Students attend a number of required workshops and produce various garments during the learning process.

The courses cover:

• Drafting pattern blocks based on actual measurements
• Adjusting the blocks for a perfect fit
• How to adjust the blocks for different and more advanced garment styles
• Developing a pattern for a garment based on a picture or idea
• Constructing and sewing garments from the patterns created.

See Centre Locations and class times 

The classes have a limited number of students at any one time.

Contact CIAM for further information.

No previous patternmaking experience is necessary.

Familiarity with basic garment construction and how pattern pieces fit together will be beneficial however this is not essential.

On average, students will take between nine and twelve months to complete each course.

Students usually attend one class each week however we can customise each course to suit individual requirements, such as more frequent attendance or an intensive course.

We will teach you how to draft a front and back bodice block and achieve shaping with darts. In addition, you will learn how to convert your bodice blocks to princess line style. You will also learn how to adjust their pattern blocks for individual figure types, such as square or sloping shoulders and full bust adjustments. A calico fitting will identify any final adjustments that are required. You will then modify your bodice blocks by transferring all adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.

We will then teach you how to draft classic straight skirt blocks (front and back). You will also learn how to modify the blocks for individual figure types, such as uneven hips. A calico fitting will identify any final adjustments required and you will transfer these adjustments to your classic skirt blocks.

Skirt Styles

We will teach you how to draft skirts in various styles including:

• Flared
• Wraparound
• Four-gore
• Six-gore
• Pleated
• Box pleats
• One-half and full circle
• Full circle with pleats
• Central box and lateral pleats
• Divided (Culottes)

Other Pattern Blocks

Additional pattern blocks you will learn how to draft include:

• basic sleeve block that will transformed to various styles
• kimono sleeve block
• trousers block
• collar blocks in various styles
• dress blocks in various styles
• shirt blocks
• jacket blocks and a vest block
• blocks for other garments – including an elegant dressing-gown for women, a Baby Doll nightdress and an apron
• menswear blocks
• childrenswear blocks

As you can see, this course is comprehensive and you will practice and develop your skills along the way. At CIAM we understand that individuals have different learning styles. Students therefore learn at their own pace with personal attention from our expert teachers.

In order to qualify for this certificate, you are required to:

• draft all the garments in the CIAM textbook for this certificate to a satisfactory level
• sew an unlined skirt, unlined trousers and an unlined jacket based on the CIAM pattern blocks you have drafted from your own measurements
• pass a final practical CIAM examination.

A calligrapher completes the beautiful certificate printed in Rome, Italy.
It is truly a qualification to be treasured!

Adjustments to Pattern Blocks

You will learn how to modify your pattern blocks in order to cater for a number of common adjustments including:

• Full bust
• Straight shoulders
• Sloping shoulders or long neck
• Rounded upper back and stooped posture
• Curvature of the spine
• Straight back
• Narrow shoulders
• Pronounced shoulder blades
• Lengthening the bodice

Pattern Blocks

Students will also learn to draft a range of pattern blocks including:

• Ladies blouses with decorative frills and pleats
• Bustier and tops with design features
• Batwing blouse
• Afternoon dresses (Cocktail)
• Empire style dress
• Dress with raglan sleeves
• Panel dress with front cowl neckline
• V-neckline dress with front panels
• Dress with pleated inserts at sides
• Elegant dress with low back neckline that drapes to a bow feature
• Dress with elongated princess seams extending to hips
• Panelled skirt with decorative pleated inserts at sides
• Skirt with petals
• Tulip skirt
• Ladies trousers with high waist and large side pockets
• Jumpsuit
• Various styles of jackets
• Double breasted coat
• Overcoat with side panels
• Classic raglan sleeve coat
• Raglan sleeve raincoat
• Coat in classic style with diagonal pockets and cuffs
• Kimono coats
• Cape
• One piece bathing costume
• Bathrobe with hood
• Men’s dressing gown
• Sleeves in various styles including Puff, Bell, Pleated, Tulip and two-piece jacket sleeves

In order to qualify for this diploma, you are required to:

• draft all the garments in the CIAM textbook for this certificate to a satisfactory level
• sew a lined skirt, lined trousers and a lined classic jacket based on the CIAM pattern blocks you have drafted from your own measurements
• pass a final practical CIAM examination.

A calligrapher completes the beautiful diploma printed in Rome, Italy.
It is truly a qualification to be treasured!

In order to qualify for this diploma, you are required to:

• draft all the garments in the CIAM textbook for this diploma to a satisfactory level
• sew three garments based on the CIAM pattern blocks you have drafted from your own measurements
• pass a final practical CIAM examination.

A calligrapher completes the beautiful diploma printed in Rome, Italy.
It is truly a qualification to be treasured!