Patternmaking Fundamentals with Susan Suarez | September 2025
September 3, 10, 17, and 24 | 10am - 1pm
Level: Advanced Beginner
Learn the fundamentals of flat patternmaking with apparel industry expert and experienced teacher Susan Suarez. In this month-long series, you'll build foundational skills used in creating custom apparel designs.
You'll learn how to:
- Confidently use basic patternmaking tools and understand key terminology
- Work with block patterns—including the basic bodice, torso, and princess blocks—to develop your own designs
- Manipulate darts for shaping, fit, and creative design
- Draft a princess seam from a basic block and add elements such as flare for style variation
- Add fullness to your patterns using methods like gathers and slash-and-spread
- Construct and sew a muslin (mock-up) of your final pattern to test fit and proportion
Who this class is for:
This class is designed for the advanced beginner. While no patternmaking experience is needed, you should already be comfortable using a sewing machine and have completed a few simple projects such as a pillow, elastic-waist pants, or simple top. You should understand how to thread a machine, sew using a seam allowance, and be familiar with basic construction steps like hemming and pressing.
What to know:
- You’ll be asked to bring along your own drafting supplies, including dotted paper, scissors, pencils, and muslin fabric. We’ll provide a complete materials list when you sign up.
- Class is limited to 6 students.
- All class sales are final and we cannot provide refunds for missed classes–so please be sure to mark your calendar!
About the Instructor:
Susan Suarez has worked as an industry patternmaker for apparel manufacturers for over 30 years. She has worked as an instructor for private fashion design colleges and public community colleges. She’s passionate about teaching flat patternmaking and loves to empower students as they learn how to create their own designs!