Create Your Own Bodice Block + Pattern Making for Tops and Dresses Course
Want to create garments that fit perfectly?
An in-depth 8-day pattern making intensive designed to take you from a perfectly fitted personal bodice block to confidently designing and drafting multiple custom patterns using professional methods.
This course runs one full day per week, giving you time to absorb, practise, and build confidence between classes.
Create your own bodice block and learn the processes to design tops, shirts and dresses independently
The Bodice Block: Why Fit Comes First
Skip endless fitting and alterations
Reuse your durable, card-based blocks again and again
Enjoy consistent comfort with no tightness or bagginess
Experiment freely with design features, you'll learn to create your own tops and dresses.
Focus on style and creativity, knowing the fit is already right
This is the foundation that makes every future make easier — and better
How the course works
Learn professional pattern-making processes step by step
Apply them immediately by creating full patterns
Repeat techniques to build confidence and understanding
Course structure
Days 1–2: Create Your Own Bodice Block
Friday 6 & Friday 13 March
Take accurate body measurements
Draft a bodice block to your measurements
Fit, refine, and correct the block
Learn how to identify and resolve common fit issues
Finish with a reliable, reusable personal bodice block
You will also draft a relaxed-fit shirt block to expand your design options.
Day 3: Dart Manipulation & Design Lines
Dart Manipulation & Design Lines
Change dart position and dart value
Create different design lines within patterns
Day 4: Gathering, Flaring & Pleats
Add gathering and flaring to patterns
Create different types of pleating
Day 5: Necklines, Armholes & Collars
Create different shaped necklines and armholes
Draft facing patterns for these shapes
Create collar patterns (a couple of different types)
Day 6: Sleeves & Button Stands
Create sleeve variations using previously learned processes
Draft different types of shirt button stands
Day 7: Pattern Project One
Design and draft a pattern of your choice using your block
Apply the pattern-making processes learned throughout the course
Day 8: Pattern Project Two & Sewing Considerations
Create a second, different pattern of your choice using your block
Discuss sewing processes and construction techniques for both patterns
Learn how pattern decisions affect garment assembly and finish
What you'll walk away with
By the end of this course, you won’t just have patterns - you’ll have the skills and confidence to design your own tops and dresses independently.
A personal bodice block made of card that fits your body and becomes the foundation for future top and dress designs
A bonus relaxed fit bodice block which you can use to create shirts and looser fitting garments.
The technique to quickly sew an accurate toile.
Experience creative freedom when you learn pattern making processes, learning how to create different features to make different top, shirt and dress designs.
Understand how pattern making works, so you’re no longer reliant on commercial patterns
Confidently combine features like darts, design lines and flaring/gathering in your own designs
A deep understanding of the pattern-making process
When you have the perfect bodice pattern tool it is much easier to create designs which allow for your own individual self expression.
The ability to design and draft your own patterns
Two finished custom patterns designed for your body
Confidence to create garments that fit well and look professional
Leave with clear, detailed notes to support you long after the course ends
Feel empowered to experiment, refine, and create tops and dresses that truly suit your body and style
This course is designed to move you from following patterns to thinking like a pattern maker.
Whats included
Pattern making paper supplied
Calico for two block toiles
Sturdy card for you to create your long lasting bodice block and relaxed bodice block
Use of all pattern making and sewing equipment
Detailed notes for future reference
Morning and afternoon tea with home-cooked healthy treats
Calm, supportive studio environment
Support via message phone call or email during the course
You're one of just 4 students, learning together
You don’t need to bring anything except your patterns.
Investment $1450
Payment plans available
👉 Register now to secure your place
8 weeks of expert, studio-based pattern making tuition
2 custom bodice blocks drafted to fit your body (1 relaxed fit)
Design and development of 2 dress or top patterns
Pattern making paper and calico for two block toiles
Use of all pattern making and sewing equipment in the studio
Detailed notes covering all processes taught
Morning and afternoon tea with home-cooked healthy treats
Support via message, email or phone during the 10 weeks
A calm, supportive learning environment
Limited to just 4 students for personalised guidance
About your Instructor
Previously working as a nurse and midwife for 27 years Colleen was burned out and needed a change.
She quit her job to continue her studies in fashion design, whilst studying she landed a job in the fashion industry, and afterwards worked freelance as a sample maker and pattern maker.
She created her own fashion label Addison Ash in 2015.
Recently, she realised how healing it had been to be creative, and felt that she could help others with their creativity.
“I started Freestyle Sewing and Pattern Making Tuition because after working close to people in a team for 27 years in the health industry, I discovered it to be quite lonely creating Addison Ash by myself, although I loved the freedom and creativity it involved.
I thought back to a time when I was stuck, unable to proceed with a creative venture as I wasn’t sure what to do next. I had an epiphany that I could help people to fulfil their creative dreams while still fulfilling mine, by sharing the knowledge I had learned over the years.
I love working with people and helping to unleash their creativity.”
Here's what people are saying about the Freestyle Sewing and Pattern Making Tuition
Professional sewing and pattern making tuition in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. I’ve accomplished sewing goals beyond my expectations. Thanks Colleen for your patience, guidance and encouragement.
Penelope Horwood - Google review
I completed 6weeks of classes. Although I am not a beginner going into the lessons I still learnt a lot I would 100 percent recommend these classes to any skill level, you'll get heaps out of it. In my lessons I was guided on how to complete my choose project(a over-bust structured corset) to a high standard from start to finish. Small class sizes, and a abundance of high quality equipment.
Jaime - Google Review
Ready to join us?
Don't wait there's just 4 spots available
What if I can't attend one of the sessions?
If you can’t make it to a class, you can come to a catch-up freestyle session at a convenient time within the 8 weeks, and I can teach you what you missed.
However, I do prefer to keep the course together if possible.
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Do you have a detailed description of the course?
All the details are above, please email me at [email protected] with any questions.
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What do I need to bring?
All you need to bring to the sessions is yourself.
All pattern making paper, calico and sewing and pattern making equipment is provided.
You will need to bring your inspiration pictures or drawings for the designs you want to make patterns for
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Is the course difficult?
No, I don't believe so, there is a little simple maths at the start when making the block, but we can use a calculator for that. You will have notes to follow as well as me to ask any questions at any time during the course. I'll be with you every step of the way.
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Do you have a course cancellation policy?
When you pay your course fees you secure your spot (1 of a possible 3) in the course.
At least 1 week's notice of cancellation is required to facilitate a refund of 80% of the course cost.
Cancellation of the course within 1 week of the course starting date may result in full loss of investment.
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Do you have a general class cancellation policy?
*Freestyle class terms
Cancellation within 24 hours of the class start time will result in loss of that session.
If more than 24 hours notice of cancellation is given, rescheduling to another date or time of your convenience is facilitated.
This policy relates to all booked classes, single Freestyle classes and classes booked as a part of a block of classes, course sessions or make up classes for courses.
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Where is the course located?
The studio is in Shop 38 Regent Arcade, 101 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000
Located in the city centre convenient to all bus routes, train and tram.
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