McCall's for beginners?

Question

I'm relatively new to sewing (I've been doing it for years, but I haven't done anything outside of beginner). I would like to try sewing clothes with a pattern.
My question is, are McCall's patterns a good place to start? If they aren't, does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!

Are Vogue patterns really easier than McCall's? Because I actually like the way the designs look, but I've heard they were difficult to sew.

Answer 1

I've been sewing for years and years....I started out making clothes for my dolls (I'm now 46). In my experience, McCall's is NOT the best for beginners. The reason is because I've often begun working on a garment using a McCall's pattern and found that a notion was needed which was not mentioned on the pattern, which means if I didn't have that particular item in the right size or color, I couldn't finish the piece without a trip to the store. Another problem I've had with McCall's is several incidences of missed steps on the instruction sheet. Many of these would have been practically impossible to figure out if I had not been very experienced at pattern sewing.
My preference is Simplicity. I also really love Vogue patterns. Either of those is easier to follow than McCall's, in my opinion.

Hope I've helped.

Answer 2

No, Vogue Patts are decidedly harder than the others, even the "easy" styles.

I like McCall's over the other patterns. They are easy and have good designs.

A rule of thumb, the more pattern pieces the harder the patterns.

Start with something like a vest, a simple skirt or drawstring pants before you jump into something with a zipper or a blouse.

Make it out of cheap fabric in case you blow it.

Iron everything well, including the pattern pieces. Make sure to use a dry iron and not steam.

Read everything first, pin everything and check before you cut. Then have at it.

Enjoy.

Answer 3

They are a great start and pick things you know you can do. I have made alot of Scrub tops for work. I would also check out the Sew Easy patterns at Walmart. They are low cost and you can buy low cost material there too. I have found material at $1. a yard there. Check out Walmart! Have fun!

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

The following might interest you:

http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/a...

http://sewing.about.com/b/2007/07/24/fre...

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...

http://www.masterstech-home.com/The_Sewi...

http://www.simplyfurnishings.com/project...

http://sewingneedlework.suite101.com/art...

http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?page...

http://www.singerco.com/projects/

http://sewingneedlework.suite101.com/art...

http://teresagen.www6.50megs.com/sewing2...

http://www.masterstech-home.com/The_Sewi...

http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/653....

http://www.squidoo.com/sewingprojects/

http://www.makingfriends.com/sewing.htm

http://www.allcrafts.net/sewing.htm

http://www.bunkhousesewing.com/site/9341...

http://www.stitchingpost.com/projects.ht...

http://www.sewingweb.com/links/

http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/a...

http://www.dmoz.org/Arts/Crafts/Needlewo...

http://www.ericas.com/projects/

http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/e_...

http://www.freepatterns.com/list.html?ca...

http://www.masseysewing.com/projects/

http://www.fibreartsonline.com/fac/sew/e...

http://www.freeneedle.com/

http://www.angelfire.com/ny/DebbiesPage/...

http://www.needlepointers.com/ShowArticl...

http://www.dollymaker.com/sewing1.htm - as over 60 websites on sewing patterns

http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/...

for Sewing :

Sewing can mean the following things:

embroidery, hand sewing, punch needle embroidery, needlepoint, machine embrodery,cross stitching, dress making, etc so to get what you want of sewing you will have type one of the above in the search box of the follow websites : Msn,Yahoo,Google,Info.com and barnes and nobels website

For books on the subject :

All book are available in any bookstore or library


How To Sew Leather, Suede, Fur
by Phyllis W. Schwebke, Margaret B. Krohn

Tailoring: The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket
by Staff of Creative Publishing International

Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
by Elissa K. Meyrich

Start to Sew: All the Basics Plus Learn-to-Sew Projects
by Creative Publishing International, Creative Publishing International (Manufactured by)

Complete Photo Guide to Sewing: 1100 Full-Color how-to Photos
by Creative Publishing International, Creative Publishing International (Manufactured by), Creative Publishing International

Vogue Sewing
by Vogue, Sixth & Spring Books (Manufactured by)

99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special
by Faith Blakeney, Ellen Schultz, Justina Blakeney, Anka Livakovic

Basic Sewing (101 Essential Tips Series)
by Chris Jefferys, James Harrison (Editor), DK Publishing (Manufactured by)

Its A Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, and Bowls
by Susan Breier

Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book
by Anne Marie Soto (Editor), Simplicity Pattern Company (Editor), Martha Vaughan (Illustrator)

Sewing for Dummies
by Janice Maresh, Janice S. Saunders, N. Graf (Editor)

Amy Butler's in Stitches: More than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects
by Amy Butler, Colin McGuire (Photographer)

Complete Guide to Embroidery Stitches: Photographs, Diagrams, and Instructions for Over 260 Stitches
by Jennifer Campbell, Reader's Digest Editors, Ann-marie Bakewell - a execellent book

Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches
by Mary Thomas, Jan Eaton, Jan Eaton, Jan Eaton (Compiler) - another execellent book on the subject

Embroidery Stitches
by M. E. Wilkinson - a very good book

The Embroidery Stitch Bible
by Betty Barnden, Debbie Bradley (Editor) - Get this book. It the best book I know on the subject for you to have. I own one. well worth your money to spend on it.

Embroidery Stitches: Over 400 Contemporary and Traditional Stitch Patterns
by Mary Webb (Editor) - a very good book read it.

Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches, Including Crewel
by Marion Nichols - a good book for a beginner to have.

Stitches of Creative Embroidery
by Jacqueline Enthoven

Royal School of Needlework Embroidery Techniques
by Sally Saunders, Anne Butcher, Debra Barrett, Anne Butcher (Illustrator)

The Embroiderer's Handbook: The Essential Step-by-Step Guide to Creative Stitches and Versatile Techniques
by Margie Bauer

Basic Stitches
by Katie Ebben, Chris Tubbs (Photographer)

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Bible: The Essential Illustrated Reference to Designs and Techniques
by Joan Gordon - another good book to have.

Needleweaving and Embroidery: Embellished Treasures
by Effie Mitrofanis


For Machine embroidery ( or sewing machine sewing) :

Sewing for Dummies
by Janice Maresh, Janice S. Saunders, N. Graf (Editor)

Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe
by Wendy Mullin, Eviana Hartman, Beci Orpin (Illustrator), Beci Orpin (Illustrator), Agnieszka Gasparska (Illustrator)

Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques
by Nancy Bednar, Joanne Pugh-Gannon, JoAnn Pugh-Gannon, Joann Pugh-Gannon

ABCs of Serging: A Complete Guide to Serger Sewing Basics(Creative Machine Arts Series)
by Tammy Young, Lori Bottom, Naomi Baker (Foreword by)

Machine Embroidery with Confidence: A Beginner's Guide
by Nancy Zieman

Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Stabilize, Hoop and Stitch Decorative Designs
by Jeanine Twigg, Lindee Goodall

Embroidery Machine Essentials: Basic Techniques: 20 Designs and Project Ideas to Develop You Embroidery Skills
by Jeanine Twigg

Embroidery Machine Essentials: Fleece Techniques
by Nancy Cornwell

More Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Customize, Edit and Create Decorative Designs
by Jeanine Twigg

Embroidery Machine Essentials: Applique Techniques
by Mary Mulari, Jeanine Twigg

Sew with Confidence: A Beginner's Guide to Basic Sewing
by Nancy Luedtke Zieman

101 Ways to Use Your First Sewing Machine
by Elizabeth Dubicki

Everything Sewing Book: From Threading the Needle to Basting the Hem, All You Need to Alter and Create Beautiful Clothes, Gifts, and Decorations
by Sandra Detrixhe

Making an Old-Fashioned Patchwork Sampler Quilt on the Sewing Machine
by Andrea L. Shedletsky

Fine Machine Sewing: Easy Ways to Get the Look of Hand Finishing and Embellishing
by Carol Laflin Ahles

Sewing Machine Guide: Tips on Choosing, Buying, and Refurbishing
by John Giordano

Sewing Basics: All You Need to Know to Begin Sewing Clothes and Home Furnishings
by Wendy Gardiner, Mary Senechal (Editor), Kate Simunek (Illustrator), Martin Norris (Photographer), Paul Forrester (Photographer)

Encyclopedia of Sewing Techniques
by Wendy Gardiner


Hopely this will get you started in the right direction.

Hope this helps