In this 4-week course, you’ll learn to draft your own garment patterns using the Japanese Bunka method — a beautifully precise system that starts with your body and builds from there. Rather than wrestling with shop-bought patterns that were never designed for you, you’ll understand from the ground up how patterns work and how to make them your own.

As well as drafting from scratch, you’ll explore how to adapt and manipulate patterns creatively, and learn how to create patterns from garments you already own — a brilliant skill for refreshing wardrobe classics or recreating a beloved piece. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who’s dabbled in dressmaking and wants a more solid foundation, this course will give you the tools and confidence to keep making long after the four weeks are up.

Ann Sun is an illustrator, lecturer, painter and creator living in Cambridge. She works as a guest lecturer at Anglia Ruskin and runs online art courses on various topics. She’s illustrated a couple of books from the Oxford Reading Tree series. Ann’s approach to art is experimental and DIY-based, resulting in exciting and surprising results. https://www.instagram.com/drawmakemake/

All materials are included, and sewing machines are available to use. That said, if you have your own machine, we strongly recommend bringing it — Ann can give you tailored advice on getting the best from it. You’re also welcome to bring favourite fabrics or images for inspiration.

Places are limited — so if you’re tempted, don’t wait.

Please note there are no sessions on Monday 26^th October and on Thursday 29^th October.