Brian K’s Practical Skills Workshops Series: Reverse Engineering Your Best Fitting Pair of Jeans (Workshop #1)

This is a 4 part series - it is mandatory to attend all 4 workshops Introduction Participants will learn how to make a pattern by studying an existing pair of jeans. This method preserves the original sample. Students start by learning how to evaluate a sample to determine how the design and construction impact the shapes of the pattern pieces. They will then make and test a pattern from which they can make a first sample. What to bring Choose a pair of jeans based primarily on fit and silhouette. A classic five pocket style works well. Check that the jeans have a straight waistband. A folded top edge indicates that the waistband is straight. If there is a seam on the top edge the waistband may be curved. Plan to work from the same pair for all four workshops. Materials Fee A $20 one time fee includes: straight steel pins soft drafting paper manilla hard paper corrugated cardboard green or blue painters tape fabric. Prerequisite A basic understanding of sewing and pattern making. Workshop 1: Preparing the sample, making a waistband and front and drafting a western style pocket. Date:November 3, 2026Workshop Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm EST Location: CUI 312Format: LabParticipant # (max):10 ppl Preparing the sample Before we start making a pattern we need to look at our sample and answer two critical questions. Is the waist band straight or curved? Are the jeans selvedge or regular denim?