Beginner’s Guide to Patternmaking
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I grew up in a creative household. Both my parents were artists — my dad a musician, and my mom a florist, knitter, and artistic dabbler. She was the one who taught me to say, “I could make that.” And it just happened to be clothes that I often said it about.
So at a young age, I began learning to sew and make patterns at the same time. I started by tracing off my favorite clothes onto paper grocery bags taped together as my pattern paper. I knew nothing of seam allowances or that pants needed to have a crotch seam. I was winging it and learning as I went.
I love winging it. I love digging in and just trying my hand at something. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get frustrated and make A LOT of mistakes.
This post is dedicated to those of you who are at the beginning of your patternmaking journey. My hope is to share what’s worked for me and what I’ve learned along the way!
A Beginner’s Mindset
Most importantly when you begin something new is to approach it with a “beginner’s mind.” It’s easy to give up or feel like a failure when you’re learning new skills — especially in the age of comparison culture. Scrolling through social media and seeing someone else’s progress can make your own efforts feel small. But comparison kills creativity.
Instead, I encourage you to approach this new endeavor with openness and curiosity.
Beginner’s mind, or shoshin, is a Zen Buddhist concept meaning an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions. You don’t have to be a Buddhist to understand the value of this idea.
Take this scenario: You’ve worked so hard to draft your first pattern, spent hours sewing a sample, and finally try it on — only to discover it doesn’t fit. You can’t even get it over your head!
Comparison might whisper: “You’re not cut out for this.” But beginner’s mind asks:
I wonder why it doesn’t fit?
Where exactly is it too tight?
Could this be solved with a simple change?
Who could help me figure this out?
What if, instead of being a failure, this “mistake” is actually a clue that moves you forward?
“In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities. In the expert’s mind, there are few.”
— Shunryū Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
Immerse Yourself in Patternmaking
Once you’ve got the right mindset, the next step is to immerse yourself in the world of patternmaking. The more exposure you get, the more connections you’ll make.
Start with books — check your local library or online bookshops. Great search terms include:
Patternmaking
Pattern cutting
How to make clothes
Intro to drafting patterns
Need specific suggestions? We’ve got a blog post with our favorite books on patternmaking, plus a detailed review of one of the most popular patternmaking textbooks
Seek Out Mentors
Learning a new skill can feel lonely — especially when you’re stuck. Mentorship is what got me through so many of my own stuck moments, from my early sewing days to college and beyond.
At CPMG, we build mentorship into the foundation of our course. Through our private Facebook group and weekly live calls, students get real-time support and one-on-one feedback from experienced instructors and fellow learners.
But mentors can come from anywhere. My own mentors include my neighbor Joan, my mom’s friend Maggie, and two incredible professors from college: Celeste and Audrey.
Take a moment to reflect — who’s already in your corner? And who might you reach out to as you grow your skills?
Our #1 Suggestion for Beginners
If you’re looking for a great (and free!) place to start, our Illustrator Basics course is a perfect intro. In this free mini-course, you’ll learn the essential Illustrator tools needed to start digital pattern drafting — even if you’ve never used the program before.
It’s our most recommended resource for beginner patternmakers, and it’s designed to help you gain confidence in navigating digital tools without feeling overwhelmed.
Ready to Go Deeper?
If you’ve dipped your toes into drafting and want to take your skills further, our full Confident Patternmaking & Grading course is designed specifically for people like you — beginners who are ready to learn how create patterns that fit real bodies.
Whether you dream of designing your own line, adjusting patterns to fit your body, or just want to learn how clothes are made, patternmaking doesn’t have to feel out of reach.
Inside the course, you'll find:
Supportive community
Weekly live calls
Lifetime access to content
And tools to create truly size-inclusive designs
FINAL THOUGHTS
Learning patternmaking from scratch can feel intimidating — but it’s also one of the most empowering skills you can learn. Whether you're drafting on paper grocery bags or learning digital tools, your curiosity and persistence matter more than perfection.
With the right mindset, community, and resources, you can absolutely learn to make your own patterns. So if you’re just starting out, welcome — we’re so glad you’re here.
Nat Della Selva
