Making your own clothes is one of the best hobbies to have and comes with many advantages. Not only are you able to design unique pieces that nobody else has, but you can also save money that you would typically be spending in retail stores. However, before you begin, you’ll need to learn the basics.
Sound interesting? Then keep on reading! Below, we are going to be discussing some tips to help you make your own clothes.
Page Contents
Gather the right equipment
The very first step in learning how to sew your own clothing is to get all the right equipment. Alongside your regular sewing machine, you might also think about investing in a serger or coverstitch machine like these ones from Brother. This way, you can overlock and seam together. You’ll also need other basics, like different threads, needles, pins, and scissors. A kit that contains everything can be a great option as you can store it all together.
Select fabric carefully
While you might be tempted to pick any fabric that draws your eye, you want to pay close attention to the material. Some kinds can be extremely complicated to sew, and you don’t want to damage your machine. Most experts recommend starting with 100% cotton fabric as it is versatile and easy to work with. Other options such as chambray, flannel, linen, scuba, and Ponte can also be a good choice.
Start small projects first
Just like any new hobby or skill, it’s better to start with small projects first so that you get a feel of how things operate. If you’ve never used a sewing machine before, it’s probably best not to start with a full article of clothing. Instead, try something like a pencil case, cushion cover, scrunchie, or one of these other easy sewing projects. Once you’ve built up your confidence, you can then move on to bigger items.
Practice on scrap fabric first
As you begin to make your own pieces for the first time, there will undoubtedly be a few sewing mistakes that you make. It’s all a part of learning, but to save time and money, it can be worth practicing on a piece of scrap fabric. Check out the sale bins at your craft store or use old t-shirts that you no longer wear. This way, you’re not spending excess money on something that will probably be thrown away.
Take frequent breaks
It’s easy to lose motivation when you’re new at something, so to make sure that you don’t give up your new hobby too quickly, try and remember to take frequent breaks. If you’re finding something too complicated, walking away and coming back later will give you a set of fresh eyes, and you’ll be more likely to focus. When you’re first starting out, one project may take a few days to complete, so don’t be stressed out. Just think of how great it will feel when you’ve finally created something!
