Is it tough to make your own clothes and actually put the mateiral together? Any tutorials on how to make em?

Question

Websites would be nice, and how much would a small shop cost to own in the southern cali area?

Answer 1

You need to have some kind of sewing class. If you're still in high school, take Home Ec.

In addition to all the little tricks you need to know, you have to learn how to use a sewing machine. There might be some books on beginning sewing that could teach you, if you're serious about learning, but study one of these before you go out and buy a sewing machine and a bunch of material.

Sewing has its own vocabulary just like any other endeavor, so you need some help just interpreting a pattern. Once you learn the basics, it's not that hard. Start with simple stuff and work up to tailored items.

Answer 2

Well before even thinking about the shop, you need to read over it and do some research before you decide what you wanna do. But take some sewing lessons and decide if that's what you want to do, because you got tons of steps to go through before you even sit down at a sewing machine. You have to know measurements, how to measure, how to read patterns and later on how to make your own, there's a lot to it.. and if you don't get any of that in a class, then they ripping you off. And as far as a shop, you would have to contact the landlord of the property, but mainly a lot of people rent it out rather than "own" it, because usually to "own" it you have to build it from the ground up. And to jump back, it depends on what you're wanting to make... suits, and jackets are the hardest, because you have to not only sew the jacket, but the lining as well. My aunt is a seamstress, and she's burned out on it but it can make you some money if you really know what you're doing. But all I can tell you is that there's a lot of work and accuracy and intricate details involved, so just know that if that's something you're interested in, and start small...

Answer 3

There are tutorials and web based groups out there that are more than willing to help newbies. (the more, the merrier.)

You can also get Sewing for Dummies, books AND patterns. I think that Simplicity does the patterns.

Here are some sites, the about.com has some good links. The delphiforums group is my sewing forum. There are people on there from around the world so there is often a quick turnaround on questions at odd times of the day and night. You do need to join to get in but you do not have to be a paying member.

Happy Sewing

Answer 4

Sewing is like any other activity, craft, musical endeavour hobby or sport - practice makes perfect! The more you do it the better and quicker your pieces will go together. It can be frustrating but it is most definitely worth it! Try taking a sewing class as suggested above or grab a library or bookstore read to learn more!

Invest in a good machine if you plan on doing high-volume or more dense fabric (denim, vunyl). Also you might want a dressmaker's adjustable dummy if you're not fitting for yourself.

I make most of my own clothes (except jeans and running gear!) and my mom runs her own sewing business. She specializes in special occasion and wedding gowns but also does repairs, alterations, interior decorating (curtains, upholstery, etc), size-specific design, custom clothing and hand embroidery and smocking. In addition she crochets and knits sweaters, afghans, lap robes, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. She works directly from our home where she has a room set aside just for sewing (aptly named the sewing room!). She has 3 machines in there plus all the space she needs to store things, do layouts and fittings and keep everything neat and clean. The thought of opening a seperate shop is nice but not practical for her. The overhead is huge and not worth it. By having the shop in her home she is able to sew whenever she has a few extra minutes to spare during the day as well (she is a critical care nurse and works nights). There is no extra overhead and everything is safe and secure. She has a very close relationship with all of her clients and enjoys having them to the house to work on their garments.

Whatever you decide, best of luck to you!!!

Answer 5

Most of what I learned in Home Economics class I could've learned from a copy of The Simplicity Sewing Book or The Vogue Sewing Book. They're books published by pattern companies and teach basic sewing step by step.

There may be better, more thorough things out there, but those two are readily availabe new and used for a notable low cost.

It's easier to learn how to follow a pattern that it is to learn how to alter a pattern for a custom fit and harder yet to develop original patterns.

If off-the-rack closes don't fit properly, it's easier to learn how to sew and to actually sew things that it is to try to find something, anything, that'll fit.

The middle or beginning ground is to learn how to alter ready-made clothing so it will fit better. Many dry-cleaners and fine stores have alteration departments. The primary expense for this is having your own portable sewing machine, needles, threads and scissors.

Answer 6

I have no idea about a shop, but I've been making most of my own clothes for years. I like them better. They fit like they were made for me -- because they were! It's not hard at all to put fabrics together if you know what you like. When you walk into a fabric store, everything there comes in your size and the cut you like. You don't have to get the red blouse just because it's the only one with a v-neck.

If you prefer using patterns, you can adjust the patterns for your own 'fit issues,' like long or short arms, long legs, short torso, etc. I prefer drawing my own, so I really have just what I want. I don't have to care about whether something is "in" this season because I can always get what I want to wear.

I really don't know websites, either, so I guess I'm not much help. Go to Google and look up "Clothilde" and "Barbara Weiland." Those should be helpful for you.

If you'd like to email me with specific questions, please do.

Answer 7

shops cost a ton in calif, if you cant sew yet, you arent ready for a shop, the library has books on sewing and many sewing machine places know of sewing teachers or even have classes at the sewing machine or fabric stores. clothing can get very very complicated or be quite simple, according to the pattern and fabric you use.

Answer 8

No, it is not too puzzling to make your guy or woman clothing. There are books in only approximately each e book keep and types with instructions in each fabric keep. some fabric shops have cd with the thank you to's in them too. i'm sorry, i don't be attentive to something approximately fees for shops.