Additional information
| Size | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 |
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Gabi Block PDF Sewing Pattern
£16.00
The Gabi Block pattern is sold in single sizes – please refer to the ‘Body Measurements’ section below for information on how to select your pattern size. The PDF comprises pattern pieces for your selected pattern size, and a 36 page instruction booklet covering how to prepare your pattern pieces, make a toile, and make a number of common fit adjustments.
Features
- A pattern for a bodice block with sleeves, which is drafted to the low hip area so it can be used as a starting point to draft both tops and dresses.
Difficulty
This is an intermediate pattern. The sewing itself is not difficult – if you can sew darts and set a sleeve, you’ll be fine – but you’re likely to need to spend some time tweaking the fit. The 36 page instruction booklet walks you through a number of common fitting adjustments, but if you’re completely new to fitting, you might need further help from a sewing friend or a good reference book!
Fabric & notions
I’d recommend a few metres of stable, woven cotton (without stretch/elastane) such as cotton calico. You will likely have to make at least two toiles so it is hard to determine up front a specific amount of fabric required!
You’ll need:
- Lightweight tracing or plain paper to insert for certain pattern adjustments and/or trace off your block pattern pieces.
- Measuring tools and drawing guides: tape measure, a ruler, hip curve ruler / French curves.
Measurements
Body measurements
Sizes 1-5 are drafted for a B-cup (2”/5 cm difference between your full bust and your high bust measurement), whilst sizes 8-12 are drafted for a D-cup (4”/10cm difference between your full bust and your high bust measurement). Sizes 6 and 7 are available in both the B and D cup. Select a size based on your full bust if you are a B or D cup as described above.
If the difference between your high bust and full bust measurements is different from this, you may wish to make a full or small bust adjustment (an “FBA” or an “SBA”) to the bodice pattern pieces. You could try making the first toile unaltered to see how much of an adjustment to make. Try selecting a size based on your high bust plus 2” or 4” (for the B or D cup respectively) and doing an FBA/SBA, but also consider the waist measurement on that size – if the waist size is a better match on the size for your full bust, you may be better off going with that size. If in doubt, experiment with your toile.
The Gabi block is drafted for a height of approximately 5’6″ / 168cm.
| SIZE | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Bust (“) | 31 | 33 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 | 53 |
| Waist (“) | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 |
| Hips (“) | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
| Bust (cm) | 79 | 84 | 89 | 94 | 99 | 104 | 109 | 114 | 119 | 124 | 129 | 134 |
| Waist (cm) | 61 | 66 | 71 | 76 | 81 | 86 | 91 | 96 | 101 | 106 | 111 | 117 |
| Hips (cm) | 87 | 92 | 97 | 102 | 107 | 112 | 117 | 122 | 127 | 132 | 137 | 142 |
Finished garment measurements
| SIZE | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Bust (“) | 33 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 | 53 | 55 |
| Waist (“) | 25.5 | 27.5 | 29.5 | 31.5 | 33.5 | 35.5 | 37.5 | 39.5 | 41.5 | 43.5 | 45.5 | 47.5 |
| Hips (“) | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 | 58 |
| Bust (cm) | 84 | 89 | 94 | 99 | 104 | 109 | 114 | 119 | 124 | 129 | 134 | 139 |
| Waist (cm) | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 | 100 | 105 | 110 | 116 | 121 |
| Hips (cm) | 92 | 97 | 102 | 107 | 112 | 117 | 122 | 127 | 132 | 137 | 142 | 147 |
The pattern testers said…
“My judgment is that this can be a good starting point for different sorts of garments if one is well acquainted with modifying a pattern on one’s personal measurements, something that comes mainly with good sewing lessons and a bit of practical experience.”
“I found the photos and instructions really clear and easy to follow and I’m sure I’ll be able to use these in other patterns.”
“I’m still working my way to the “perfect” fit but I made a lot of progress. Overall, this is a great bodice sloper. I started with size 7 D cup and it’s the closest out of package fit I’ve ever had.”
“I have finished my block and it fitted me perfect with no adjustments! In fact its the best fitting toile I’ve ever made! The drafting is just amazing!”
“I wanted to say I love the concept of the Gabi Block and it was really easy to follow your info sheets and the pattern was great. I cut a 7 B cup as I normally need an FBA but I am under the measurements for the larger cup. I need to do a few adjustments but it’s a pretty good starting block and I’m looking forward to doing some drafting soon!”
A case study:
Read about Josephine’s experience in her Case Study post. Josephine’s measurements fell across a few sizes, so she did some grading, and made quite a few fit adjustments. After three toiles she was happy with the fit and then drafted this button-backed shell top which she says is the best fitting top she’s ever made!
Gabi on Instagram…
Another #msp_gabi-derived top! Made from rubystarsociety cotton purchased at notionfabric (along with the fabulous vintage buttons!) I have never been able to comfortably wear a shirt made from woven (non-stretch) fabric until now so this is a game changer for me. I have another of these sleeveless tops planned before launching in to some different variations using the block. Thank you michellesews_patterns!!!
The Gabi block from michellesews_patterns is the pattern that keeps on giving. This is a classic tee made from a bamboo ponte from notionfabric and I think it’s going to get a LOT of use through all four seasons. The fabric has magical properties that keep dog hair from clinging to it so I look 100x more put together in this than any other black garment I own, the fact that it fits perfectly is just icing on the 🎂😍 #msp_gabi
New project: Jean jacket! This is the pattern which is drafted from my #msp_gabi block using apparelarts_oak’s craftsy course for guidance. I’m going to sew this up in a cheap denim I got yards and yards of on clearance to see if these pieces will even equal “jacket” before cutting into the good stuff. Will post updates, hopefully this weekend!
Coming soon…
I’m almost giddy with excitement at this upcoming release! If you follow my personal account (@michelle.a.sews) you may have seen some recent stories about the Gabi Block Sewing pattern. It’s something a little different but which I hope might be a useful shortcut to preparing a bodice block pattern that you can use as a starting point for self-drafted projects (more on that later!) or to assess the fit of other patterns. She’s days away from release now and I for one can’t wait!
#msp_gabi #sewingpatterns #indiesewingpattern #sewingproject
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