and how to match the front and back bodice pieces.

Basic Bodice Foundation with Armhole Dart – Patternmaking

How to transfer the armhole dart bodice to pattern. I demonstrate the process of aligning pattern pieces, tracing, and adjusting the pattern to ensure a perfect fit. I also show how to blend lines for a smooth finish and add seam allowances.

Basic Bodice Foundation with Center Front Dart – Patternmaking

How to transfer a draped bodice with a center front dart to a paper pattern. I demonstrate the process for both the front and back pieces, including how to mark darts, adjust lines, and match the front and back pieces.

Classic Princess Bodice – Patternmaking

How to transfer the draped classic princess bodice to pattern. I demonstrate the process of transferring the drape to paper, truing the lines, and making necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. We focus on both the front and back pieces, paying close attention to the princess seams and overall shape.

Variation of Dart from 2-Dart Bodice

In this guide, I demonstrate how to modify and transfer darts from the bust area to different locations like the armhole or shoulder. I explain the step-by-step process of closing the original dart, opening up the new desired location, transferring the excess fabric, and adjusting the pattern lines accordingly.

Connect With Neda

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Terms & Conditions

Connect With Neda

Join our family!

More Than Just Courses, We're a Community of Dressmaking Enthusiasts