Apparel Patternmaking + garment Construction
Atelier Capretto
ATELIER CAPRETTO
A structured, project-based patternmaking program that teaches you how to draft a personalized, timeless collection of fully finished patterns from your own measurements — so you can design garments that fit beautifully and reflect your style.
Are you ready to stop compromising - and start designing?
The Skirt Collective
get on the waitlist!
Ready-to-wear is disappointing in so many ways...
Ready-to-wear
is disappointing
in so many ways...
You have a vision in your mind – but somewhere between the style, the color, the quality of the fabric, the price tag and fit - time and time again you’re forced to compromise somewhere along the way.
Most ready-to-wear brands develop their garments using standard average measurements – which fails to fit most anyone well. More often than not, you leave shopping empty handed, feeling frustrated and insecure.
You know about the environmental and ethical issues of ready-to-wear – and honestly, you’re exhausted researching every single brand just to find out which ones aren’t the biggest culprits.
1.
2.
3.
We all Know It -
But every time you try to learn, it feels complicated.
Too technical. Too scattered. Too much.
And you start to believe maybe you’re just not “the kind of person” who can make beautiful clothes.
(Believe me, I've been there)
You could gain real patternmaking confidence while building a bespoke collection of fully-finished ready-to-sew skirt patterns drafted from your own measurements?
What would it be like if...
You're in the right place.
get on the waitlist!
Ease into patternmaking with two designs that rely on geometry, rather than your Foundation Pattern (or Block, or Sloper Pattern) - perfect for beginners who want a quick win, a confidence boost, and a skirt they’ll actually wear.
Rosetta explores balanced rectangular fullness with a comfy elastic (or drawstring) waistband and simple patch pockets. She’s casual, approachable, and wonderful for easing into drafting.
Serafina introduces circular fullness through a classic circle skirt with a simple straight waistband, full-length button placket, and in-seam pockets.
Rosetta + Serafina
geometric Designs
Here's What You'll Learn
Let's Break it Down
In this category, you’ll take your Foundation Pattern from its unfinished form into two polished, wearable skirts.
Leonora guides you through lowering the waistline, finishing it with a clean facing, and drafting a free-hanging lining — all essential skills that make a darted skirt feel sleek and tailored.
With Monica we'll explore asymmetric designs, and a twist-front variation.
Leonora + Monica
Darted Designs
Learn how stylelines can replace darts — shaping the garment while opening up a world of design possibilities.
We’ll begin with Madelina, a classic tapered pencil skirt featuring a contoured waistband and a kick pleat.
Dahnya is a playful variation on Madelina that adds a flirty flounce at the hem.
Finally, with Pietra, you’ll draft and sew the jean skirt: yoke, fly front, belt loops, jean pocket - it’s a classic, and a fantastic exploration of control seams in action.
Madelina, Dahnya
& Pietra
Control Seam Designs
Here, you’ll explore fullness in a more intentional way — beginning with your Foundation Pattern so you can place volume only where you want it.
First is Daniella, a classic A-line skirt where you’ll add just a touch of flare at the side seams - plus draft a beautiful, subtly dramatic slit.
Next comes Sienna, the fit-and-flare dream. She’s sleek and fitted through the hip, then bursts into a playful, full lower skirt — a perfect study in how to release fullness only where it counts.
Finally, you’ll create Francesca, a wrap-skirt variation of Sienna. You’ll see how a wrap can be drafted pattern-less or from your block, and you’ll add a spirited ruffle for movement, charm, and that irresistible twirl factor.
Daniella, Sienna
+ Francesca
Added Fullness Designs
In this final category, you’ll learn how to redirect dart control into expressive, design-forward details — pleats, gathers, and asymmetric drapes.
We’ll begin with Luciana, where your dart intake transforms into crisp, elegant box pleats and you’ll draft the welt pockets (a true couture moment).
Next is Giulia, an exploration of asymmetry and a variety of cascades
that feel sculptural yet fluid.
Finally, withRenatka you’ll convert your darts into soft, intentional gathers that add movement and gentle fullness without losing fit.
Luciana, Renatka
+ Guilia
Dart Alternative Designs
-The lowest price this program will ever be — you’re only paying for the modules available now, and every future skirt, lesson, and upgrade unlocks for you automatically at no additional cost.
-A calmer, more intimate learning experience — a smaller cohort means more support, more encouragement, and a cozier “we’re-in-this-together” vibe.
-Founding-member status — you’re part of the very first group to bring this program to life. And yes… you’ll receive a small, exclusive completion gift as a thank-you for helping shape the inaugural run.
-A slower, more supportive drip of new content — modules release in a gentle, steady rhythm, so you’re never overwhelmed or left feeling behind.
-Opportunity to influence what comes next — your natural questions and insights help me fine-tune the remaining designs (no extra work required on your end).
Pilot Program Perks
“I finally found the courage to pursue my dream of opening my own homewares boutique all thanks to Kate.”
Melanie chased her dream:
But wait,
have we officially met?
I'm Adrianne Capretto -
I live with my husband and our two sweet boys in the beautiful Pacific Northwest; and apart from sewing, I love interior design, organization, painting, cooking, and (most recently) I’m trying my hand at cake decorating!
Tell me if this story sounds familiar: my mother raised me at a time when it was cheaper and easier to buy clothes than it was to make them, and so she did not teach me how to sew.
Instead, my introduction to sewing occurred through an afterschool program in middle-school, where we were taught to sew with some basic projects – and it was amazing! At home I started churning out blankets and tote bags like nobody's business. But I didn’t feel confident branching into more advanced projects on my own.
It wasn’t until I was attending university (for something else entirely, of course) when I discovered the New York Fashion Academy. I still remember leaving my first class on patternmaking and feeling just full of possibility!
As I was unable to attend the Academy full-time, I selected only the courses I was most interested in, which were the making courses – the courses on foundation patterns (otherwise known as sloper or block patterns), the courses on sewing and garment construction, and (my personal favorite) the courses on patternmaking.
And while I was absolutely loving the courses, in the end I felt rather disappointed to have a binder filled with sample-sized examples of patternmaking and sewing techniques, and really only a handful of completed wearable garments.
It’s the course I wish had existed when I was learning.
So I designed Atelier Capretto: The Skirt Collective to teach patternmaking the way it should be learned —
through real garments, not abstract exercises.
You’ll master foundational skills like dart manipulation, control seams, and slash-and-spread while designing and sewing a curated capsule collection of wearable skirts. Nothing is taught in isolation.
Every concept is introduced exactly when you need it — and applied immediately.
How It Works
We draft each design together.
You’ll learn to shape fabric on paper, transforming your Foundation Pattern into silhouettes that fit your body and your style — one thoughtful step at a time.
First
Each design is supported with clear, approachable finishing guidance so your patterns become wearable pieces — without the overwhelm.
Then
When the course wraps, you won’t just have beautiful skirts.
You’ll have the patternmaking confidence to design intentionally — adapting, modifying, and creating from your own foundation long after the final lesson.
SO that
Free Workshop
The Skirt Foundation Pattern
by Atelier Capretto
Before we dive into designing and drafting new skirts, there’s one essential thing you’ll need in your hands: Your Skirt Foundation Pattern.
If you haven’t yet?
Don’t worry. I’ve got you.
Learn how to draft your very first Foundation Pattern —
the custom template of your body that becomes the starting point for every well-fitting garment.
If you’ve ever wanted clothes that feel made for you (because they are),
this is where it all begins.
Is this course appropriate for beginners?
Absolutely ! This course is designed to introduce major topics (like dart manipulations, control seams and slash-and-spread) throughout the skirt designs. We start simple, go step-by-step and build steadily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any patternmaking experience before joining?
Nope! And trust me, if you’ve ever followed a commercial pattern, drafting your own will be a breeze.
What tools and supplies do I need to complete the course?
You’ll need your Foundation Pattern (don’t have one yet? Click here!). Plus a handful of basic patternmaking tools you likely have on hand already (pencil, erase, scissors, tape/glue, tracing paper).
How long do I have access to the course?
You get lifetime access — come back anytime, rewatch lessons, take long breaks… it’s yours forever.
How long do I have to complete the course?
You have lifetime access, but the focused support and community space runs for 12 weeks. That window is designed to help you stay motivated without feeling rushed. You can follow the recommended rhythm or take things slower — whatever fits your life.
How often are new modules released?
New skirt modules unlock in a steady, beginner-friendly rhythm — one skirt each week. This pacing keeps you moving without tipping you into overwhelm.
What makes the pilot version different from the full future program?
Mainly? The 75% price discount.
You’ll also get a more intimate group experience and the chance to gently shape upcoming designs.
Can I get support if I get stuck?
Yes! There are question opportunities at the end of each module and I’ll do my best to get back to you as quickly as I can!
I also provide a compilation of the Questions, so you can get A's to the Q's you didn't think to ask!
This is for you if:
You're tired of ready to wear guessing games, and want clothes that are actually made to fit your body
You prefer the convenience of store-bought clothes, even if the fit and style leave you wanting
You crave creative freedom - from fabric choice to every dreamy little detail
You're not able (or willing) to carve out a bit of time to learn a hands-on skill
You want a clear, comprehensive path that builds real skills so you can ultimately design your own patterns with confidence
It's probably not for you if...
You're just looking for Craft projects - pattern-free and non-sew options only
Get in Touch
want to chat it through?
If you want to ask a question, or make sure this is the right next stitch in your sewing journey, I’m always just an email away.
COMING
SOON COMING SOON
A new beginner-friendly skirt patternmaking atelier is coming soon — where you’ll learn to draft and fit from your own measurements, and design garments that truly reflect you.
Join the list to receive first access when it launches.
