Beginner sewing help

[Saunaandsteam]

Hi, I need an answer to a basic question. I have made my own pattern using a top I like and have cut out my fabric. What next? Do I hem before putting together or put together then hem?

I am clueless so please be kind, thanking you in advance.

Put together then hem.

Thank you so much! Really appreciate your help.

Put your front and back together with right sides facing then stitch shoulder and side seams. Depending on what fabric that is you would be best to finish the armholes and neckline with a bias binding.

Thank you! Sounds like great advice. I have now gone down a rabbit hole of bias binding you tube videos. 🤣🤣🤣

Come and join us over on the stitch and bitch threads!

did you add a seam allowance when you made your pattern?

You did cut each piece folded double down the centre, didn't you?

Usual first seam is shoulders together, then sides. (If you have any sleeves to add, you open the garment flat and do sleeves before sides)

Lay pieces right sides together and pin or tack before sewing each seam. Finish raw edges with zigzag stitch or overcast.

Bind or face neck and armholes, then hem bottom.

@pastabest The brown paper is the size of the garment, so I hope I've cut enough extra all around for the seam allowance 🤔 I'll check out stitch and bitch, thank you!

@Redebs Thank you for this, I did fold double down the middle thanks - I had watched a video on how to clone your clothes which was useful but which didn't really say how to sew it up so all of this advice has been so helpful thank you. Might I ask you when you say finish the raw edges with zig zag stitch would you mean sewing the two sides together with a zig zag or do each raw edge separately (if that makes sense???)

It means the raw edge to stop it fraying

Sew with right sides of your fabric together with a normal straight stitch try it on an if it fits then zig zag the edges to prevent fraying. Use binding on neck edges and arm holes. Find a how to sew a top on YouTube as the basics are all the same and have fun.

Not sure if any of the above PPs have mentioned this but I was taught by my sewing teacher at school that just before you hem a garment, hang it on a hanger for a day or so to get the fabric to adjust properly. Otherwise you may end up with an uneven hem.

I'm not sure you've left enough seam allowance there, especially on the left hand piece? is it 1/2 inch?

Keep an eye out for second hand sergers/over lockers for finishing off the raw edges.

Thank you for the advice@WinterMermaid987 and @cheekaa - I will definitely try it on before zig zaging and try the hanging thing. @feelingrubbish2023 I think you might be right, it is half an inch in some places but maybe not all. I was actually aiming for a quarter of an inch which i realise now is not correct. However I think that i was a little generous with cutting out the brown pattern sheet so keep my fingers crossed. 🤞

I'm quute a slap dash person in general but trying to reign in that side of my personality!!

Normally you do each edge finish separately after sewing the seam, then press the seam open on the inside with an iron.
I have been known to cheat and do both together on simpler projects like pillowcases.
(I also save time occasionally by edge finishing all the way around the pieces after cutting out. It is cheating and you have to do it loosely, so as not to distort the fabric)

Thanks to everyone's messages I've made good progress today and have sewn together the shoulders and sides. It actually fits...so far. Will do as you suggest @Redebs for the edge finishes thanks.