How to Draft a Button Down Shirt Pattern
Drafting a button down shirt pattern is a fundamental skill for anyone interested in fashion design or home sewing. Whether you’re creating a custom shirt for personal use or learning the basics of pattern making, understanding how to draft a button down shirt pattern is essential. This article will guide you through the process, from gathering the necessary materials to finalizing your pattern.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
– Pattern paper or tracing paper
– Pencil and eraser
– Ruler
– Measuring tape
– Scissors
– Patternmaking chalk or a fabric pen
Step 1: Gather Measurements
The first step in drafting a button down shirt pattern is to gather the necessary measurements. You’ll need to measure the following:
– Chest circumference
– Waist circumference
– Hip circumference
– Shoulder length
– Sleeve length
– Armhole depth
These measurements will help you create a pattern that fits your body perfectly.
Step 2: Draft the Basic Block
Once you have your measurements, you can start drafting the basic block. The basic block is a simplified version of the shirt pattern that will serve as the foundation for your final design.
1. Draw a vertical line on your pattern paper to represent the center back.
2. From the center back, measure and mark the shoulder length. Draw a horizontal line to represent the shoulder seam.
3. Measure and mark the chest circumference, waist circumference, and hip circumference on the horizontal line, ensuring that the marks are evenly spaced.
4. Connect the marks to form the side seam.
5. Draw a line from the waist circumference to the hip circumference, creating the side seam.
6. Measure and mark the armhole depth on the side seam, then draw a curve to create the armhole.
Step 3: Add Details
Now that you have the basic block, you can add the details that make a button down shirt unique. These details include:
– Collar: Measure and mark the collar height and width on the front of the shirt, then draw the collar shape.
– Cuffs: Measure and mark the cuff width and length on the sleeve, then draw the cuff shape.
– Pockets: If desired, add pocket shapes to the front of the shirt.
Step 4: Adjust the Pattern
Once you have added all the details, it’s time to adjust the pattern to ensure a good fit. Make any necessary alterations, such as taking in the sides or adjusting the sleeve length, until the pattern fits your body well.
Step 5: Trace the Final Pattern
After making any adjustments, trace the final pattern onto another piece of pattern paper. This will be the pattern you use to cut out your fabric.
Conclusion
Drafting a button down shirt pattern is a rewarding skill that can be used to create custom clothing or to understand the basics of pattern making. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a shirt that fits perfectly and reflects your personal style. Happy sewing!
