Pattern making: Tears & Rewards

Checking graded patterns

It has been a dream of mine since high school to make my own clothes for myself and another dream to make and sell clothes. It's a project that was always put off since I knew my dream was difficult to achieve.

It was during my five years in Japan I began exploring pattern making again and attempted to teach myself the skill. Part of this was necessary as most clothes didn't fit me in Japan (long arms!) & I needed a hoodie for the winter.  The end result was not perfect, nevertheless I was pleased with the outcome of the hoodies and although I no longer wear them, they have remained in the wardrobe as my partner insists I don't throw them out and likes to wear them.

My first hoodie made in 2007

When we returned back to Australia, I enrolled in a fashion college which was once in Fitzroy, but relocated to the CBD and studied pattern making and construction part-time. To be honest the course didn't suit my learning style and the teachers were not very good. I came out of the course with no confidence and didn't touch my industrial sewing machine nor a pattern for a long time. But I did make a few good friends who I am still in touch with today.

Final construction project: Ladies Jacket

I realised I needed to do something about my pattern making & sewing confidence, so made a goal to get it back. After a lot of research, I found a private school, by the name of Designer Stitch, in Bentleigh. With persistence and nurturing from my teacher my confidence came back and I began making my own patterns.


It was then I decided I needed to begin making clothes for my shop using vintage clothes as inspiration as that style is the most flattering for women. The process of pattern making, when done by hand is very time consuming (I need to do a post about that!). I have even discarded a few patterns as they just didn't work or the construction was too complicated.

The good news is two patterns have been produced and I am in the process of grading one of them. In the next few months I hope to have at least one or two of my own designs in store, then perhaps towards the end of the year have them online to purchase too.

I guess the purpose of the post is that challenges in life can be conquered with persistence. Why don't you give it a try yourself?


Author: Jason Cormick