Professional Pattern Grading
Body sizes are changing and many grading textbooks now have outdated grade plans and instructions which are based on out of date body sizes.
You are here because you want to learn how to grade, You may be a pattern cutter that wants to expand their skills, or a small or medium size design company that want's to know how to grade their own patterns into a range of sizes. I will show you how to grade, and also explain why we grade the way we do.
The aim of this course is to introduce you to a range of grading methods and also the theory behind the concept of grading, that way you will be able to understand each and every method of grading you come across within the industry.
Years of practice and teaching have allowed me to hone my skills so that I can present the key information to you clearly through looking in details at skirt grading. This course will form a stepping stone to future grading courses which will cover bodice and sleeve grading, trouser grading and grading for children's wear.
What you will learn - My Focus When Creating This Course
When creating this course, I focused on the essentials that would empower you as a beginner to confidently step into the world of grading, specifically the skill of adjusting patterns to various sizes. By distilling years of industry experience into easy-to-digest modules, I've curated content that will set a solid foundation for your practice. The structured curriculum walks you through the theories before delving into practical applications, ensuring that you grasp both the 'why' and the 'how'. Each lesson builds on the last, creating a cohesive learning experience. There are a couple of things worth mentioning before you embark on a grading course.
No doubt this is a complex area and not for everyone.
Sometimes grading isn't easy, particularly when we move to style grading, however I have structured the course so that we build on your knowledge bit by bit. This will form a good understanding of the key concepts, so that whatever grading system you are faced with in the workplace you will have the knowledge to understand its origins.
Grading does involve maths, there is no getting past this, Courses that tell you that you can avoid the maths and that they have a simple and easy 'hack' to show you, are not teaching you 'real' grading.
Finally, the best way to learn how to grade, is to grade!
So if I haven't put you off, welcome to the course and let's begin our journey!
Meet your instructor
Nicola Chadwick brings to her students an impressive depth of expertise in pattern cutting & grading, with over 35 years of dedicated practice within the fashion industry. With a meticulous eye for detail and a profound understanding of garment construction, Nicola has spent significant time mastering the intricacies of sizing and fit. Nicola's experience both as a freelance pattern grader and a Senior Fashion Lecturer makes her uniquely qualified to guide you on this journey. Her extensive experience includes working all over the world and her unique qualifications from the London College of fashion up to a Master of Science degree in Clothing Manufacture from the world leading Hollings Faculty ensure a high standard of delivery.
Nicola is also the pattern grader behind the popular Modeliste Creative & Design Cut & Wear basic blocks ranges, which come in a wide range of graded sizes.
As an educator, Nicola is deeply committed to sharing her knowledge and passion for pattern grading with aspiring designers and patternmakers. She approaches teaching with the belief that a solid foundation in grading is crucial to the creation of well-fitting, aesthetically pleasing garments. Her course is thoughtfully crafted to not only impart the technical skills necessary for successful grading but also to inspire creativity and precision in her students. Nicola's dedication to the art and science of pattern grading makes her class an invaluable resource for anyone looking to excel in the fashion industry.
BONUS CONTENT
Download my PDF grading rulers to use at home - comes with a user guide!
INCHES & CM
All lessons are presented with both inches and centimetres - so whichever unit of measurement you use you can follow the lessons!
MY COURSES ARE LIVE!
As my courses grow I add more content, so keep checking as you will find even more to learn!
Example Curriculum
- It's a Minefield Out There!
- Understanding Size Charts - Our First Glance At Size Charts- Video (10:21)
- Arc Measurements - Video (3:00)
- Differences Between Sizing, Grading & Blending
- Tools and Equipment for Pattern Grading - Video (2:17)
- Common Grades - Metric & Imperial
- The 'Eight Head Theory' for Grading Patterns - For Those That Want To Know More...
- How Fabric Choice Impacts Grading - A Quick Overview.
- Introduction to Types of Grading
- The Cartesian Graph Explained- Video (3:44)
- Incremental Grading and Relative Grading Terms -X and Y Co-ordinates- Video (8:48)
- Using a Split Diagram (3:38)
- Using Tools Within Adobe Illustrator
- Using a Dedicated CAD System Such as Gerber Accumark
- Grading The Basic Block or Sloper
- Where do we start?
- Looking At Our Size Chart - First Steps -Video (13:39)
- UK - USA & EU - Alvanon Sizing Standards - A Reminder
- The Grade Plan - Video (21:08)
- Test Your Understanding - Grade Rule Exercise 1
- Test Your Understanding - Grade Rule Exercise 2
- Pattern Orientation and Zero Points
- Handy Notes For You to Keep Close When Grading - Video (2:45)
- Following a Ready Made Grade Plan - Don't Feel Bad!
- Blank PDF Grade Rule Plan & Grade Rule Library Alternative
- Answers to Grade Rule Exercise 1
- Answers to Grade Rule Exercise 2
- Grading Techniques in Adobe Illustrator - A Brief Overview & Sample Lessons from my Ai for Pattern Cutting Course
- Method 1 - A Brief Overview of Grading Using 'The Anchor Point Method' in Ai (2:28)
- Method 2 - Grading with Marker Points & Line Segments - VIDEO GUIDE (9:10)
- Method 3 -Smallest to Largest Size - to Locate Intermediate Sizes - VIDEO GUIDE (6:43)
- The Many Other Grading Methods Available in Ai
- Using Your New Grading Skills In a Professional Industry Standard Grading Software - How Does Ai Stand Up as a Pattern Cutting & Grading Tool?
- LIBRARY - FIND RETRO GRADING BOOKS UPLOADED HERE!
- Book 1 - Pattern Drafting & Grading
- Book 2 - Vintage Pattern Grading; Grading techniques for modern design; 132 page; 1974; DIGITAL FILE PDF
- Book 3 - RohrM.-PatternDraftingGrading
- Book 4 - pattern-drafting-childrens-garment-design.pdf
- Book 5 - The Science of Grading - really interesting!