Tunic



Breeze Shirt Tunic

Students will draft and construct the Breeze Shirt as a tunic. Work through the steps in this order:

  1. Watch the assigned videos. View all of them at 1.5x speed first to understand the overall drafting and construction process, then make a plan. When you’re ready to begin, follow the videos in detail for both drafting and construction.
  2. Draft the bodice. Draft a bodice inspired by the Breeze shirt, with an extended shoulder and a V opening at center front.
    • Compare the shoulder length on your sloper with the Breeze shirt, and determine how far you need to extend it to match the look.
    • Add your desired ease along the side seam. The Breeze shirt instructions state the garment’s designed ease (ask Natalya if this is unclear).
    • Examples of Dana’s sloper, the Breeze shirt draft, and patterns are on the metal shelf.
  3. Draft the sleeve. Draft a sleeve pattern to fit the Breeze shirt bodice. Ask Natalya to check it before you sew the muslin.
  4. Draft the band collar. Base it on your neck measurements, ending at the V opening.
  5. Sew a muslin. Keep details minimal unless you want the practice. Schedule a fitting with Natalya.
  6. Draft the facing and details. The facing is required; other decorative details are optional. Practice fine construction of specific elements in muslin, then, once you’re comfortable, complete the tunic in your fashion fabric.

Construction note: The Breeze shirt uses French seams.

Videos

Putting the Tunic Together videos

Designing Your Wardrobe: Drafting Tops

  • Sleeveless Shell (29:54)
  • Closures, Edge Finishes and Pattern Standards (28:28)

Patternmaking + Design: Creative Sleeves

  • Introduction and Getting Started (44:35)
  • Basic Sleeve Sloper and Tailor Sleeve (51:42)

Patternmaking + Design: Collars & Closures

  • Band Collar and Collar with Band (32:23)

Hems

Students in the class can download a document outlining hem options.