Bodice Sloper

Intention

My main goal in creating this bodice sloper was to refine a pattern for future items of clothing I plan on making. Store-bought patterns, as they're generally based on a standard body type, don't always fit as well as they could, so with this sloper pattern I can now alter them to fit me better.

Process

The first step of this project, after I decided I wanted some kind of reusable pattern, was to realize that such a thing already existed and was called a bodice sloper. Then, I researched until I figured out a general method of making a sloper. Any standard pattern wouldn't work as I wanted -- which, considering the whole point of a sloper is to personalize standard patterns, makes sense -- so I first drafted a pattern that was "close enough" based off of my measurement, made a mock up from scrap fabric, and altered the pattern from there.

Product

I created a pattern for a bodice sloper, a kind of unfinished shirt meant to fit one specific person. I took my own measurements and used them to draft a base pattern, pictured below. This consisted of a front and back pattern piece.

Then, I cut out fabric based on that pattern. The back piece needed to be cut two times, mirrored, and the front piece needed to be cut along the fold so it created on larger symetrical piece.

Finally, I sewed all my pieces together accroding to my pattern, and installed a zipper so I could try it on. After the first try-on, I made some adjustments to the bust and sholder darts, and added those adjustments back onto the pattern pieces.

Reflection

The most difficult part of this process was probably taking my own measurements and making adjustments to a garment I was wearing. Next time I would definitely be more active in finding a second person to help with that.

I did find myself struggling through the drafting process -- namely, turning my measurements into an actual pattern. Now that I've done it, and I understand it, though, it'll be easier if I ever need to draft a sloper again.