Sewing your clothes is a fantastic way of developing your own style identity. Because you make your clothing, there are no chances of bumping into someone and realizing you’re wearing the same thing. There’s also something extra special about having a handmade piece or one that you know isn’t mass-produced. With that, it’s unsurprising that sewing your clothes has been quite a dream for many.
Others have made it stay only as a dream, but you can transform that desire into a reality. With sewing, practice makes perfect, as that’s the only way to grow even more confidence. Mistakes will be plentiful initially, but you’ll get the hang of it gradually.
This read helps iron out doubts and questions so that you, too, can be the tailor of your garments, no matter how difficult the start may be.
Gather All The Supplies You Need
You can’t start sewing your clothes without the necessary supplies. While you don’t need to go all-out with your sewing kit shopping list, you should at least have the basics. Once you get the hang of it, you can slowly add more, so you don’t have to feel like it’s a significant investment from the outset.
For starters, a good sewing machine is a must-have. Many models are out there, so take the time to review your options. Ideally, you should go for one that’s easy for beginners, within your budget, and can hold up all the potential sewing you’ll be doing.
In addition, you’ll also need the following:
- Iron
- Fabric scissors
- Fabric chalk
- Pins
- Measuring tape and ruler
- Stich un-picker
- Patterns
- Fabric
Depending on your pattern or design, you’ll need options like buttons, beads, and appliques. Don’t buy those all at once since they’re design-dependent.
Find Some Patterns
Along with the sewing machine, patterns are essential tools to start. Look at your closet and see what types, cuts, and clothing styles you’re more drawn to having. That way, you can choose patterns of clothing and dresses you know you’ll love to have in your closet.
Remember also to choose according to your body type. There are patterns for plus-sized women, who may be conscious about their body shape so that the clothing they now wear flatters them instead of the other way around. There’s always something for everyone, so don’t be disheartened by your body type, petite, boxy, tall, slender, or plus-sized. You can download a plus size tiered dress pattern to start sewing your dream clothing.
Learn How To Use Your Sewing Machine
So you’ve now found the perfect sewing machine. Whatever its features are, remember this most important thing: the sewing machine isn’t going to operate on its own. It still needs your help and skills, making it a must for you to learn how to use your sewing machine.
It can be challenging initially, from learning how to thread it to changing the settings and understanding and memorizing what all those buttons mean. So, before trying out ambitious patterns, start with the simpler ones first to give you some practice.
Note that every sewing machine is different, so it’s always best to return to the user manual or guide. Be patient, so you can have all the practice that you need.
Be Very Particular About Fabric Choice
Did you know that your chosen fabric can make or break your outfit? There are fabrics of all prints and materials, but the best ones are always of higher quality. It’s easy to tell cheap fabric apart from the more expensive ones, so you must be very particular about this.
You can make do with the cheaper fabrics if you’re still practicing. But, once you feel ready to sew the real thing, take time when choosing. Often, the sales associates at fabric stores can give you good advice.
Along with quality, don’t skimp on comfort as well. You may have made the dress so well, but if you’re uncomfortable with the fabric, there’s no way you’ll love wearing that. Stay away from anything too hot or itchy, for instance. Cotton and other organic materials are no-fail choices.
The Bottomline
As with any craft, sewing takes more than just the usual needles and threads. If you’re serious about making your clothes, you must gather more equipment and learn more tricks. The list above is only one of the many sources you can use to your advantage to get started. Whether you’re sewing by hand or by machine, what matters most is that you can develop your desired patterns and designs. Mastering the basics will bring you to the next step, where sewing your clothes soon becomes second nature.