Sew Fabulous Clothes
You can sew fabulous clothes that are stylish and inexpensive.
Sewing your own is an inexpensive way to have fabulous clothes. You can find beautiful material in fabric shops and other stores plus stylish patterns. Even if you have never sewn before you can follow cutting and sewing directions that’s printed on your pattern. If you can find a beginners sewing class that’s even better. Look for community classes at high schools, fabric stores, or places that sell sewing machines.
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Your best bet as a beginner is to buy a simple skirt or blouse pattern. Take your time and follow the directions to the letter. You don’t buy patterns in the size you wear. You buy according to your measurements so go into the pattern store with your measurements in hand. You’ll need waist, hip, and waist to hem measurements for your skirt.
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Take these while wearing underwear and shoes. Hold the measuring tape snugly around your body but not tightly. Your waist is the thinnest part of your middle. Your hips are measured at the fullest part of your hips. To get the waist to hem measurement, measure from the back of your waist to the part of the leg you want to place the hem. You may have to get a friend to help you with that.
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Spend some time at the shop looking at pattern books to get the sense of different styles. Look for patterns that are labeled easy for starters. These patterns have the fewest seams possible and call for easy finishing. It’s best to start out with a simple elastic band or draw strings. If you must have a zipper, choose a simple one for the side or back. Get the pattern number of the pattern you want to purchase. At some stores you give the number to the clerk and she will get the pattern for you, other stores are self help.
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If you don’t understand the system you can ask the clerk for help. When you get the pattern turn it over to be sure you have the right measurements. You will see a chart for the amount of fabric you will need for your pattern. Check the width of the material as you will need more fabric if it’s less wide. Check what kind of fabric is called for. I advise you to buy inexpensive material to begin with.
You will have several choices of fabric that will be listed on your pattern back,so don’t get carried away with one kind of material until you know what is required. You can show your pattern to a friendly clerk, tell her you are a beginner, and ask for her help. Fabric store clerks are unusually helpful.
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Stay away from knits, plaids, stripes, and really big prints until you are more experienced. Small all over prints are all right. Have the clerk help you select your thread, zipper, (if needed) and any other notions called for. Read all your pattern instructions carefully and go to work. If you mess up that’s what the seam ripper is for. Take your time cutting out and sewing your skirt and wear it with pride in your new ability.
http://beyondjane.com/fashion/style/your-personal-style/
http://gomestic.com/home-improvement/fabric-to-brighten-your-home/
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26 Comments
raman13, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
excellent
strovek, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
Good tip. My mum used to sew our clothes when we were younger.
chitragopi, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
I don’t have the time nowadays but your article does tempt me to revive my old passion, tailoring.
Hazel Crowther, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
Oh I wish I could, we did it at school, I tried so hard but just don’t have the knack.
fishfry aka Elizabeth Figueroa, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
Adding stuff to already made clothes is awesome, my mother does that to her jeans. My jeans don’t fit and my daughter refuses to wear jeans. I don’t have the knack for making clothes, nor do I have the time. I tried once, and well, I am glad my son forgave me for attempting.
Great article
Christine Ramsay, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
I used to make my own clothes including ball gowns when I was at college. Now it no longer appeals to me or I am too lazy. This is a very good lesson for beginners.
Christine
Frances Lawrence, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
I enjoyed this article, I haven’t made any clothe for ages.
Katien, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
Good article. Maybe with less money about people will start making their own clothes again, although in the UK material is very expensive. Making new clothes out of old works out much cheaper.
Lostash, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
I know where to come when I need a new suit now!
lillyrose, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
I think people that do sew are so talented, I just haven’t got the patience.
CA Johnson, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
This was a great article. I wish I knew how to sew more too.
Shirley Shuler, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
This is a good article, Ruby, if only I knew how to sew!
Mystify, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
Great article Ruby,it almost makes me want to take up sewing but when it concerns a needle and cloth for some reason I am all thumbs.I liked how easy you made it sound!Excellent work from one of the best journalistic writers on Triond!
Taryn Storm, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
While all of the other girls were taking sewing in high school, I chose drama classes and all college prep classes. So, I taught myself to sew–badly! But I managed to make a few basics and I made all of the curtains for my kids rooms when they were babies.
I love the idea of sewing, and, if you have patience and time, you could probably teach yourself to sew well.
Good read; I love crafts of all kinds.
Karen Gross, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
It sounds like there aren’t too many people who sew anymore. I love to sew, but fabric is very expensive in Canada too. Also there are not very many places to buy fabric anymore. The only place where I live that still sells fabric is Walmart, and they don’t have much selection.
Judy Sheldon, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
Goodness, I’ve been sewing since I could reach the pedal. Love it!
papaleng, posted this comment on Oct 14th, 2009
Excellent post. My wife will surely love this. Thanks Ruby.
wonder, posted this comment on Oct 14th, 2009
A very good post, wish people left me alone to do as I pleased.
deep blue, posted this comment on Oct 14th, 2009
That’s another bit of tip for homemade engineering. Great idea for beating the economic plunge, Ruby.
Mythili Kannan, posted this comment on Oct 14th, 2009
Great one Ruby… Excellent
Ruby Hawk, posted this comment on Oct 14th, 2009
Thank you my friends for coming by and offering your support. You have my appreciation as always. Sewing is a great way to save money and have fabulous clothes but so many of us are to busy to have time to do these things anymore.
cebuanaeyez, posted this comment on Oct 14th, 2009
I am going to start stitching today!
Teves, posted this comment on Oct 15th, 2009
Wow nice clothes
Starpisces, posted this comment on Oct 18th, 2009
Very impressive, hope I have this skill and patience! Liked it!
CutestPrincess, posted this comment on Nov 7th, 2009
nice article… my mom is a dressmaker… she made me lots of beautiful dresses…
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cardy, posted this comment on Oct 13th, 2009
A good article only thing is I cant sew, loved the read and write thanks for the share.