The making your own clothes thread

[MulberryPeony]

Just because a few of us seem likely to get back in the habit with some spare time/wanting to look expensive/capsule wardrobe/consume less.

I made quite a lot of my own clothes as a teen and early twenties but I’m not sure I’ve completed a project for me since. Hand sewing wadding into padded curtains did me in!

I’d like to make a copy of some floaty shorts and duster coat I already own. Got a fair few basic patterns for tops and throw on dresses so might make something light for summer too. I’d like some comfy trousers but worry I’d end up with something resembling pjs! Thinking of repurposing a slub woven cotton smock from a few years ago as there is oodles of fabric to go at.

I’d class myself as a beginner level but happy to adapt patterns. Button holes scare me.

Would anyone like to join me? What is on your to-make list? Any more beautiful sites for me to browse expensive looking fabrics like the merchant and mills one mentioned the other day? Does anyone know of any sites where I can look through a pattern book like the catalogues they have inside fabric shops?

Mike makes a good point about the vintage patterns, the sizing is tiny compared to today's sizing. Some vintage patterns (even many 1990's and definitely those of the 1970s) puts a size 12 as having something like a 32 inch bust and 26 inch waist for example

Also second making a draft sample out of cheap fabric. It's annoying to ruin your good fabric because the pattern doesn't entirely suit you and needs an extra inch or two on the bust or length, or the neckline is too low. You can make all your mistakes on the practice one

Pattern review website is a great resource, well worth checking out before you use a pattern for the first time.

In my experience, I've found Burda patterns to be really good, but beware of theitr instructions, as sometimes they're incomprehensible. I often ignore their zip or collar instructions and refer to the classic techniques covered in sewing books.

If you're looking for help on YouTube, check out "Inside the hem". She's really sweet, covers a lot of subjects, including how to choose the right sized pattern for your measurements, and how to alter them for yourself.

If you can get your hands on the Readers Digest sewing book, it'll pretty much cover the lot. Don't be afraid to buy the old old version cheaply, second hand - the new one just uses photos instead of illustrations. I actually prefer the line drawings. Alison Smith's sewing book is also good.

I was just looking at Prima - they still do the patterns but you’ve got to opt in. 6 issues for £12 very tempted. My first dress was a Prima pattern. People selling unwanted patterns on eBay too.

Actually only £6 for 6 issues direct with Prima.

Scrap that link doesn’t show £6

Many of the magazines have free patterns. They are things like Simplicity patterns.

There used to be the magazine from www.lamaisonvictor.com/en/
in my local supermarket but I've not seen it lately.
I can't get the website to work for me.

Thank you. Just subscribed to Prima xx

This is fun, for those who want something a bit different, cut to their own measurements and don't mind sellotaping a few dozen sheets of A4 paper together.

www.lekala.co/

Disclaimer - I've never used them. I have absolutely no idea if you get instructions but I'd guess not, at the prices they're charging, so perhaps only for those with a bit of experience.

www.stylearc.com/

PDF downloads again. Again, I've never used them but I see a lot of makes on Instagram from their patterns.

shop.deer-and-doe.fr/fr/12-patrons-de-couture

Some REALLY cute garments here, but as they're a French company there's a risk the instructions are only in French...I genuinely don't know I'm afraid.

www.silhouettepatterns.com/html/patterns.htm

This company gives different cup sizes in their pattern range (as do some of the Big 4, so check those out too) for those of us with a bit more up top.

I'd also recommend learning how to do a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) if you're larger than the industry standard of a B cup, unless the pattern provides cup options. I think Simplicity do, in some of their designs. The FBA is a really simple alteration once you've mastered it, and will mean you can make a top that fits your boobs without forcing you to make a bigger size than you really need. The B cup is pretty much what's used by the main pattern companies unless they say otherwise, so I have to do this all the time (FF here).

I like the look of this free pattern elbetextiles.com.au/products/lawley-skirt-digital-sewing-pattern
Possibly similar to the merchant & mills skirt?

@MulberryPeony, that looks easy and the models look fabulous. Thanks.

Can anyone recommend an online haberdashery?

Hello!

I make most of my kids clothes but this lockdown have done a few simple jersey bits for me.

I have put lots of weight on really so it's hard to tell if a pattern isn't flattering or if it's just my shape.

But, I'd like to recommend Ellie and max patterns - they do weekly dollar sales. I printed, cut and sewed this very comfy jumpsuit today. The patterns on sale at the moment.

There is also a curved hem tank top for free which I lengthened into a dress.

@traviis

I buy basic habby online from jaycotts. Great service from these guys.

Fancy stuff? Drool over McCulloch and Wallis......mmmmm

I also used to make a lot of clothes until my 20's when I made for toddler DS. Ive only really done house stuff and repairs at home since then.

I did have nearly 20 working as a machinist so I was rather put off home sewing

Ive done all the little repairs and odd jobs and fianlly got a patetrn out I bought a few years ago.

It was a supposedly very simple dress but I had to alter quite a lot. I realised why I had stopped making my own stuff

Pattern is altered now so hopefully the next one will be easier. I'm waiting on Vilene arriving as I'm using jersey fabric and the neck is curved

I've never heard of FBA and think that was the problem with my dress. I had to use the 18 to fit my bust but was then gaping round the neck. It doesn't help my shoulders are narrower in proportion. I think why I had so many abandoned blouses

Thank you @BigGee

I second Tilly and the buttons! I have all the books and love how easy the patterns are to follow. I'm currently making some of the Biba skirts for summer :)

Also I follow The Fold Line on Instagram as they have loads of patterns on their site.

If you’re wanting to browse patterns from Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick, Vogue, New Look and Burda then sewdirect.com is a good choice. They have an associate magazine which is Sew Today.

In terms of fabric, I use Minerva and Lady McElroy ( for a treat! ). Abakhan is also a reliable supplier. I also try to support local fabric stores where possible.

Of the independent pattern companies, I like Named Patterns, Nina Lee and Closet Case Patterns. The instructions on these are clear and very comprehensive.

Another recommendation for Burda magazine though some of the styles are a bit odd. The patterns are very reliable. I also love the Japanese sewing books that come up on Amazon but I am not tiny enough for them.

Oh, me too!

Made loads of things as a teen/ twenty something on my gran's treadle machine which I inherited ( it's long gone now though)

I'd love to get back into making clothes, I find it so difficult to get clothes I like. I like minimalist muji/toast things but I can't afford their prices.

Have been looking at Japanese patterns, but they look daunting .
Would love to find something similar.

Merchant & Mills are quite Toast like. I'm also a dressmaking returner although I'm a bit stuck trying to lose weight. Mug's game I know.

Lovely @Ofitck

I've been working towards making all my own clothes for a while now.

Cashmerette patterns are designed for curvier bodies and have FBA built in. Great as the big 4 standard b cup can be a tricky fit. I'm making these for summer:

www.cashmerette.com/products/upton-dress-pdf-pattern

www.cashmerette.com/products/lenox-shirtdress-pdf-pattern

www.cashmerette.com/products/webster-top-dress-pdf-pattern
Will add pockets.

I've just ordered this from The Assembly Line:

theassemblylineshop.com/products/cap-sleeve-dress-sewing-pattern

I love Papercut Patterns too. Have made one of these in leopard print and have some very old brocade curtains to make a more summery coat with:

papercutpatterns.com/products/sapporo-coat-pdf

PDF patterns with AO files can be printed quite cheaply if you look for B&W plan printing.

Lots to be getting with.

How is everyone managing with ordering fabrics at the moment? - or maybe you have stashes already to work from?

I'd be so worried about my judgement, buying fabric online...

( I do like that Assembly Line dress posted above)