* Dressmaking Starter Pack

Dressmaking Starter Pack

If you already have a copy of Dressmaking The Easy Guide, to start your dressmaking journey all you need is two metres of pattern paper to trace off your block, two metres of calico to make up your toile and a pattern master, which helps when pattern cutting.  Just add a tape measure and sewing machine!  See below for more information on each product.

If you need a few more sewing essentials, take a look at my kits: –
Bronze Kit – Your basic sewing equipment to get you started on your sewing journey.
Silver Kit – Your basic sewing equipment to get you started on your sewing journey, including scissors and quirky labels.
Gold Kit – Most of the essentials you need to get dressmaking, including your pattern master.
Platinum Kit – Everything you need, including a cutting mat and rotary cutter.

Calico – Medium Weight.
60 inches wide. Due to its strength but delicate texture, medium-weight cotton calico is perfect for sampling when dressmaking. I used it for all of my samples for my book, Dressmaking. The Easy Guide. The collection featured in the book was created with cotton prints, so the medium weight calico was perfect to sample these.
Please note – When making a sample (toile) you shouldn’t need to wash it but if you do choose to wash it, follow these steps. Wash at a temperature of between 30 and 40 degrees. In the first wash, the fabric will shrink by up to 10% to 15%. As long as the first wash temperature is not exceeded, further shrinking should be at a minimum.

Pattern Paper – Dot & Cross
Pattern paper is essential when drafting your own patterns. I always use Dot & Cross paper as the markings allow you to draw accurate straight lines using the dots and crosses. You can choose to use the plain side if you prefer. I recommend this pattern paper in my new dressmaking book, Dressmaking. The Easy Guide.
Details: – White paper with black dots and crosses.  Allows you to design and position patterns accurately.  122cm wide.
Please note – The paper will be folded to the size of A4 for posting, unless collected. You can iron the folds out using a dry iron.

Pattern Master
A Pattern Master is a special technical ruler, which is a must-have when drafting or altering patterns.  You use it to draw accurate straight or curved lines, add seam allowances and mark grainlines.  I recommend using a Pattern Master in my new dressmaking book, Dressmaking. The Easy Guide.
Details: – The original Metric Pattern Master is an all-in-one pattern design tool, featuring metric markings. Makes the process of pattern cutting quicker and easier.