Frequently Asked Questions
-> How is the Direct Construction Method different from using commercial patterns or drafting flat patterns from scratch?
Think of commercial patterns like ready-made meals—you follow the instructions, but they’re rarely a perfect fit and often require alterations to suit your needs. They’re designed for standardized sizing, which doesn’t accommodate unique body shapes or proportions, leaving you frustrated with garments that don’t fit as they should.
On the other hand, drafting flat patterns from scratch is like preparing a meal entirely from a recipe—it’s a longer, more technical process that involves drafting, cutting a sample, and then fitting to see how it works. It requires several steps before you can even diagnose fit issues, like where to add an apex, adjust an armhole, or modify a neckline to suit your body.
The Direct Construction Method skips these limitations by letting you work directly on a dress form that mimics your body shape. It’s like cooking by taste—hands-on, intuitive, and tailored to your preferences. You can see your garment take shape in real time, making adjustments as you drape. This approach allows you to experiment with design elements like necklines, darts, and seams while ensuring the fit is perfect from the start.
By working directly with fabric on the dress form, you eliminate much of the trial-and-error involved in flat pattern drafting and avoid the generic fit issues of commercial patterns. The result? Garments that not only fit beautifully but are uniquely yours.
-> What can I expect to learn in the Direct Construction Method workshops?
The Direct Construction Method (DCM) workshops are structured as a portfolio of projects that cater to all skill levels—from absolute beginners to advanced sewists. Each workshop is designed with a specific project that clearly indicates its level of difficulty, so you can start where you’re most comfortable and gradually progress as your skills improve.
If you’re just starting to learn garment construction, draping is an excellent entry point. Unlike traditional methods that can feel overwhelming, draping helps you develop essential skills quickly, such as understanding proportions, diagnosing fit issues, and coordinating hand and eye movements. It’s a hands-on approach that teaches you how to cut and work with fabric from the very beginning, building your confidence step by step.
Even experienced sewists—many with 20+ years of sewing experience—often tell me how much they’ve learned about fabrics through draping. One of the most valuable aspects of this technique is gaining a natural understanding of how different materials behave. As you work directly on the dress form, you’ll discover how fabric choices influence the silhouette and design of your garment. This hands-on experience allows you to envision how fabrics will drape and perform, giving you the confidence to select the perfect material for your desired style.
Whether you’re creating simple beginner projects or tackling advanced couture techniques, DCM workshops give you the tools to master fit, develop an eye for design, and work creatively with fabrics. It’s not just about making garments—it’s about truly understanding the art and science of dressmaking.
-> What makes this workshop different from free tutorials on YouTube?
YouTube can be a great starting point, but it’s often a mixed bag. Many draping videos on YouTube provide only snippets of information or leave you with more questions than answers. The step-by-step guidance needed to truly understand the process is usually missing, making it hard to feel confident in your learning.
This workshop, on the other hand, offers a structured, comprehensive approach. You’ll follow clear, detailed instructions for each step of the Direct Construction Method, with no gaps in the teaching. You’ll also have access to live Q&A sessions and a supportive community of like-minded sewists, ensuring you never feel stuck or isolated.
Another key difference is the credibility and experience behind this method. Unlike anonymous tutorials, this workshop is taught by someone who has helped hundreds of sewists achieve transformative results in their dressmaking skills. Many of our participants have said this technique was the biggest breakthrough in their sewing journey, giving them the confidence and ability to create garments they’re truly proud of.
Here, you’re not just watching—you’re part of a guided learning experience with personal support, expert insights, and a community that celebrates your progress every step of the way.
-> Do I need advanced sewing or patternmaking skills for this workshop?
Not at all! The Direct Construction Method is specifically designed for home sewists, even those with limited experience in pattern drafting. Instead of relying on complex drafting techniques, we teach you how to drape directly on a dress form padded to your unique measurements. This hands-on, intuitive approach makes it easier to create garments that fit beautifully without needing advanced skills.
-> I’m nervous about trying something new. What experience do I need?
All you need is a basic understanding of sewing, like how to operate a machine and sew simple seams. The workshop is carefully structured to guide you step by step, starting with foundational concepts and building your confidence along the way. Many participants who started with minimal experience have successfully completed garments they’re proud to wear.
-> I’ve never done draping before. Will this be too advanced for me?
Not at all! Think of this as learning a new way in my opinion the proper approach of garment construction. Anything added to this skill like Flat Pattern cutting is just a plus but not a must.
Draping allows you to work directly with fabric on a dress form, so you can see your garment take shape in real-time. It’s like sculpting with fabric—hands-on, creative, and intuitive.
Each Project from our DCM workshop has difficulty levels pointed on the garment project, but we have all type of projects that each will add to your garment construction skills.
-> Isn’t draping wasteful with fabric compared to using patterns?
Actually, draping can be more efficient because you’re working directly with the fabric and can see exactly how much you need. You’ll learn techniques to minimize fabric waste and make real-time adjustments, reducing the need for multiple test garments. Plus, the insights you gain into how fabric behaves will help you plan and execute future projects more effectively.
-> Do I need to know how to sketch designs to join this workshop?
No sketching is required! The Direct Construction Method focuses on creating directly on the dress form. This hands-on approach allows you to shape and mold fabric into the desired silhouette without relying on sketches. It’s a freeing, creative process that lets you see your ideas come to life in three dimensions as you work.