Sooooo. I want to try making some clothes.

c130 · 09-22-2006, 02:10 AM

I've got this idea for a top I'd like to try making, but I've never made anything more elaborate than an apron, as a home economics project in school four years ago...

I know stuff like hems, how to use a pattern, and so on, but I'm still pretty terrible at sewing stuff. By hand, all my uniform's badges in cub scouts looked mangled, and by machine, my straight lines go curvy, lol.

Any experienced dressmakers got any advice for a newbie who likes to jump in at the deep end? Like, how to cut straight lines, sew hems and do stitching that doesn't fall apart, etc.

Thank-ee.

Cicero · 09-22-2006, 03:04 AM

Hey, I was a deep end jumper, too! It's so much more fun that way.

Alrighty, here are a few tidbits of advice. I'll admit I'm not exactly the sewing queen, but perhaps some of this may come in useful...

The first thing you need is a bloody AWESOME pair of scissors. That makes cutting out anything easy, especially straight lines, and especially if you have a neat line drawn on the fabric. For really long straight lines, it's easiest if you fold the material along the intended line, hold it in place, and just hack away along the edge of the fold. If you hold it firmly enough, the cut should be straight along the line you want. This can be rather difficult if the fabric is stretchy, in which case just work slowly and carefully.

Second item: Sewing hems. Even after sewing 100 skirts and tops, I still haven't got the hang of hemming, but the best hems I've sewn have been made by first folding the edges inwards about half a centimetre, pinning them in place, and slowly slowly feeding it into the machine (taking the pins out as I go along, of course). As a beginner it's a good idea to pin everything before sewing, not only to check that it looks right, but so that you don't get ahead of yourself with the machine and run all over the edges.

When it comes to sewing hardy stitches, I'm not too well versed in doing it by hand, but with the machine I'll make sure to keep rather long tails at each end of the stitches so I can tie them into double knots to prevent them unraveling. Aside from that, make sure you use a good quality and strong thread. I use a brand called Gutermann which has yet to fail me, though I'm sure the UK has even better ones available.

And that's all the advice I can think of right now. I hope at least some of it helps...

Happy sewing

c130 · 09-22-2006, 03:38 AM

Thank you! Very helpful.

Don't think we've got any scissors let alone sharp ones. lmao, an essential item totally overlooked. :o

Anyone got any advice on sewing different materials to each other? Like canvas webbing, fishnet, laces, etc. onto cotton. And what shape of stitch is the best for sewing sturdy seams? I'd go with a regular --------- but then I look at my clothes and see lots of /\/\/\/\/\. Is there a lot of difference?

Cicero · 09-22-2006, 06:03 AM

Ah, yes... I forgot to mention stitch shapes. I use the zig-zag stitch for everything - it's strong, and works well for all types of material. The straight stitch can usually work too, except for with stretchy material in which the zig-zag is vital in order to keep the stretch.

Sewing different materials together is usually fairly straightforward, just make sure any stretchy fabrics (eg. fishnet) don't get over stretched or bunched up as you sew. Take extra care in keeping them even and it should turn out fine.

BlackButterfly · 09-25-2006, 06:04 PM

:: drops in two cents::

:: spry old-lady voice:: Also... get yerself a sewin' bible, kiddo!

Seriously, "Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book" has saved many of my projects before I even started on them! Get a similar book, (or get that exact one on amazon.com...) it'll help you in the long run, especially with your questions about combining fabrics and what. There are even tips on altering patterns, for, saaaay... if you wanna make a top with someone endowed with over a B-cup, but has an otherwise petite frame... ? (That's definitely not me, but I'm just saying, you know...)

One of the problems with jumping in at the deep end,

:: points at self::

of which I am also guilty, is that it is really easy to form bad habits because it seems/looks right at the time.

Instead of scissors, a straightedge and a rotary cutter (found where you can buy quilting supplies) are perfect for those long straight cuts! Believe me, you will be spoiled when you see how easily you can cut a straight line without all that wristwork! Also, you will be less tempted to use the cutter than a pair of scissors when you want to cut something else, like paper, or hair... so it will save the blade for your projects only.
If you do get scissors, consider them an investment, and get a pair that are good quality. They'll set you back a bit, but your cuttings will be more accurate.

I'm pretty sure I've rambled over some of this, but I hope at least a bit of it helped.

Kiinu · 09-25-2006, 09:43 PM

*far from a sewing wiz*

but... if investing in a good pair of scissors... try looking for Gingher brand... I know that's what my family has... and I may not be amazing at sewing... but my mother made my clothes until I was 12... and those are the scissors she's always used... they make cutting much eaiser...

If that helps...

c130 · 09-26-2006, 12:12 AM

Thank you!

I shall look into book and cutting implement, though I don't really fancy spending more than about twenty pounds on anything. Might be able to use my college's huge rotary cutter...