Class: Pattern Hacking Workshop - Calvin Crop x Sparkle Top (JessiLou's Closet), starts Thursday August 13, 5:30-8:30PM (1 or 3 sessions)

Take your garment sewing beyond following a pattern and learn how to make it your own! In this workshop, we'll combine two favorite JessiLou's Closet patterns—the Calvin Crop and the Sparkle Top—to create an entirely new design while learning the fundamentals of pattern hacking.

Together, we'll merge the square neckline and upper bodice of the Calvin Crop with the bodice of the Sparkle Top with a bias-cut, incorporating the Calvin underbust seam for a flattering, custom silhouette. The result is a completely new garment that combines the best design elements of both patterns while showcasing the beautiful drape that comes from cutting the bodice on the bias. Before we ever cut into fabric, you'll learn how to manipulate the two patterns into a single, cohesive pattern that you'll then use to sew your finished garment.

This class is designed for sewists who are ready to move beyond simply following a commercial pattern and begin understanding why patterns are drafted the way they are. The techniques you'll learn can be applied to countless future projects, giving you the confidence to customize and combine patterns on your own.

We'll also discuss how this hacked top can easily be lengthened into a dress, although we'll be constructing the top version during class.

Class Schedule: You have the option of taking the full class (Thursdays August 13, 20, & 27) or only coming to the first session focused on pattern work (Thursday August 13 ONLY). If you choose to attend the first session only, you'll leave class with your fully hacked pattern and sew your garment at home. Evan will provide a video tutorial for all students on this hack. The pattern work only session is intended for students who are interested in learning the basics of pattern work without attending the whole class to sew the top. If you have any questions, please give us a call or send us an email. 

What You'll Learn: 

• How to combine two existing sewing patterns into a brand-new design
• Basic pattern manipulation techniques and how to transfer changes to a final pattern
• How to cut garment pieces on the bias for beautiful drape
• Tips for working with bias-cut fabric during construction
• How to sew and understitch facings for a clean finish
• How to insert and shorten an invisible zipper
• How to sew on a hook-and-eye closure
• Garment construction techniques that can be applied to future pattern hacks and custom designs

Skill Level:  This class is best suited for confident beginners or intermediate sewists who have already completed a few garments and feel comfortable reading and following sewing patterns. If this is your first garment project, we recommend starting with one of our beginner garment classes before tackling pattern manipulation.

Class Fee: The cost of this class includes printed copies of both PDF patterns, pattern making tools and supplies for the hacking process, and one hook and eye closure.

• First Session ONLY (August 13):  $100
• Full Class (August 13, 20, & 27): $268.00 

Sizing: See the charts in photos. 

What to Bring:

• 1.5 yards main fabric
• Matching thread
• One invisible zipper

Lightweight woven fabrics such as cottons and linens work beautifully for this project. Because the bodice is cut on the bias, fabrics with a bit of drape will create an especially elegant finished garment. If you'd like to emphasize the bias-cut design, consider choosing stripes, gingham, or another directional print. If you prefer a more subtle look, solids, florals, or non-directional prints will beautifully showcase the drape while disguising the bias cut.

Cancellation Policy: We require a minimum of 4 students to hold the class (if we're not able to run this class you'll be refunded). If you need to cancel within 1 week of the class, you will receive store credit.