Curated by ITF - Issue 23
Cartwright dress Hack Kit
128 pages of pattern hacking gold. Endless opportunities. That’s what you can expect with the Cartwright dress Hack Kit!
Including everything from the tools and techniques you need to learn to become a patternmaking whizz, inspiration to get your garment design creative juices flowing, and the actual step-by-step tutorials to make your ideas come to life, we guarantee this resource will NOT disappoint.
Our hacking resources have been a hit since we first launched Curated by ITF. So far we’ve released Hack Kits for a jumpsuit (Neale), a skirt (Barkly) and a pair of pants (Pants Design Kit), so we thought it was about time we added a dress and top to the collection. Because WE want YOU to have the skills to hack ANY garment type in your wardrobe. BAM!
The designs in this Hack Kit have been created so that you can use just one tutorial, or combine multiple together, for a complete pattern block overhaul.
As per usual, our patternmaking resources aren’t just for In the Folds patterns. Everything you learn in this Hack Kit can be applied to any pattern of a similar style that you have in your stash.
Keen to add some top-notch patternmaking credentials to your sewing skills kit? Join us for part 2 of this new In the Folds sewing series now!
Hacks included in this kit
- Adding a vertical panel line
- Adding a vertical panel line
- Converting a dart into a panel line
- Curved panel line with gathers
- Button placket
- Creating a gathered skirt / panel
- Making a pattern sleeveless
- Adding volume (slash + spread)
- Pleats
- Drafting a raglan sleeve
- Creating a V-neck
- Adding length
- Drafting a neck facing
- Drafting a hem facing
- Adding fullness to sleeve cuffs and caps
- Swapping sleeves between styles
- Drafting patch pockets
You will also receive a dress design template to help you get those ideas out of your head and onto paper, and a small scale pattern to practise the alterations before moving onto the real thing.
All the hacks are supported by a range of tutorials that cover the basics of drafting your own patterns, including tracing patterns, marking notches, adding seam allowances, and checking and truing patterns and darts. These tutorials have been created so you can use them over and over and adapt them to any project you like. Whether you’re a pattern hacking newbie or an experienced sewist, we’ve got hacks and exercises to help you on your garment making journey.
Our online community is buzzing with inspiration from the extra resources we've shared to help you make your dream dress designs come true!
Skills library
One of the challenges of pattern hacking is that you no longer have instructions for how to make the garment. We've solved this problem by including a range of resources to help you work out the best order of construction and required fabric yardage. We also take a deep dive into specific sewing techniques that you may need for sewing your dress or top.
Mighty Networks group
We work through everything together in our Mighty Networks group. This means that you can ask questions, share your makes and connect with other makers who are also on a mission to learn new skills and sew clothing in a slow and conscious way.
Difficulty
This Hack Kit has been designed so that no matter what your patternmaking experience is, there will be something for you.
New to patternmaking? Try adding a horizontal panel line or some pleats. This is a great place to start your pattern hacking journey and will help you gain confidence.
Ready to level up? Try drafting a raglan sleeve or playing with curved panel lines and gathers.
Keen to learn as much as you can? Try them all! Apply the skills you learn to the Cartwright dress + top pattern and then practise them on other patterns in your stash.This resource is a goldmine of inspiration and technical skills that will support you in your garment making journey for many years to come.
Note: Although most of the tutorials from this Hack Kit could be applied to a number of patterns, the tutorials are based on the Cartwright dress + top pattern. We recommend grabbing the pattern to support you as you learn the skills covered in this issue of Curated, particularly if you’re new to pattern hacking.
Digital product details
The Cartwright dress Hack Kit: 128 pages of patternmaking tutorials and content. The booklet is suitable for printing on both A4 and US letter sized paper, or can be viewed onscreen using a PDF viewer.
If you have any questions please see our FAQ and Digital Product Policy.
More info
The Cartwright dress + top pattern is not currently available as a standalone product and is only available for purchase by current members of Curated by ITF. It will be released as a standalone product in 2024.
Have a question?
If you have any questions please see our FAQ and Digital Product Policy.