Mastering the Art- Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a Perfect Bodice Sloper Pattern

How to Make a Bodice Sloper Pattern

Creating a bodice sloper pattern is a fundamental skill for any fashion designer or sewist. A bodice sloper is a basic block that serves as the foundation for creating tailored garments. It allows for a perfect fit by accommodating the body’s measurements and can be easily modified to create a wide variety of styles. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a bodice sloper pattern step by step.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials. You will need:

– A piece of white paper or muslin fabric that is at least 36 inches wide and 42 inches long.
– A ruler or measuring tape.
– A pair of fabric scissors.
– A chalk or a fabric marking pen.
– A tailor’s ham or a rolled-up towel.
– A tape measure.

Step 2: Measure Your Body

Take accurate measurements of your body using the tape measure. You will need to measure the following:

– Bust circumference: Measure around the fullest part of your bust.
– Waist circumference: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist.
– Hip circumference: Measure around the fullest part of your hips.
– Shoulder width: Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the other.
– Armhole depth: Measure from the shoulder seam to the midpoint of your bust.

Step 3: Draw the Basic Shape

Lay your paper or fabric flat on a table. Starting from the bottom edge, draw a straight line that represents the hemline. From the hemline, measure up the desired length of your bodice sloper and mark the point. Draw a horizontal line at this point.

Next, draw a vertical line from the bottom edge to the point where the horizontal line intersects the vertical line. This represents the center back of the bodice sloper.

From the center back line, measure out the shoulder width and mark the points. Draw a line connecting these points to form the shoulder seam.

Step 4: Add the Armhole

Measure from the shoulder seam to the midpoint of your bust and mark the point. Draw a curved line from the shoulder seam to this point, creating the armhole shape.

Step 5: Add the Side Seam and Waistline

Draw a vertical line from the bottom edge to the armhole curve, representing the side seam. Measure and mark the waist circumference on this line, and draw a curved line to create the waistline.

Step 6: Add the Bust and Hip Curves

Measure from the waistline to the bust circumference and mark the point. Draw a curved line from the waistline to this point, creating the bust curve. Repeat the process for the hip circumference, drawing a curved line from the waistline to the hip circumference point.

Step 7: Cut and Adjust

Cut out the bodice sloper pattern along the marked lines. Use the tailor’s ham or rolled-up towel to smooth out any wrinkles or curves. Adjust the pattern as needed to ensure a perfect fit.

Congratulations! You have successfully created a bodice sloper pattern. This versatile block can now be used as a starting point for designing and sewing a wide range of garments. Happy sewing!