Dressmaking - where to start?

[Clutterfreeintraining]

I signed up to a beginners dressmaking class which was supposed to start 2 weeks ago. It’d been on my to-do list for years and I’m itching to have go.

Can anyone recommend an online tutorial? I have a sewing machine and I have fabric...I’d be delighted if I could produce something half-wearable

1st get yourself some fabric and thread and practice using your machine, learn the different stitches it does, make button holes, basic things like that, gain confidence.
2nd get a simple book, there are books with simple skirts that can be made with instructions.
3rd check your size if you want to use a pattern. The sizes on patterns don't match shop sizes, the back of the pattern shows the sizes. You can buy patterns online.
4th start with an easy fabric eg cotton, better still start with cheap polycotton for a first project.

It's just practice and confidence.
Good thing to remember is have good fabric scissors and only use them for fabric.

Thanks for the reply.

I’ve made a couple of things on the machine - we do group projects occasionally at the craft group I go to so I’m reasonably well-aquatinted with the machine but no idea where to look for patterns.

I’ll order a book and go from there.

Thanks for the tip re scissors. I have a shiny new pair that I bought in preparation of my course. I grew up suffering my mother’s wrath for touching her fabric scissors for anything other than cutting fabric .

I love Tilly and the Buttons. Really good books and her patterns have really good, clear instructions. She's got me into dressmaking again.

I think a good, free place to start is the Sorbetto from Colette Patterns - their slogan is 'sewing patterns that teach', so they don't assume you have much knowledge!
blog.colettehq.com/studio/free-pattern-to-download-the-sorbetto-top
If you google images you'll see hundreds of sewists' interpretations. I love this pattern. You can knock them out in a couple of hours, and the do all sorts of variations. Colette patterns are really good for instructions, although they are pricier than some.

Patterns For Pirates and Made For Mermaids are fabulous - I've made loads of their clothes. The P4P free peg legs pattern is ace if you're totally new to dressmaking. Pick a lovely jersey fabric and treat yourself to the best leggings of your life!

If you look at some of the independent pattern designers (e.g Tilly, By Hand London, Cashmerette), they quite often do a sewalong for new patterns which should have good clear instructions. I've also done a few Bluprint classes and have found them to be good - lots of different skill levels and options

Have you a style in mind? Others may disagree but I find following a pattern fairly straightforward it's the finish that can be where it falls apart. Elasticated waist or zip. Zips aren't too bad but take practice as there are several ways to insert them. Waistbands need to be done carefully. I tend to use the waistband interfacing that you can buy as its easier. The cut edges of the fabric needs thinking about, will it fray?

Sewing is largely practice. Start simple and if it's wearable, even a simple a-line skirt, it'll build your confidence. A difficult pattern or difficult fabric can be frustrating and end up in the bin. Have fun.

You could take a look at the sewing.pattern review.com forum. There is a beginners section with loads of helpful advice.

You tube can be really helpful but be careful, there are quite a lot of people out there who think they are experts after 5 minutes and won't necessarily be showing you the best way to do things.

Remember there is no right or wrong way, and there is nothing to be afraid of. It's just fabric.