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Have you always wanted to create your own patterns? if so, you’re in the right place!

Knitwear design realisation begins with pattern drafting.  You’ve established a visual connection; it’s now time to get stuck into the maths! You’ll learn how to calculate set-in sleeves, raglan sleeves, finishings, and other shaping and styling faithful to your design ideas. All drafting will be taught manually and using CAD (e.g., Excel).

The compositional relationships established in the Visual Communication and Design Development modules begin to take form – which is exciting!  Pattern drafting is when design realisation takes place, when you explore the ways in which you can relate your ideas to other people on a material level.

Knitwear pattern drafting for set-in sleeves, with various annotations and calcuations.

Bring your designs to life

The drafting techniques taught incorporate geometry, anatomy, and size and shape inclusivity.  There are no formulas; plug and play is not in the vocabulary!  The method of drafting can be applied to any set of body measurements, so whether you are looking for a bespoke solution or using size charts, you are welcome and acknowledged.

We will be looking at bodies holistically and building in tolerances for shape.  Whilst no draft or pattern will fit everybody straight out of the box, you will learn how to identify key areas for fit. This puts you in a strong position for giving good advice to knitters about alterations and customisations, and sets you up beautifully for reliable size charts and sound pattern grading in the next module.

Here’s what you’ll learn

Knitwear pattern drafting for set-in sleeves, with various annotations and calcuations.

Drafting fundamentals

Calculate patterns faithful to the silhouette and styling envisaged during design development.

Visual and applied maths

Understand the geometric, anatomical, and mathematical relationships underpinning pattern drafting for all human bodies.

Design realisation

Differentiate between the types of garment ease and understand the context for each type.

headshot of Natalie modelling the Bonnie sweater

Meet Natalie

You will begin by getting to know Natalie, who will teach you the best techniques refined by years of experience, and your fellow co-pilots.

Knitwear Design | Pattern Drafting

Natalie in Stitches

I design size inclusive knitting patterns for clothes makers who want their garments to fit well. Clothes should serve you, not the other way around. You alter clothes to fit you, not alter yourself to fit the clothes. I also teach people how to sew, how to design knitwear, and am currently creating a comprehensive, year-long knitwear design course, covering everything from illustration to pattern grading. If you're enjoying my content, you can get more by following me on Instagram or Pinterest @natalieinstitches, or signing up to my newsletter. Thank you for reading!