Welcome all to this somewhat delayed blog post. I am gradually catching up and would like to thank you for your patience. The idea with this puzzle was to test one of those apparently simple pattern shapes you so often find on the net. Every now and then we all come across stuff on the internet that suggests the simplest cuts will make the most flattering garments. Who can say until you have actually made the thing up. :) This pattern is based on multiple squares in a variety of sizes with a little adjustment on the stand.
I came across this fascinating knit, with minimal seams and a very interesting shape. Once unpacked you can see how the beginnings of this idea are very simple and can be reduced to six equal squares for drafting. That makes this garment an ideal self-draft pattern for a beginner pattern maker.
Working to scale (below), I have sketched up the differences between 40, 45 & 50cm squares. For the first sample (pictured above) I have decided that the 50cm square will give me a longer garment. Something a little oversized to wear around the studio during the winter. I also like the fact that there is no long sleeve. This will keep the garment out of the way when I am at the worktable cutting patterns.
Working from left to right (diagram below):
- The first shape on the left (pictured below) is the original draft before including some shaping over the bust. A simple cut into the front of this garment will allow you to fold back the front edge and give yourself a double layer for some kind of fastening. It's the only truly zero-waste version of this idea.
- The middle and right side shape have some fabric/length removed from the outside edge so the neckline behaves a little better. The lower section allows a turnback on the front edge.
- After draping on the stand and having a chance to fiddle with the front detail the final pattern is as the first image in this post.
- The neck side edge is gathered into the front turn-back as you see in the photos.
I hope you are all enjoying your creative sewing and patternmaking time. Let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to feature your Studio Faro Makes on our page. :)
Comments
As a costume history educator and medieval re-enactor, I am fascinated by modern use of the zero-waste concept in garments. It is part of our fashion heritage, from the ancients, through the medieval and beyond. My first exposure to a zero-waste garment was the 'bog coat', then popular among art-to-wear makers as a canvas for modern creative techniques.
I hope to continue enjoying and learning from your posts for a long time to come.