Making clothes for myself?

Question

I have always wanted to make my own clothes. How long would a complete beginner like me take to teach myself the craft and what are the bare tools that I need, and how much money would I need to spend?

Answer 1

You know, when I was a little girl, my mom taught me to sew. It's really not that hard. If you're actually making CLOTHES clothes, you'll want a sewing machine, but an inexpensive one will do. I have an old foot pedal one, and it still works just fine. Basic supplies that you'll need other than the sewing machine: scissors, thread (get white black and tan to start), needles, pins, a pincushion, a tape measure, a small ruler (metal, with a little marker thingy, I can't think what they're actually called, but they'll know at the store), chalk or a pencil, bobbins, a seam ripper, iron and ironing board. I also highly recommend a fold-out board for cutting patterns. None of these things are very pricey. You could get all of this stuff (other than the sewing machine) for around $50.

You'll also need a big table to do all this stuff on... or you can use the floor if you're into being on the floor. My mom uses her bed with the pattern board spread on it to protect her covers. Which reminds me... be VERY CAREFUL not to cut things or sew them in your lap... you could end up cutting your clothing or sewing then to your clothing. Wow!

Once you have these basic supplies, look at pattern books to see what you like. Look for patterns marked supereasy to start. This will be things like shirts that have only a seam on either shoulder and a seam under each arm, or skirts that have only seams down either side. Don't be fooled... some of these can be a LOT more complicated than they look.

Once you've chosen the pattern, read the outside of it carefully. Get the people at the store to help you decide what you need. The outside of the pattern will tell you how much cloth you need for your size, what TYPE of cloth is best for that pattern, and other things you'll need, like buttons, elastic, etc. It should also mention interfacing, which is how stiffer areas like collars stay so stiff. Don't skimp on interfacing!

Once you've chosen your cloth, choose thread and buttons and other stuff that matches. Again, you can ask the people who work in the store for help with this.

Now, you've bought all your stuff and you're home. READ EVERYTHING IN THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING AT ALL. This will tell you about some other things you might need before you get started. Then, follow the instructions exactly.

You might also tell them at the fabric store that you're a beginner and ask for tips... plus, I bet they have classes. =)

(By the way, customizing clothing for yourself can be MORE difficult than making from scratch. At least from scratch, you have the pattern to tell you what to do!)

I made my first outfit by myself when I was six. So you should do just fine. =) Good luck!

Answer 2

I think you're better off taking a short course. They seem to be pretty inexpensive at colleges. I usually get a flier from the different colleges in the area that have short evening classes at reasonable prices . That way you could do hands on with a professor to start you off. I know that a fashion school like Parsons, Berkeley or FIT in New York are way more expensive.
A book would be informative but the classes would be better since someone is there to give examples. Good Luck !

Answer 3

I make a lot of my clothes. Sometimes it seems a whole lot easier just to buy them. I have a sewing machine-that's pretty much all you need. (besides a sharp pair of scissors)
I learned very quickly in the 3rd grade. So, it's easy. But just as everything else is-the more you do it, the better you get.
Patterns are pretty difficult if you don't know the 'sewing lingo' (such as Baste, Hem, etc. etc. etc.)
They have those printed on the pattern, though. Fabric can sometimes cost a lot, but I just buy mine at Wal-mart.
Good luck!

Answer 4

You can make your own clothes with a beginner level sewing machine. The time it takes would depend on your level of expertise as a seamstress, the complexity of the garments, the types of fabrics and level of finish you wanted. Also, how much knowledge do you have in pattern making, or will you buy reasy made patterns? You can literally spend as much as you want to accomplish this. My biggest peice of advice is buy the best scissors you can afford and take care of them.

Answer 5

According to the BMI Calculator you are an ideal weight! You can afford to put on a bit of weight but it wouldnt hurt if you remained this weight because you're healthy! Even so I cant tell you what to wear to make yourself look great without know what sorta figure you've got so it'd be a great help if you could add some details about that? Thanx xxx

Answer 6

it is a fab idea , making clothes for yourself but it will take time to make a proper wardrobe with your own stuf.. do you like want to get the needle and thread or are you gonna buy other fabrics and sew and cut/
?
the best for a begginer is to start customizing the clothes they already have...

Answer 7

If Your Really Into It And are doing it full time, then it should take 1 month to get really good. but about 6 months to a year to get rally fast and efficient.


HOPE THIS HELPS

Answer 8

hey me too

though to begin with i'm going to customise a denim mini - don't try to run before you can walk.

I would think about a local course then see how you get on and invest in a sewing machine.