Thread: Making my own clothes

I swear I have searched the forums but can't find what I'm looking for, although I know there will be threads on it everywhere. Google has also, for the second time today, failed me.

I'm hoping to start making my own clothes, 40s,50s, 60s inspired and I'm looking for websites that have instructions on how to do so. Stupidly easy step-by-step instructions that walk you through it. With diagrams. And no fancy sewing language. The sort of thing a 7 year old boy could follow.

Does anyone know of any?

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Originally Posted by December Charm

I swear I have searched the forums but can't find what I'm looking for, although I know there will be threads on it everywhere. Google has also, for the second time today, failed me.

I'm hoping to start making my own clothes, 40s,50s, 60s inspired and I'm looking for websites that have instructions on how to do so. Stupidly easy step-by-step instructions that walk you through it. With diagrams. And no fancy sewing language. The sort of thing a 7 year old boy could follow.

Does anyone know of any?

If you go to a sewing shop/haberdashery they usually have pattern books, I was looking through the Vogue book and they have vintage Vogue patterns ranging in difficulty from very easy to difficult :yes:

Not sure how to find that sort of thing online, sorry pet :worried:

Axx

Try this site
Sewing Patterns and clothing patterns from SewingPatterns.com

I've never bought anything from it, I just use it to see what patterns are available then go to the shop to buy it. You can look at teh pattern details to see how easy they would be to make.

You can often get vintage patterns on ebay too.

If you want to make simple halter tops someone posted this on another thread a while ago, it shows how to make different styles of tops form T shirts.
Ohmystars Craft!.

Good luck

I don't know if you've found it or already had a look but Burdastyle has some great pieces that you could add details to, to make them look a bit more vintage looking.

Heres the link Sewing Patterns, Tutorials, Skills, Projects ? For People Who Sew | BurdaStyle.com Plus they have other sections with tips on what you need to know for certain details etc.

Hope this helps.

xx

Hi December

You could try Start Sewing - they're a handy site with the basics down pat - I've used them myself when I've got stuck during my Tailoring Class homework! :lol:

The V&A museum shop have some books on patterns from the 'olden days' ie 1600 etc, I dont see why they wouldnt do pattern books form that era too.May be worth a look.

This is quite embarassing but I don't know how to use patterns

That's why I was looking for step-by-step tutorials

Originally Posted by December Charm

This is quite embarassing but I don't know how to use patterns

That's why I was looking for step-by-step tutorials

Most patterns come with a step by step thingy on the back, telling you what bit to sew where first etc. I was the same don't worry. If your uni do textile courses you should be able to find loads of books in your uni library.

If I find something I'll definitely put it up. Cut Out + Keep | The Step-by-Step Crafty Community normally have step by step tutorials, but they're more for altering clothes if that's any good to you?

xxx

Originally Posted by December Charm

This is quite embarassing but I don't know how to use patterns

That's why I was looking for step-by-step tutorials

Its really quite easy. Patterns usually come with step by step instructions and quite often diagrams. If you can find a beginners pattern (most of them have difficulty ratings of some kind) You should soon get the hang of it. Even with a step by step tutorial you are still better of using a pattern to cut out the shapes rather than trying to just draw them. What kind of thing were you hoping to make? Maybe I can help you, I've got loads of patterns and I don't mind tracing some off for you and rewriting the instructions in laymans terms. you'd be surprised at how simple a lot of things are (like 2 pieces sewn together). If you want to, PM me with what you want to try making and your address and I'll post you something. (This will also save you from forking out for a pattern that you may not beable to do)

Also another way to do it is to deconstruct something that you already own. This way you can see how it all goes together. Unpick all of the seams and trace around each piece. Then cut out in your chosen fabric and sew together.

Hope this helps
P
x

Hi December,

I have a friend who makes the most stunning corsets, waspies, and all manner of historical clothing (website here/ and believe it or not, she never had sewing lessons but is completely self-taught, and this is the book she swears taught her all the basics. I have the same book myself and it's brilliant, but it is a bit dated - however I see there is now a new version. Want!