how do i sew clothing worth wearing?

Question

i am familiar with using a sewing machine and bought one for christmas,but can i find patterns , designs, or ideas to use online without buying a sewing book?

Answer 1

You should buy a pattern if you are a beginner, stay away from Vogue patterns. Then go to the library and get some books on ideas. Yes sewing books are expensive but the library is free. You can also find them cheap in secondhand stores. If you have a favorite dress etc. you can trace the pieces and use that as a pattern. First cut it out of a cheap cloth and have someone pin it to you so that it fits perfectly then use that as your pattern. You could also try freecycle.org for some free sewing books, cloth, patterns etc.

Answer 2

I am a lifetime sewing fiend - I had my own craft and children's clothing business for years too. My advise is to start small and work up. Sewing is something that is perfected over time. All the books in the world can't replace experience. Watch ads for JoAnn's Fabrics for 99 cent patterns and buy clearance fabrics when you can. Buy Beginner/Easy patterns not the ones that take 12 years to finish. And add your own touches to them - be creative. You will be on your way in no time. Also, make kid's clothes for family friends and charity. They are cheap to make and much appreciated - they are quick and great practice. Plus the best help you can tap into is a relative that sews or even a friend. We all love to share info. Hope you got a decent machine - if it was a really cheap one you may want to exchange it if you are serious about sewing. Good luck!

Answer 3

When you sew your own clothes, you can buy the exact
fabric you want, the exact color you want in the exact price
range YOU want
Home sewn clothing will last at least twice as long as any
store bought. You can make clothes that fit your exact body
measurements. You can save tons of money by sewing
at home.
Go to an up-scale fabric shop. They will have all the patterns
you want--They will tell you of sewing classes that are available, and usually the store gives classes.
Many stores give large discounts if you buy there mostly,
or for holiday sales.
I have been sewing all my life. Once you get good, you can
pick out the best part of certain patterns and make a
designer dress for yourself. You can then sew for others if
you want. An alterations expert gets big bucks.

Answer 4

I am assuming you are a beginner. Go into a sewing store and look through pattern books. Start with something classified as 'very easy' or 'easy'. You will want to start with something very simple, like an apron or something that has a lot of straight lines. The patterns that I have found to be informative in their instructions are either Butterick or McCalls. Happy Sewing!!

Answer 5

go to a fabric store and get a $1.99 "sew easy" pattern, they are very easy to follow. Make a few projects, then try a more dificult pattern. Work you way up to the expert work. I started sewing 10+ years a go and I still feel like I have alot to learn.

Answer 6

well you have the first part solved, using the sewing machine.
I sew but you must have patterns in your size to be able to
make something you can wear.
Simplicity is one of the easiest patterns to learn from...but I
suggest that you start out by making some pretty pajamas.
It has a shirt and pants and if you make a mistake, not to worry,
cause you don't wear it out. you wear them to bed.

Online will give you ideas but you cannot use them really, Start
with an easy pattern, that's how I started and I now make most
of my clothes...don't get frustrated at first, you willl succeed.

Answer 7

I agree with Brin - the library will be your best source. Online resources are also excellent, but unless your sewing machine and computer are side-by-side, a book would be more convenient.

Answer 8

Go to "Home and Garden" on line. From there to sewing.