Mastering Pattern Cutting: Helen Shine of Dot n Cross on Dressmaking, Fit and High End Fashion

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to create beautifully fitting garments? 

In this episode of The Sewing Social, I'm joined by Helen Shine, an expert pattern cutter whose impressive career has seen her work with renowned fashion brands including Vivienne Westwood, Karen Millen and many more.

Helen shares her journey from the world of high-end fashion to running her own pattern cutting workshops, sewing retreats and dressmaking courses in Cornwall.

We explore the art of pattern cutting, why achieving a great fit is about so much more than standard sizing, and how understanding garment construction can transform your sewing.

We also discuss sustainable fashion, creating clothes that are made to last, and Helen's specialist work designing bespoke wedding dress patterns, helping brides bring their dream gowns to life.

Whether you're passionate about dressmaking, sewing your own clothes, pattern cutting or improving the fit of your handmade wardrobe, this episode is packed with inspiration, expert advice and practical insights.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Helen's career working with leading fashion brands, including Vivienne Westwood and Karen Millen.
• The fundamentals of pattern cutting and garment construction.
• Why fit is the key to creating clothes you'll love to wear.
• Sustainable fashion and making garments that last.
• Pattern cutting workshops and sewing retreats in Cornwall.
• Designing bespoke wedding dress patterns and bridal wear.

Follow me: 

Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod

                     @thedalythread

Tiktok: thesewingsocialpod

If you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please 

Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpod

Also, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:

thesewingsocialpod@gmail.com

*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: 

The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocial

Affiliate Links:

• Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com

     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

• Sew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/

     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPOD

Guest Details: 

Website: www.dotncross.com

Instagram: @dot.n.cross

Links: 

• Dot n Cross Pattern Cutting Retreats in Cornwall: https://dotncross.com/retreats - I forgot to mention that the retreat location is a 15 minutes taxi journey from Penzance train station, which has direct links to many of the major cities.
• 1-1 Wedding dress workshop: https://dotncross.com/make-your-own-wedding-dress-class
• Group sewing and pattern cutting workshops: https://dotncross.com/group-sewing-classes-cornwall
• 1-1 pattern cutting workshops: https://dotncross.com/pattern-cutting-workshops
• Link to Vogue article about the Cate Blanchett dress, designed by Mary Katrantzou: https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/cate-blanchetts-mary-katrantzou-cannes-dress

Chapters: 

00:10 Helen Shine: A Journey into Pattern Cutting

04:48 Education and Early Career in Fashion

10:07 The Complexity of High-End Fashion Design

10:18 Transitioning from Fashion to Teaching

15:00 Establishing Dot and Cross: Workshops and Community

17:51 Exploring Unique Retreats in Cornwall

23:20 In-Depth Wedding Dress Pattern Cutting Classes

27:42 The Impact of Fast Fashion on Society

31:57 The Dress for Cate Blanchett

34:34 Engineering Prints in Fashion

35:50 The Complexity of High-End Fashion Design

36:04 Future Plans and Exciting Developments

41:31 Join my Substack