Drafting Derivative Blocks

Derivative Blocks

Example Derivative Block: Torso Block
Example Derivative Torso Block
Derivative Blocks are made from other blocks, they are not made from scratch.   Of course you need to have created the original block in order to create a derivative one. All the Blocks under the Making Blocks menu are created from scratch; all the blocks under this Making Derivative Blocks menu are created using one of those original blocks. The derivative blocks currently consist of:
  • 1-Dart Skirt Block made from the 2-Dart Skirt Block: When making skirt patterns, it is sometimes useful to use a 1-Dart Skirt Block instead of the 2-Dart Skirt block, especially when making slinky hip-hugging styles.
  •   The Sleeveless Block just has some of the ease taken out of the underarm area; more importantly it has contouring information noted it on for cutaway armholes and low necklines.
  • (Extended Line) Dress Block made from the Bodice & Skirt Blocks:Used for making dresses without waistline seams, e.g. a dress with a Princess Line that runs the length of the dress. (A waisted dress that has a Princess line in the Bodice, finishing at the waist, would use the Bodice/Skirt Blocks).
You do not have to create the derivative blocks; you could just use your original blocks, but there will be a bit more work involved each time you make a pattern. More derivative blocks may be added on an ongoing basis. If you are new to patternmaking, the following article may be useful:  Where do I start? How do I learn patternmaking?

Suggested Reading:

If you have reached this page and don’t know what a Block is, the following articles will help you:

3 Responses

  1. Hello, Maria. I was wondering if in the future you could suggest some method to convert the bodice block with 2 darts into dartless block. I want to sew T-shirts for me with jersey fabric. I tried and sewed a couple, I looked at some methods that appeared in sewing blogs and then I was rotating my pattern as it seemed best, but I’m not sure if I did it in a correct way. As it rotates and removes a dart, the width increases in other places, but I need to remove put darts … I get confused a little. I hope you are very well, I love all the content of the blog and often I come back to read an article and learn. Your explanations are the best. Regards, Sara.

  2. Hi Sara

    Writing the instructions for a knit/stretch block is on my list of things to do. The problem is that I have so many things on my list, and also I have so many other things happening right now that I don’t have that much time to dedicate to adding new content to my website at the moment.

    I will put this on the top of my list and try really hard to get to it in within the next few weeks, but I can’t promise. I will send you an email when I do get it up.

    Maria

  3. Hello Maria
    Thank you very much for your answer.
    I made two t-shirts and forgot to take note of what I did, since I cut directly on the fabric…
    I closed the bust dart without problems, pivoting from the bust apex and with its method the fit is perfect. But in my case, the measures slope of front shoulder and slope of shoulder back (that which is measured diagonally) it was difficult to obtain them, because to whom I took measurements obtained different values… Luckily it was not look so bad, its a comfy t-shirt.
    I will be attentive to the news, from time to time I’m looking at your blog, I love it!, Have a good day. Regards,
    Sara.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *