Sewing simple clothes

Jo_King

Hi folks,

Thanks for all the tips and advice I pick up on here - the apple plait, and the chelsea buns are two of my favourite recipes.

I am a patchwork sewer - fairly basic patterns (no curved lines!), but I've been doing it for a while. I've also made some simple dresses and trousers for my little niece. I'm now looking towards summer, and would like to try some things for myself. My first attempt at a pair of trousers was disastrous (I put the waist band in upside down!). I made a beautiful kimono short dressing gown, but the pattern was VERY simple. My first top was fine, but I followed a Burda pattern, and the neckline was far too low (I wanted something light and airy - but this was a bit TOO airy), and I'm a bit nervous of trying to change the pattern to make a higher neckline.

What I really want are some simple cotton tunic tops - loose, notch neck, three quarter length flared sleeves. I've got some lovely cotton fabric, but I'm nervous of patterns given my previous failures. Does anyone have any ideas?

Ta.

Pink.

Hi Jo,

The people who post on this thread may be able to help:

Does anyone else sew their own clothes

I'll add your post to that one later to keep the replies together.

Pink

BitterAndTwisted

Do you have a similar top you could make a pattern from? In the first instance if you don't want to risk the nice fabric I'd go for a trial-run using a couple of old pillow-cases or similar to test how it turns out, then you will know how to adapt an existing pattern for the right fit.

All this is theoretical of course because I haven't made a single garment myself since needlework classes in school

Paaf

Have you got someone who can help you? Assistance from someone with experience is really invaluable. I've been teaching myself how to sew, and I often had the problem of simply not understanding the pattern or the instructions with it (or both!). Patterns sometimes do seem to be written in some foreign language to me . A phone call to my mother (who doesn't live in the same country, so sadly can't help as much as we both would like her to) usually helped to clear things up, and all of a sudden things then make sense.

Other than that, it is a matter of practice. Use cheap fabric, so that it is no big deal if it doesn't work out. I've done things like putting the waistband in upside down as well, cutting the fabric wrong etc. Forgive me the cliche, but I have learned so much from making mistakes. You'll soon get a feel for how a garment 'works', so to speak, and then you'll find yourself making small adjustments to the pattern as you go.

Good luck!

23rdspiral

Hi, theres another thread that might be useful called The Sewing Room - we're a nice bunch and everyone is very helpful.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2169321

[Deleted User]

Hi Jo_king

I used to make most of my and my (now grown) children's clothes but less often now that bought clothes can be so cheap. Even when you sew a lot sometimes patterns turn out not as you expected as the illustrations are not always perfect. Go for the "easy" patterns in the book and before you buy them look very carefully at the picture to see what the style is like and also look at the pattern envelope where the line drawings on the back will give you more details. You can draft your own pattern but it is not simple hence the success of the commercial patterns.

Some blouse / top patterns are easier than others but pay attention to your figure. Buy a pattern in a similar style to something that suits you. If you are more generously proportioned for example a top with darts will fit you better than one without. Skirts tend to be the easiest thing to make and fit and you might like to make a skirt to gain confidence before making more ambitious items.

I think that if you are a beginner a sewing book helps with technique if you don't have a friend to help. The sewing books have clear illustrations and descriptions of how to cut out fabrics, which seams to use, how to set in a sleeve etc etc. Your local library will have some that you can borrow.

One tip. Always cut out as early in the day as possible as you are more likely to make a mistake in the late evening!

I'm sure that with a little practice you will be turning out garments that you are proud to wear.

Addiscomber

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

Do you have a similar top you could make a pattern from? In the first instance if you don't want to risk the nice fabric I'd go for a trial-run using a couple of old pillow-cases or similar to test how it turns out, then you will know how to adapt an existing pattern for the right fit.

All this is theoretical of course because I haven't made a single garment myself since needlework classes in school

It might be theoretical for you, but the advice is spot on! There is even a technical term for having a trial run, it is called making a toile.

OP you could even very carefully pin your paper pattern pieces together and try them on extremely gingerly. It is the method advocated by these people http://www.palmerpletsch.com/
but I don't find it very satisfactory beyond basic things like does it actually go round me, is it going to be long enough, because the paper doesn't behave like fabric does, and tears so easily.

eandjsmum

HI I also sew. Years ago I started to subscribe to a Mag Sew Today. I got the original in Smiths. They publish Sewing tips ect. They do Have a website but I am a newbie so I am not allowed to post it. You may be able to enrole on a garment construction or pattern cutting course (they'll show you how to alter Patterns) course at your local Adult ed centre or at Local fabric sellers or Sewing Machine shop. Good Luck

Jo_King

I might get in touch with the local college - to be honest I think one day would do - I just need to learn some vocabulary. The top I made I do actually like in every way except the neck line, so I might buy some cheap polycotton, and have a go at altering it. I also need to buy some pinking shears - I hate finishing edges - they always look such a mess for me, and make it so obvious I'm a novice!

abigail98

My mother told me that sewing clothes for yourself can be so rewarding. You can even design your own. Begin by making sketches, then make easy garments.There are patterns on net. Try to log on and see them for yourself.

Uniscots97

what colour is the top? I altered a very low cut top by using lengths of ribbon and stitching lengths at either side and letting go diagonally and weaving them in and out of one another. Very easy and only needs a couple of stitches to hold the ribbon in place. The finished result was a interlaced ribbon section that looked pretty and covered up bits IYSWIM. Hope you understand what I mean if not PM me and I'll try to explain better.