Lingerie and Swimwear Pattern Cutting Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This beginners' pattern cutting course will introduce you to the skills you will need to start producing patterns for lingerie and swimwear. Over two weeks you will cover numerous different lingerie and swimwear styles, gain an understanding of different fabrics, and how to add pattern notations.
During the first week of the course, you will start producing patterns for lingerie. The styles included will be mini, midi, and maxi briefs, thong, camisole, chemise, and French knickers.
During a series of practical technical demonstrations, you will be introduced to size 12 lingerie blocks and learn how to use flat pattern cutting techniques for lingerie. The tutor will explain pattern notations, such as grain lines, balance marks, fabric suppression and appropriate seam allowances.
You will learn how to adapt the blocks to create shapes which include princess lines, darts, yokes and gathers. You will also learn how to incorporate lace, decorative features and trims for woven fabrics. The course will also include demonstrations of using cut-out laces, applique and bias cutting. Using these as a base, you will learn how to amend your patterns for different openings and straps.
The second week of the course will focus on the flat pattern cutting skills you will need to start producing patterns for swimwear. These styles will include strappy, halter neck, inner support swimsuits and tankini, bandeau, triangle bikinis, different shaped bikini briefs. You will learn about suitable fabrics for swimwear, grain and stretch, appropriate seam allowances, trimmings, cups, wires and hardware.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for anyone interested in lingerie and swimwear pattern cutting, regardless of prior experience. Beginners are welcome, as are those looking to expand existing knowledge.
This is a Summer School only short course running only once a year. We encourage early bookings to secure your place.
Key information
Topics covered
- Information on types of lingerie and swimwear fabrics and components
- Seam types
- Pattern adaptation
- How to use decorative features and trims for woven fabrics
- Hardware for lingerie and swimwear
Learning outcomes
- Use size 12 blocks to create different styles of lingerie and swimwear
- Understand suitable fabrics, seam allowances, pattern notations and grain lines for lingerie and swimwear
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Pattern Master or Graders set square and French curve
- Tape measure (metric)
- Paper shears (approx 21cm)
- Fabric shears (approx 21 cm)
- 28mm blade rotary cutter with retractable blade (Olfa or Fiscars)
- Glue stick
- Fine pins
- No trace / invisible fabric marker pen
- Stitch unpicker
- Flexible ruler
- 5mm propelling pencil with one of the following types of lead: 2H to 6H
- Eraser Tracing wheel (pin type)
- Designer tape (1cm black and white markings - Shoben or similar)
- Awl
- Notepad and pen
- Laptop / iPad / tablet
Tutor
Katharine Harrison
Katharine Harrison (Katy) is a multidisciplinary creative with a focus on intimate bodywear for the female experience.
Trained as a Womenswear designer at the Royal College of art, Brighton University and Kingston University respectively, Katharine has over 20 year’s experience in both Fashion and Costume industries, with almost 10 years teaching experience in both further and higher education.
Running her signature womenswear label from her London Studio since 2012, Katharine has shown collections at London and Paris Fashion week as part of the Canon Cinema at Somerset House and Paris showrooms, where she gained international recognition from press and buyers.
Now focussing on bespoke lingerie, Katharine’s work explores how undergarments can assist in the reconnection with our bodies, our intuition and primordial wisdom during matrescence and midlife.
Katharine has a background in corsetry and bespoke tailoring, constructing and fitting corsets for industry clients and various period feature films, with experience working as a pre-apprentice in Bespoke Tailoring on Savile Row. Katharine has worked and trained under various labels such as Marchesa, Katharine Hamnett and Ely Kishimoto, working for a range of stylists, actors, designers and directors over the course of her career.
With past experience as a Senior Technician for Middlesex University and Lecturer at London Metropolitan and University of the Arts London, Katharine interest lies in the transformational potential of both fashion and education in the creative arts.
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