Impact of using half-scale forms on learning patternmaking skills in a flat pattern course: students' and instructors’ perceptions

Despite their long-term use in both industry and academia, few publications document the use of half-scale dress forms in teaching. This study reports students’ and instructors’ perceptions of the effects of using half-scale forms on learning flat patternmaking skills in a flat pattern course. Benefits included allowing students to learn more in less time while using less paper and fabric; easy learning of patternmaking skills due to students feeling less overwhelmed and intimidated about making mistakes; promotion of collaboration; understanding of body proportions because the entire form can be seen simultaneously; understanding how pattern changes impact garment fit because it is easy for students to hold folded patterns up to the dress form; and early identification and correction of errors. Recommendations are provided to mitigate the observed drawbacks, including the difficulty of sewing small components at half scale and the inability of half-scale garments to be worn by human models.