Creating Sewing Patterns from Existing Garments?

Question

I have several pieces of clothing that I LOVE, and would like to re-create. However, I cannot find a sewing pattern that is similar to them. Is there any way to creaing sewing patterns from existing garments? or is there a place you can send your clothing to have patterns made?

Thanks for your help

Answer 1

You are more than likely going to have take apart the garment, to make the correct pattern. Unless you can find another similar item that you don't mind taking apart, but you are getting another one or more, and most clothing can be resewn. I would definitely find a good seamstress, get her advice on which clothes you want and the fabrics you have in mind. Also, if your local alteration store won't be able to assist you, they can probably give you a recommendation to someone who can.

Answer 2

"Knocking Off" garments is something that professional patternmakers do for manufacturers. I did it for over 20 years and made a good living at it. It is not something that beginners do. I am almost ready to start up a business to do this for people, because people like you need the service and I'm pretty good at it.

You need a needle point tracing wheel, straight edges, straigh pins, mechanical pencil, a hip french curve and armhole/neckline french curve, an awl and push pins to hold the garment in place.

You only need to remove one shoulder pad. Find center Front and Center Back and mark with straight pins. Make a mark on paper to represent the center front or center back and lay the pins along this line. Smooth out the rest of the half B or F and secure with push pins. Trace off one half of the garment F or B using the tracing wheel and pencils. Do the same for the remaining F or B. True up the lines using the french curves. Balance the Front and back side seams, armhole curves and necklines. It took me 2 years, working every day at this , to learn proper proportion. Connie Crawford has excellent books that explain this. Add seam allowance.

You could also find a basic block (again see Connie Crawford), find your size and add design elements.

If you want help with this, email me and we can discuss this further.

Answer 3

It is quite easy. Firstly go to you local butcher and ask to purchase some of their white wrapping paper for drawing your pattern on, or get a roll of brown paper from your newsagent.

Next: Very carefully dismantle the item you wish to copy.

Next: Iron the pieces flat and then lay on paper and carefully trace around the piece, ensure you add extra seam allowance if necessary.

Make sure you label each piece correctly.

Answer 4

If you don't want to take it apart, the rubbing method is a good one. It takes practice but it can be worth it to get the perfect clothes. It tells you how to get the extra pieces you need for darts and ease. http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/review/readreview.pl?readreview=1&ID=83

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Answer 5

you take it totally apart stich by stitch and use the pieces of the dress as a pattern itself.