Creating PDF Patterns: From Sketch to Sale
Learn to create, market and sell your own PDF sewing patterns
Join the hundreds of students who have learned to sketch, draft, modify, grade, tile and market their PDF sewing pattern designs in this comprehensive, online course.
Have you dreamed of creating your own PDF sewing patterns? How about starting your own business selling patterns from the comfort of your home?
For many years, the process of creating technically accurate and beautiful PDF sewing patterns was a best-kept secret of only a few well-known designers. But thanks to this course, you can now learn the tools to start your own PDF sewing pattern design business (or just design them for yourself and your family!).
"As a sewing pattern designer for the past 5 years, my biggest hope for this course was to speed up my overall workflow. My hopes and expectations have well been exceeded. Through professional videos and lessons, Lauren teaches many tips and tricks using Illustrator and InDesign that are unique to sewing pattern designers (her Southern accent is just the icing on the cake) – things that you won’t learn in any Adobe course or YouTube video. Certain aspects of pattern design that I previously found tedious and even annoying have become much less time consuming and even enjoyable thanks to Lauren. The value of this course is incredible for the investment, and I highly recommend it to both new and current designers!"
- Abby, Sew Much Ado
"The Pattern Workshop is perfect for any aspiring designer. Lauren condenses 2 years worth of college classes into her self-paced workshop. So if you don’t have time to go back to college but want to learn how to draft patterns and market them, then this class is for you. And if you went to college and already learned how to draft, this class will help you learn the digital aspect of pdf patterns and faster ways to grade. Take the plunge and invest in yourself! You’ll be happy you did!"
- Rachel, Golden Rippy
The course starts with an introduction to Adobe Illustrator and individual video tutorials on all the essential tools you’ll need to get started. Then, more advanced videos will show you exactly how to use your skills to digitally draft, modify, grade and tile your patterns. Next, you’ll learn to draw gorgeous technical illustrations for your pattern cover and instructions, and you’ll put it all together in InDesign to create an attractive, user-friendly layout.
Finally, you’ll learn to navigate the testing process, market your patterns, set up shop and create an affiliate program. You’ll even get lots of printable checklists, cheat sheets and templates to give you a jump-start on launching your pdf sewing pattern business.
Think you might want to have your patterns printed on paper in the future? The course includes a bonus lesson on how to make that happen, too!
"I hesitated to enroll in Lauren’s class because I was used to another program, and I didn’t want to start again from the beginning. But one day, I decided to take the plunge, Oh my! What a wonderful jump that I’ve made! I started the course and I was unable to stop, literally. After 3 lessons, I knew it was worth it. Lauren explains every step in such a clever way. I was able to follow though my Adobe was completely in French. With this course, I’ve gained so much accuracy and speed, and my patterns are much better. I feel so confident that I am also digitalizing for others now. Thanks, Lauren, for having such a wonderful product."
- Mel, Filles à Maman
"After making pdf patterns for a couple years using a different drawing program, I decided it was time to make the switch to Illustrator. Lauren’s Pattern Workshop made the transition painless and even enjoyable. The best part of these classes is that they appeal to any level of experience. Beginners will learn everything they need to know to confidently make pdf patterns, and experienced users will learn new tips and tricks. I really can’t recommend Pattern Workshop highly enough!"
- Adrianna, Hey June Handmade
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Instructor
Lauren Dahl is the Janome-sponsored sewist and designer behind Baste + Gather blog and sewing patterns. She has 15+ years of experience using and teaching Adobe products, and she teaches courses on digital pattern drafting on BurdaStyle.com and affiliated sites.
Lauren lives with her husband and three young children in Portland, Oregon, and loves to sew, knit and travel. Lauren also has a master’s degree in advertising management from the University of Denver and many years of experience in corporate branding and online marketing. She brings her students a wealth of information both on the technical and marketing sides of the business.