Whether you want to freshen up your wardrobe on a budget or express your creative inner self, learning how to make your own outfits is a fun and rewarding thing to do. Even as a complete beginner to dressmaking you can still make a garment worth showing off if you follow these handy hints.
Educate Yourself
The most fun, and probably the easiest way to get into dressmaking is to find a group or class with others in a similar situation. With the guidance, support and practice you get here, pretty much anything is possible.
Realise a Vision
Now what you need is an idea of what you will make. This means choosing a pattern designed for beginners but which will create an item of clothing you will be proud to wear. Be realistic here, but don’t settle for something hideous just because it is simple to put together.
Prepare Your Kit
You will need a sewing machine, fabric, sharp scissors, a decent tape measure and dressmaking pins. Ask around and you may get a used machine going cheap, but if you need to buy one there are plenty of cheap ones at popular high street electrical outlets.
Whatever you do, dismiss any fears about conquering it, as Eithne Farry discovered, using a sewing machine is not only essential but fun too.
Choosing Fabrics
It is important that you choose the correct type of material – if you are not sure, imagine what a shop-bought equivalent would be made from. Linen look cotton is one of the easiest materials to work with, and it is versatile too. Of course, you have free rein when it comes to colours and patterns. If you live in a place where material is hard to buy, consider ordering it online from somewhere like http://www.higgsandhiggs.com/fabrics/linen-look-cotton.html.
Cutting the Cloth
Annoyingly, it is rarely possible to only use the pattern as it is and end up with a well-fitting garment, as they are usually designed for a standard height and body shape few fit into. Get help to measure yourself accurately, and then trace the pattern to cut with the real measurements.
Room to Breathe
The end product should be loose enough to get it on comfortably and be able to move freely and sit down in it.
