i have a sewing machine, but i don't know how to make clothes very well.?

Question

i want to make some dresses like vintage type looking ones. how might i go about this. i have pictures of dresses i'd like to recreate so where do i go from there?

Answer 1

Most commercial patterns sites sell vintage recreation patterns that is -an old style cut for a modern woamn's body which is taller and more muscular. With a pattern you don't need to worry about the fit or how the dress is put together, the instruction will guide you through that. You can then concentrate on fabric, embellishments, and making the dress uniquely you!

Also, get a good sewing book to learn some of the technical aspects of sewing. The older Vogue Sewing book from the seventies or eighties is a classic and has everything from the basics to couture and custom tailoring techniques. Reader's Digest has an excellent sewing book that teaches the basics well. Singer has a line of high quality books with clear vivid, easy to follow photographs. Keep these near your sewing machine at all times.

Most sewing and dressmaking is either sewing a straight line, or sewing a curved line. Get some scrap fabric and practice both. Don't make anything, just practice sewing straight or curved lines and turning corners. Learn how to regulate the speed, how to start, stop, reverse, sew a classic 5/8 seam, practice other widths. Learn how to change the needle, how to wind and thread the bobbin, learn how to thread the machine. Practice on several types of fabric. Once you can do all these with ease, sewing a garment is merely putting the practice into use. A zipper is merely a straight line, a side seam is nothing more than a curved line.

Don't be too ambitious too fast, the number one mistake beginners make is to sew a dress beyond their capabilities. I see this all the time in my "beginners in crisis" workshop. Save the boned bodices, the lined and underlined styles for later. If you start with an easy style with simple lines, the fabric can tell the story, and you are more likely to be successful and to have something you can actually wear and love to wear. Once you master the basics, seams, facing, zippers, basic fit, hems you can move onto more elaborate and detailed styles.

If you attempt your own patterns from the get-go, you will likely be disappointed with the results and become frustrated. Pattern design is an advanced level skill but it can be learned. Once you feel confident with your sewing, you can try pattern making. A good book for the individual dressmaker is Don McCunn's "How to Make Sewing Patterns". The photos are a bit dated, but the information is solid. You will make a basic block, and then learn how it is turned into fashion garments. The only limit is your imagination. The book does NOT have sewing lessons, it assumes you are advanced enough to know how garments are put together.

Star slow and build on success while learning from mistakes. It doesn't take long to become proficient at sewing, it just takes a willingness to learn new skills. It isn't intuitive, it is something that you need to work at to get good, but it is quite satisfying and very worthwhile. Happy sewing!

Answer 2

Take a beginning sewing course, buy some books by Singer regarding beginning sewing and then hone your skill by doing.

I have a vintage pattern from the 20's that I believe is a Butterick pattern. Ask in the sewing stores, they may have a book of patterns or go to Walmart too, they have lots of pattern books.

You can always make your own patterns too, look at vintage clothing at books from the library and start your own line!