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Patternmaking can seem like this really intimidating skillset. But you don’t have to draft an entire pattern from scratch to explore these techniques. Simple tweaks and adjustments can completely change the look of a pattern. You also don’t need to be a patternmaker to hack a pattern—they are supposed to be fun experiments that will help you create something unique to you!
Pattern hacking helps you get more out of a single sewing pattern. Think of the pattern as a roadmap—you can take more than one route to get to the destination, and the pattern is there to give you the lay of the land.
In this hack, I will show you how to create convertible tie straps. This detail makes it easy to switch between a cross-back or classic strap style. I will demonstrate using the Seamwork Siahra dress, but you can use any pattern with sewn-on straps. We’ll also be lengthening the bodice of this pattern to create a cute cropped tank.
Draft Convertible Straps
If you are working with a continuous strap like the one on the Siahra dress, cut the strap in half.
Lengthen the strap piece by 10 inches.
Draw a rectangle that is 2” by 1 1/2" and label "back loops cut two."
Lengthen the bodice
Lengthen the front and back bodice pieces by 6".
Add a 1" hem allowance.
More hack ideas for the Siahra dress
Haley Glenn
Designer
Haley doesn’t just want to design clothing you’ll love to wear, but clothing you’ll love to sew. With a background in both design and teaching, she combines her talents to imagine patterns with thoughtful details that build your skills as you sew.
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