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Sewing your own clothes can be empowering. Here's how to get started

Liam McBain headshot

Liam McBain

learning to make your own clothes

A basic hand-sewing kit includes thread, hand-sewing needles, a thimble, beeswax, a pair of fabric scissors, an iron and ironing board. Photo illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

A basic hand-sewing kit includes thread, hand-sewing needles, a thimble, beeswax, a pair of fabric scissors, an iron and ironing board.

Early in the coronavirus pandemic, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first recommended wearing masks and supplies of personal protective equipment were limited, home sewers kicked into gear and started making their own. People bought so many sewing machines that retailers had trouble keeping them in stock .

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Anyone who has tried making a cloth mask has probably picked up some pretty useful sewing skills. Those basic features that make masks more comfortable, like pleats or darts , are the same techniques used for making garments. (After all, a mask is basically pants for your face.)

So what if you've been thinking about taking the leap into making your own clothes? We asked some experts how to get started.

What You Need To Get Started

  • A sewing machine (or materials for hand-sewing: thread, needles, beeswax and a thimble)
  • Fabric scissors
  • Ironing board
  • Seam ripper (if you plan on removing stitches)

You don't need much, not even a sewing machine.

Leila Kelleher is a patternmaker based in Ontario, Canada, and the co-founder of Muna and Broad , a company that makes beginner-friendly sewing patterns for people with larger bodies. "Some people actually hand-sew entire garments," she says, "and that's amazing. I don't have the patience to do that, but hand-sewing is honestly a really useful skill to have."

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How Do I Get This Out? Your Guide To Stain Removal

One useful stitch for sewing garments by hand is called the backstitch . Kelleher also recommends learning the invisible stitch , also called the slip stitch or ladder stitch, "and you can use that for a seam that's popped open, any kind of little repairs."

A basic hand-sewing kit includes thread, hand-sewing needles and a thimble, if you plan on doing a lot of work by hand. Running the thread through some beeswax will prevent it from tangling. Also useful: a pair of fabric scissors, which are sharper than the kind used to cut paper, as well as an iron and ironing board.

If you are looking for a sewing machine, Kelleher suggests looking for a vintage mechanical model.

OK, what about fabric?

Three pieces of fabric in mustard yellow, dark gray, and bright yellow and green are stacked against a light purple backdrop. Two spools of thread in pea green and marigold yellow are stacked on top of the fabric, and a measuring tape is draped across the front.

Michael Gardner has been making clothes for his daughter, Ava, since she was little. When he was first learning to sew, he started out by upcycling clothes he already owned. "Upcycling is basically taking something that already exists — it can be something old from your closet," he says, "and you're creating something completely new from it."

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Before buying fabric, do some research on how different materials feel and move, and figure out what feels good for your body. Woven fabrics — like cotton, canvas or linen — might be easier for beginners.

When it comes to picking a project, keep it simple.

learning to make your own clothes

If you're just starting out, opt for a project like a pull-on top or elastic-waist shorts to keep things simple. Photo illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

If you're just starting out, opt for a project like a pull-on top or elastic-waist shorts to keep things simple.

"I feel like jumping out into, like, zippers and buttons can be very intimidating," Gardner says. A skirt, a pair of elastic-waist shorts or a pull-on top made from a woven fabric all make for great first projects.

Whatever you make, if you're sewing clothes for the very first time, you are probably going to make a mistake.

"I'll never forget trying to make Ava a dress. I had cut out the body, the sleeves, sewn it all together, and when she put it on she couldn't move," Gardner says. "I didn't know any better than to pay attention to the direction of the stretch in the fabric."

Gardner had a reason to push through those early challenges. "I love the fact that I get to have my fatherhood experience merged with my creativity," he says, "and I'm also very proud that I've gotten this far just by teaching myself."

What is a sewing pattern, where do you find one, and do you even need one?

learning to make your own clothes

If working from a pattern feels intimidating, you can trace a garment you already own to create your own pattern. Photo illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

If working from a pattern feels intimidating, you can trace a garment you already own to create your own pattern.

Sewing patterns are the templates and instructions used to cut out fabric pieces and assemble them into finished garments. Our experts recommend two different approaches to getting started with patterns.

Kelleher suggests checking out independent sewing-pattern companies. Some independent designers create detailed, step-by-step guides for beginner-friendly patterns. That's how I (Meg) got back into sewing a little over a year ago. (Kelleher makes at least one of these tutorials for every pattern at Muna and Broad.)

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If the thought of working from any pattern seems totally overwhelming, you might want to try Gardner's approach: tracing something from your own closet, a process that will probably involve some trial and error. "For me, I feel like the process of copying is a little bit more freeing," he says. "You're going to make a few mistakes."

You deserve fabulous clothes that fit.

A measuring tape is arranged in a heart shape on a light purple background.

"I come from the philosophy that your body is your body and if clothes don't fit it, it's the clothes' problem. It's not your body's problem," says Kelleher.

A couple of tips for getting a good fit: Start with a pattern size that's as close to your measurements as possible, and make small adjustments as you go. (Here's a guide to measuring yourself .) And you can always start with a mock-up using inexpensive fabric — in sewing this is called a muslin or a toile.

There are also resources for queer and gender-expansive sewers who want to try patterns that haven't been designed with their bodies in mind — sites like SewQueer and The Sewcialists .

Fitting clothes is one of the most challenging parts of learning to sew. Ultimately, it's a process of trial and error and getting to know what works for your body.

Find your community.

Spools of thread of varying colors are lined up in a loose row against a light yellow backdrop.

Kelleher and Gardner both talked about how important the online sewing community has been for them.

Kelleher, who identifies as fat, says she hadn't been using Instagram. "And then I discovered some hashtags like #plussizesewing, #curvysewing, #fatsewing, those kinds of things. And I started seeing beautiful fat and large bodies wearing clothes that they had made that just look fantastic. And I found that really empowering for myself."

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She also pointed out how useful it is to see a garment you want to sew on someone with a body like yours.

And some advice courtesy of Gardner's daughter, Ava, that's going to come in handy when you're ready to show the world what you made: "Confidence is key for her. So usually once she puts something on, out loud she'll say exactly how she feels. 'I feel beautiful' or 'I love this.' ... Giving yourself credit for what you're actually doing is very important."

The podcast portion of this episode was produced by Liam McBain.

We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected] .

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A Beginner’s Guide to Sewing: Learn How to Make Your Own Clothes

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We share with you our favourite online resources to learn how to fix, stitch, and make your own clothes.

Believe it or not, sewing is trendy. When the pandemic hit, many of us dusted off our sewing kits to find a creative way to pass the time while learning how to make the most out of our wardrobes. Not only is it a useful skill, but sewing can also help relieve stress , make us feel more positive, and improve hand-eye coordination.

Sewing is a skill that takes a bit of practice to master, but we encourage everyone who is able to at least learn how to patch a hole.

Whether you’re just starting or want to find cool clothes you can make yourself, we wanted to share our favourite online resources to support you on your sewing journey.

In this section, you will learn what you’ll need to have on hand and how to start mending and sewing your own clothes.

Assembling your sewing kit

There are plenty of sewing kits you can buy out there, but you could also assemble your own by reusing an old pouch or glass jar and filling it with all the tools you’ll need to start sewing. Maybe your parents have extra pairs of scissors they wouldn’t mind giving you, or perhaps a friend has a few items they’re not using. Here’s what we recommend you have in your basic sewing kit:

  • Pins, needles, and thread
  • Measuring tape
  • Fabric scissors
  • Seam ripper

Of course, you can always add more as your skills and needs evolve. You’ll find plenty of options and recommendations online when the time comes.

If you want to make your own clothes, you’ll also need to buy fabrics. We recommend checking out your local fabric shop first. Otherwise, many websites sell fabrics , including sustainable and ethical fabrics . You can also reuse old clothes, bedsheets, or towels—whatever materials you have already lying around at home.

Do I need a sewing machine?

Good question. It depends on your needs. If you just need to darn socks, patch holes, and sew a hem from time to time, the answer is no.

However, if you want to start making your own clothes, using patterns or handling heavy-duty fabrics like denim, then you might need to invest in a sewing machine. A good sewing machine is an investment and can last you a long time (I mean, my mum still has hers, which she bought when she was 20). It’ll take a bit of practice to get used to it, but once you know how to sew with a machine , a whole new world of possibilities will open to you.

Online sewing classes

Learning how to sew has become so easy thanks to the internet. There are many free online sewing classes and tutorials that you can take at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home:

  • Made to Sew is a fantastic YouTube channel that has loads of tutorials and sewing lessons
  • The English Tailor is another sewing YouTube channel that focuses on menswear
  • Anita from Anita by Design teaches beginners how to master the basics of garment sewing
  • Seamwork’s online classes allow you to sew an entire project or find the steps to complete your own projects

You’ll also find plenty of sewing classes on Skillshare or Udemy .

Mending your clothes

Let’s start small and get used to the needle and thread by working on a few easy mending projects. Prolonging the lives of our clothes is one of the most sustainable things we can do for our closets. Plus, knowing how to patch a hole, replace a button, or sew a hem are valuable skills for everyday life.

Patch a hole

We all know that dreadful feeling when you feel your clothes snag on something sharp, and you look down to see a hole or tear. Ugh. Luckily, repairing a hole is a quick job that anyone can learn to do.

Mend a seam

Learning how to sew a seam that has ripped can be a game-changer. Once you know how you’ll have no reason to toss your favourite shirt or dress—just fix the ripped seam quickly and easily.

Replace a button

Replacing a button on a shirt or a dress is one of the easiest things you can sew. Even if you decide to stop reading this article right now, at least go learn how to sew a button on.

Who has bought pants only to realise they were a tad too long? I know I have. And when it happens, knowing how to sew a hem is essential. You could also take your pants to get tailored, but doing it yourself only takes a few minutes and is way more affordable. If like me, you don’t have a machine, you can even sew your hems by hand (my mum taught me, but this tutorial is great too).

Repair ripped jeans

Next time you rip your jeans, you can a) rock the ripped denim look and look super cool, or b) easily repair your jeans by stitching or darning the holes, or even applying an iron-on patch for a unique look.

I don’t know about you, but I always find ways to make holes in my socks. It’s annoying, and learning how to darn socks has changed my life. Now I just put on Netflix in the background and darn a few socks at a time.

Upcycling or making your own clothes

You’ve made it all the way down here, so now it’s time to start actually making your clothes.

First, you’ve got to learn how to use patterns and some basic sewing terms so you can decipher tutorials more easily.

When it comes to finding patterns, you’ll find plenty online, and many sewing blogs share their patterns with their community. We also recommend checking out Peppermint Magazine and Seamwork . Both have an extensive selection of cool and contemporary designs.

Need inspiration? Here are some of our favourite DIYs to make or upcycle your own clothes:

  • Quick Linen Hair Scrunchies – Collective Gen
  • Masculine Pants – Cornelius Quiring
  • How to Make Your Own Tube Dress – Kelly Cross
  • Slip Dress with Leg Splits – The Essentials Club
  • Simple Bucket Hat – The Essentials Club
  • Button Down Shirt – Tock Custom
  • Linen Culottes – The Essentials Club
  • Linen Robe – Collective Gen
  • Wrap Skirt – Rosary Apparel
  • Off the Shoulder Crop Top – MYSTYLEDIARYY
  • How to Knit a Sweater – Well-Loved Knits
  • Gathered One Shoulder Top – The Essentials Club
  • High Waisted Pants – Tint of Mint
  • Overall Jumpsuit from Scratch – Jess Dang
  • Custom Overalls – Brit + Co

Looking for more DIY projects? Check out our favourite sustainable fashion and home DIYs

Editor's note.

All images via Unsplash. Good On You publishes the world's most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

Everything You Need to Know About Waste in the Fashion Industry

Is it really high quality an expert guide to choosing clothes that last, what is fair trade and why does it matter for fashion, cultural sustainability: colonialism, appropriation, and what justice looks like, ethical brand ratings. there’s an app for that..

Wear the change you want to see. Download our app to discover ethical brands and see how your favourites measure up.

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Emily Lightly

Slow fashion, sewing, & sustainability

How to Start Sewing Your Own Clothes

How to Start Sewing Your Own Clothes - Emily Lightly

I get asked these kinds of questions a lot: “How did you learn to sew?” “Where do you get your patterns and fabric from?” “How can I start sewing when I’ve never sewn before?” So, I thought I would write a post for you to answer all of these questions and more! In this article I’m going to be sharing how I got started sewing, what supplies you need to start sewing, where I like to shop for patterns and fabric, and my top five tips for beginners. There’s also a video version if you’d prefer to watch rather than read.

But first, I did want to let you know that I have an online course that teaches you absolutely everything you need to know as a beginner sewist, from where to buy patterns and fabrics to how to work a domestic sewing machine. You can learn all about my course here: Learn to Sew for Complete Beginners .

Watch the Video

My Sewing Journey

My mom was a big sewer, and was always making clothing for my sister and I as we were growing up. She made our halloween and dance recital costumes as well. So I was exposed to sewing from a pretty young age. I also remember taking lessons when I was in elementary school. After that, I just took the normal home ec/sewing class in high school.

I don’t think I really made a lot of clothing back then, but I did learn a lot of the basics, such as how to thread a machine and that you always need to backstitch. But I didn’t start actually sewing my own clothes up until about a year or two ago.

I don’t want to discourage you or for you to think that you need to have a lot of prior experience to sew your own clothes. These days, I think it’s easier than ever to start sewing with all of the online resources out there! Anyone can get started at any level, and once you get a handle on some of the basics, it’s actually quite easy.

Supplies You’ll Need

The first thing you’re going to need is pretty obvious: a sewing machine. I use my mom’s old Singer machine (I think it’s older than I am) and it works great. I actually don’t have a very good handle on what’s available in the market these days and what’s good, so unfortunately I don’t have any recommendations for what kind of machine to get. But, I do think they are probably quite a big investment. If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend seeing if you can borrow one from a friend or family member, or maybe try to pick one up secondhand.

Aside from that, a basic list of supplies that I regularly use includes:

  • Fabric scissors
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Stitch un-picker
  • Safety pin or bodkin
  • Fabric chalk

You’ll also need notions depending on your pattern; some patterns call for buttons, elastic, bias tape, etc. A lot of these things can be purchased from your local thrift store, which is a great way to re-use what others don’t need anymore as well as save yourself a lot of money.

One final thing that I also do is keep a sewing journal. For each piece I make, I record the pattern, what fabric I used, and any notes such as adjustments I had to make, mistakes I made, or what I might do differently next time. It’s a great way to keep track of my makes and help me remember things in case I come back to a pattern and make it again.

When it comes to patterns, when I was growing up, there were a few big companies that sold through my local fabric store – companies like Butterick, McCall’s, Simplicity, and Vogue. They are still around today, but these days there are also so many options with smaller, independent pattern designers. I mostly use indie patterns because I just feel like they’re a little bit more modern and I think it’s good to support small businesses.

One resource for patterns that I used a lot when I was starting out (and still continue to use) is the free patterns at Fabrics-Store.com . They have so many great, quality patterns that are beginner-friendly, so you don’t have to invest a lot of money upfront to practice. They also have a great glossary of sewing skills and techniques on their blog, The Thread . I’d highly recommend checking them out!

Other pattern companies that I like include (but aren’t limited to):

  • Sew House Seven
  • Allie Olson
  • The Fold Line
  • Papercut Patterns
  • Peppermint Magazine (they do free patterns in collaboration with other independent pattern makers)
  • Merchant & Mills
  • The Assembly Line
  • Elbe Textiles

There are so many great options available out there, and it’s so much fun to explore them all. But hopefully this list gives you a good starting point!

Also, here are a few specific patterns that I think would be great for a beginner:

  • Anna Allen Pomona Pants + Shorts
  • Fabrics-Store.com Essential Linen Tank
  • Wiksten Shift Dress + Top

I mostly buy fabric online, just because I think it’s easier to find sustainable fibres (like linen, cotton, hemp, etc). The last time I went into my local big-box fabric store, I didn’t see much in the way of 100% linen, and the ones they did have were very expensive. A lot of smaller companies ship worldwide and have a really great selection of fabrics to choose from.

Some companies that I like are:

  • Fabrics-Store.com (US; just sells linen)
  • The Fabric Store (Australia)
  • Bolt Fabric Boutique (US)
  • Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics (US)
  • Blackbird Fabrics (Canada)
  • Matchpoint Fabric (Canada)
  • Simplifi Fabric (Canada)
  • Earth Indigo (Canada)

When it comes to fabric, I like to go with woven fabrics like linen or cotton just because I find them so much easier to sew with. They don’t have a lot of stretch and won’t slip around as much while you’re sewing them, so they’re great for a beginner.

Especially when it comes to clothing, sewing a more loose, flowy linen garment is a lot easier than trying to put together a tailored piece like a pair of denim or a structured, button-up blouse. Plus, linen pieces are in my opinion very in style these days! And because linen is a fully natural fibre, it will biodegrade so it’s more sustainable and earth-friendly.

Fabric can be expensive, especially if you need a lot of it for a big project. But just the same as with notions, you can definitely pick up scrap fabric from your local thrift store and use that to practice while you build your sewing skills.

Some sewists even make what’s called a toile or muslin, which is basically a test-run of a full pattern using scrap fabric. This is helpful especially for more complex patterns because it helps familiarize you with the steps as well as lets you see if there are any adjustments that need to be made to end up with a perfect finished garment. In any case, I’d definitely recommend shopping for scrap fabric secondhand while you’re learning to save money.

My Top 5 Beginner Sewing Tips

  • Start simple. For your first project, I’d recommend a pair of loose, elastic-waist pants. I think one of the first things I ever made was pyjama pants. This is a great way to practice, because if they don’t turn out that well, you’ll just be wearing them around the house or to sleep anyway, so it doesn’t really matter!
  • Practice on scrap fabric. Like I mentioned before, test out your machine and a few different stitches or techniques on scrap fabric first. This will help you get a feel for things and won’t waste expensive fabric.
  • Read through the entire pattern before starting. This is a really great habit to get into to help familiarize yourself with all of the steps and techniques in a pattern. I do this before even cutting out my pattern. It gives me a good sense of what I’ll need to do, and helps me think of any adjustments I might make as I go.
  • Try on your garment as you go. Each time you sew a seam or complete a step, quickly try on your clothing to make sure the fit is right and how you want it. It’s much easier to make adjustments (like letting a seam out or increasing a seam allowance) as you’re doing each step as opposed to after the fact when your piece is completed.
  • Finally, go slowly and enjoy the process. Don’t rush and do try to be as careful as you can, but know that mistakes are going to happen – they happen to me all the time! But you can just unpick them and try again, it’s all part of the learning process. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and just try to have fun, because at the end of the day, that’s why we’re sewing in the first place.

Ultimately, my recommendation if you want to get started sewing today is to pick a beginner-friendly pattern, pick up some fabric from the thrift store, get your hands on a sewing machine, and give it a try! In my opinion the best way to learn is by doing.

There are also so many great sewing how-to resources out there. A couple that I like on YouTube are Stitch Collective and The Fold Line . Any time you have a step that you’re not quite sure how to do – even just threading your machine – do a quick search and I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.

I hope these tips have given you the confidence you need to take the first step in sewing our own clothes! If you have any questions that I didn’t answer, let me know in the comments below. And, please also let me know if you enjoy the sewing content! Sewing is such a big hobby of mine, and I would love to share more of it with you alongside my other slow fashion, capsule wardrobe, and simple living content.

Thanks so much for reading,

Emily Lightly

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How to Start Sewing Your Own Clothes - Emily Lightly

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23 comments on “ How to Start Sewing Your Own Clothes ”

Ahhh I wish I had this concise list of things to know when I started sewing! I randomly decided I was sick of paying an arm and a leg for clothes that didn’t fit me well or weren’t quite what I was looking for about 2 years ago and bought a Brother machine from Amazon. Sewing is so much fun and now I can either make all of my own clothes or buy secondhand and make them fit me better. It’s such a great skill to have!

Wow so impressed with your underwear sets! Which old singer? I’m using my mom’s old singer too but I feel very doubtful I could sew underwear!

I’m not sure of the model actually! But I think you could easily make this on any machine as long as you have the proper needle for knits (I think they are called a ball-point needle). It really is super easy! I did my first pair using the black fabric so that any mistakes wouldn’t show 😉 By the time I’d done my second and third sets I had it down pat. Give it a try, I think you’ll surprise yourself! 🙂

This is why home ec is so important. People don’t seem to know how to start anything. There’s tons of utube, google, learn to look up stuff u don’t know. Goodness the world is wide open read. You get patterns at Joanne’s or eBay or your grandma

I decided today to help my daughter do something with her life as she’s wasting it away. So here I am ready to get her involved in learning how to make a simple wardrobe for herself. This place appears to be ideal for her to start. I’ll purchase a sewing machine for her. I’ve been thinking about what could she do that would be profitable for her, well making her own clothes is the answer. She’ll love the idea. I’ll encourage her and help her along her journey to sewing. And she’ll gain a skill.

Thank you Emily for providing your expertise, which my daughter will benefit from.

An impressive and useful checklist for beginners. For our side, we can add a few other tools that will certainly be useful at the beginning of the sewing adventure (and not only at the beginning). You can find them at: https://www.ministryofpatterns.com/blog/essential-sewing-tools-beginner-sewing-kit We hope you find our guide as helpful as yours, Emily. Happy sewing!

Great motivating article. My frustration is funding a pattern size that fits, even coming close and then altering. I am a 14-16W and patterns that size have so much fabric in in bust and midrif they look like tents. I’ve ruined a lot of attempts! What is your suggestion of pattern manufacturers that are truer to size? Thank you Laurena

That sounds really frustrating, sorry you’re running up against that issue! That’s the problem with size charts – almost no one fits into them perfectly. For simple linen tops, I’ve found the free ones on fabricsstore.com to fit me well. But I typically go for more flowy/oversized silhouettes which may not be what you’re looking for. Probably the best thing is to make a toile and then do a bust adjustment: https://www.seamwork.com/magazine/2019/10/four-essential-small-bust-adjustments It’s a lot more work but if it ends up with the right fit then it could be worthwhile. Also, I find looking at the finished garment measurements more useful than going by the body measurements. I usually compare with a shirt I already own that I like the fit of to choose my size. Hope this helps!!

Thanks for a great post. I’m just starting out and your tips are really helpful.

This is a great introduction, and exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

Hi Emily. Wow thank you for this information. This has given me the boost I needed in starting this new journey in the sewing world. Thank you for the insightful tips. 🙂

Thanks for all the info you gave me tonight i want to start but no help,so thank you

Thank you, Emily! I’ve had a goal to learn a new skill this year. I tried my hand at painting, but after spilling too much paint on my carpets, I’ve decided to go with another skill. Sewing clothes seems like the perfect option right now. Can’t wait to follow your tips and get started. If nothing else, at least I won’t have to call in a carpet cleaner when I make a mistake

Tks so.much I enjoyed reading yr tips.

This is very helpful, thank you for sharing!!

Hi. What pattern was used for the white shirt in the picture? Also what kind of fabric did you use? Is it linen or cotton? I’ve been trying to make tshirts out of knit fabric but it’s been difficult especially the neck bands. Im wanting to try something more like the shirt in your picture. Thank you!

Hi! That one is a free pattern from fabrics-store.com called the Agustina boxy top . I made it from linen. It’s a really great and simple tee! Definitely a basic wardrobe staple for me.

( writing this in class lol)

I want to start sewing for cosplay! my mom sews some, shes not a pro but she’s good enough to help! (appreciate you, mom) and this helped def!

I’m making a sweater out of an upcycled throw blanket. What kind of stitch do you use to sew the sleeves to the body, the front and back of the body to each other, and the sleeve to itself?

That depends, what is the blanket made out of? If it’s a knit (stretchy) material you’ll want to use a stitch that can stretch, so a zig-zag stitch or if your machine has one, a straight stretch stitch. My preferred method for sewing with knits is a serger/overlocker.

I am just starting out sewing and have the same exact upbringing as you. My mum did exactly the same for me and my brother and has an industrial Singer machine which is definitely older than I am.. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and tips. I am definitely going to start a pattern journal. Thanks again.

I appreciate your post.

Thank you, Emily! Your video and content were very helpful.

Sewing From Home

How to Make Your Own Clothes

Have you ever wondered how to make your own clothes? For those who love creating things with their hands, chances are, the thought has crossed your mind.

Unfortunately, making clothes can be intimidating. There is, after all, a lot to the process! While sewing may be complex, learning how to sew clothes isn’t too hard with the right know-how and proper tools.

how to make clothes

So, let’s dig into the process of making our own clothes from scratch, with a few handy tips that can allow you to jump over hurdles that may have held you back in the past.

But before we dive any deeper, why exactly should you make your own clothes?

Benefits of Making Clothes Yourself

Environmentally conscious, socially conscious, cost-effective, more design choices, making clothes using a sewing machine vs. sewing by hand, sewing machine types, electronic vs. mechanical sewing machine, what features should your machine have, built-in needle threader, top-loading drop-in bobbin, free-arm capability, where to buy materials, patterns to start you off, fifteen-minute pencil skirt, how to make a dress, where to find patterns for sewing clothes, blogs over social media, vendor sites, specialty pattern sites, on the road to sew.

If you haven’t really thought about making your own clothes before, it’s a good idea to start now.

Here are a few reasons why.

Commercially developed clothes come at a great cost to the environment. Did you know that for jeans alone, 1,800 gallons of water are used for every pair ?

Not to mention all the water that we end up using just to wash them. There is also a great deal of fabric (not to mention clothes themselves) that ends up as waste.

In just the U.S. alone, textile waste amounts to 15 million tons.

Making your own clothes means that you get more choices in the fabrics you use while recycling fabric that you don’t need anymore.

We all have that one blouse that we never use and are too guilty to throw away. By sewing your own clothes, you can recycle that blouse into something you can be proud of.

And if you don’t want it yourself, you can always sell it on a third party marketplace!

Other than it being good for the environment, it’s good for society too. In this age of social awareness, the textile industry has been under scrutiny for questionable working conditions.

making clothes

Buildings that aren’t up to code, child labor, and underpaid workers are just the tip of the iceberg. By creating our own clothes, we can ensure that we aren’t supporting an industry that makes a profit through immoral means.

Other than it being green and socially-conscious, creating your own clothes just makes sense financially. For those who have the time to do so, this craft will greatly reduce the cost of your wardrobe.

Sure, it may take a while before you notice a difference, but fabric, thread, and a few additional tools will all cost less than a single blouse or pair of jeans that cost $30 or more a piece.

Let’s face it. Shopping can be exhausting. Especially for those who don’t usually have clothes catered to them (like plus-sized women and those with allergies to certain textiles,) it can be a frustrating experience.

Or maybe you can still find clothes that fit you, but you just really want a skirt with pockets for once.

Making your own clothes solves this problem; no more walking into the tenth store just to realize they don’t have what you need.

You can use smart software and apps to come up with some truly unique design ideas.

And of course, making your own clothes is fun! Clothing is an art, after all.

With the skill of sewing on your side, you can fashion your wardrobe out of any pattern that your heart desires.

While it is possible to make your own dress without the use of a sewing machine, it may take more time and effort than you are willing to commit – depending on the type of dress , in particular.

If it’s the price tag that’s stopping you from buying a sewing machine, consider the fact that an investment such as this will pay dividends.

making clothes

It may seem cheaper to sew by hand, but the effort and time it requires are too high for the final product. You may even get discouraged halfway through!

For those who want to cut costs, try buying second-hand, or keep your eyes peeled for discounts.

When evaluating sewing machines, there are four general categories . They are the electronic machines, computerized machines, overlocker machines, and mechanical machines.

For beginners, the only machines that you need to concern yourself with are the electronic and manual ones.

All other types are too advanced for beginners and will be specialized for techniques that you won’t need to use.

For those with parents or grandparents who know how to sew, you’re probably familiar with mechanical sewing machines.

Mechanical varieties are powered manually, using a wheel or a dial on the side of the machine. This, in turn, controls the needle fitted into the device.

Electronic machines are, as their name may suggest, controlled by electricity. The speed of the needle is handled by the machine itself at particular settings, which does speed up your work.

The question then becomes, should you buy an electronic or a manual machine?

Perhaps the most important distinction between the two is the number of features they have. Because it is powered by electricity, the electronic machine will have more functions than a mechanical machine.

However, mechanical types are better in other aspects. In fact, Sewing Machines Plus recommends that beginners start with a mechanical type because it has fewer components, making it easier to learn the basics.

Additionally, a mechanical type is still usable even in a power outage. If that’s not enough, mechanical machines are cheaper too.

The biggest disadvantage of choosing a mechanical type is that it may be harder to shop for. Most are vintage models since there aren’t a great number of them currently in production.

how to make clothes

When you’re in the market for a new sewing machine, it may be overwhelming to comb through the list of features that each model has.

These are the three features that Sewing Machines Plus recommends looking for in your beginner sewing machine.

Threading your needle will be a task you complete hundreds of times as a beginner sewist. If you do it that many times, chances are, it will become mind-numbingly frustrating.

A needle threader will make your work far more enjoyable and will save you a lot of time. The feature operates in the way you expect: it threads your needle for you, with very little input needed.

Bobbins, those cylinders around which the thread is wrapped, can be a pain to replace if your bobbin doesn’t load from the top.

Without a top-loading bobbin, you won’t be able to check how much thread you have left at a glance, and you are required to dig through the machine when replacing it.

This feature allows you to speed up a fundamental task in sewing, with far less effort.

A free-arm sewing machine provides you with the space to move your hands and your fabric around, both near and under the needle.

If your machine isn’t free-arm, you will only be able to sew long pieces of fabric — which is a problem if you want to sew sleeves or most hems.

Here’s a video showing some basics of sewing clothes.

Now that you have your sewing machine, where do you buy your materials? There are many options available, most of them online.

While brick-and-mortar stores do let you feel and examine the material first-hand, shopping online means you can explore the best deals and peruse through a large selection of fabrics from different manufacturers.

For beginners, the sign of a good online marketplace is if they have a brick-and-mortar store also. Most of the time, places like these are already established in the sewing community and have decades of experience behind them.

One such vendor is Joann. Joann has a large selection of fabrics that you can choose from, as well as other sewing materials such as interfacing and bobbins.

Shopping at their online store is faster because you can skip long lines. You can also opt to pick up your materials in-store so that you can skip the shipping fees.

Another good online marketplace is Fabric.com . They have a wide array of fabrics for whatever garment you’re planning to make.

What’s great about Fabric.com is that they also have tutorials and guides on their site, which makes it incredibly friendly to beginners.

While it may be niche, Vintage Patterns deserves a mention. This is a vendor which collects patterns from as early as the Roaring 20s. As a bonus, anyone can add patterns, so as to broaden the site’s overall selection.

While this may not be your style, vintage patterns have influenced modern-day fashion. As such, even if you don’t deck yourself out in retro style come 2020, perusing the collection may inspire a creative spark or two.

make your own clothes

Now that you have your fabric, why not try out at a pattern or two? Sure, you could dip your toes in the water by stitching a bag or a pot holder, but why not jump directly into sewing clothes?

If you have cold feet, don’t worry. When we say these projects are for beginners, we really mean it!

Just try this fifteen-minute pattern from Heather of The Sewing Loft.

For this pattern, all you need is fabric and an inch-wide piece of elastic. Start by measuring your hips, as well as the length that you want your skirt to be. Then stitch the elastic band, and you’re good to go!

Of course, for more detailed instructions (and pictures), check out the blog post here .

See our guide: how to sew a dress .

What about that dress we’ve been talking about? Well, this jersey sheath dress takes half an hour.

The hardest part of this sheath dress by Melissa Esplin is the measurements. After that, you only need to combine the parts, and you’ve got yourself a dress!

To check out the pattern (and, again, the ever-necessary pictures), view her blog post about it here .

Now that you’ve had a taste for sewing clothes, you may want to check out other projects to try your hand in. But where exactly do you find more patterns?

There is an incredible number available online, whether on an official sewing website or just Pinterest!

You’ll find the best quality on blogs, since the more detailed the instructions are, the easier your process will be.

Pinterest is a great place for discovering cute looks, but occasionally, they fail to link to the original pattern.

Most of the time, bloggers have made and adjusted cute patterns for themselves, so you can be sure that they are tried and tested.

make your own dress

Another place for discovering beautiful patterns is at online sewing shops, like those we have previously mentioned.

You may be encouraged to buy these patterns, but there are always a variety of free options for you to test drive.

Of course, there are sites that are fully dedicated to curating patterns. One such locale is the Sewing Directory.

Other than sewing patterns, they also host a large number of guides about sewing, such as how to create different stitches or how to make alterations (e.g. making a shirt smaller ). Here is their list of projects that are perfect for beginners.

Another site is HobbyCraft . While most of the patterns on this site are behind a pay-wall, they also have patterns that are free to use.

These designs can be a great jumping point for any beginner. If you want more patterns for their site, the paid options are always available.

This video shows how to read a pattern for sewing clothes.

As with any new skill, leaning how to make clothes can take a fair amount of effort. Nonetheless, learning how to repair, alter, and make clothes can save you a lot of frustration, time, and money.

Once you’re able to save damaged clothes and update your style for pennies on the dollar, the advantages of this skill will cease being superficial and start being financial!

While you may encounter hardships along the way, it’s just a matter of time before you can whip up a dress like nobody.

All it takes is a bit of practice and dedication, and you are bound to create the perfect outfit in no time.

What’s your favorite thing about making your own clothes?

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How To Sew Your Own Clothes

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When I first learned how to sew in middle school, I was frustrated by the process. And it wasn’t until many years later, after taking a basic pattern drafting class with Cal Patch , that something clicked. I started sewing and haven’t stopped. For the past nine years, I’ve taught countless others how to make garments, too, even releasing my first sewing book . I’ll happily share tips to get you stitching as well.

The benefits of sewing your own clothes are many. You are the one making the decisions. If you want to build an all-linen wardrobe, you can do it one piece at a time. Or maybe there’s a particular palette or color combination that strikes your fancy. You aren’t limited by trend forecasting or what’s on the shelves at any given moment. It’s a liberating practice, but it can also be hard to know where to start.

1. Find A Pattern

learning to make your own clothes

Take a look at your clothes. Sometimes this is less about examining what’s hanging in the closet and more about what ends up in your laundry basket. Determine what you wear and then use your answer to help decide what you’d like to sew.

For a first garment, choose a simple, beginner-friendly pattern—like a boxy top or a simple skirt with an elastic waist. Many indie pattern companies sell patterns; I have my own shop, 100 Acts Of Sewing , and I also recommend Grainline Studios , Made by Rae , Seamwork , and Christine Haynes .

2. Take Measurements

The next step is taking measurements. You’ll need a soft measuring tape (also called a tailor’s tape), a pencil, and a notebook. Measure your chest at the fullest part, waist, and hips. If you need a visual reference, Youtube has many great tutorials, including this one .

Note your measurements down and compare them to the sizing on the pattern. If you’re in between sizes, or you find your bust measurement is one size and your waist is another, don’t fret! Instead, get yourself some tracing paper (that roll of parchment paper from all your pandemic baking will also work in a pinch), and trace out the pattern. This is the time to make any simple adjustments to the pattern, such as lengthening or shortening. When you’re finished, cut out the traced pattern and write out all the information—called pattern markings—like the name, size, the fold line and how many pieces to cut out. More on this later.

3. Shop For Fabric

Now that you have your pattern and size, you can move on to the fun part: shopping for fabric. Visiting a store allows for a visual and tactile experience, but you can also shop online as many sellers offer swatches or samples. A few shops I recommend include Fancy Tiger Crafts , Miss Matatabi , and Blackbird Fabrics .

learning to make your own clothes

In the broad classification system of fabrics, there are two distinct types: woven and knits. Woven fabrics tend to be a bit more beginner-friendly and include lawn, twill, and double gauze. Alternatively, knit fabrics have a stretchy quality, making them more comfortable to wear. Just note that knits are a bit more difficult to work with and it might be better to save them for after you’ve tackled a few projects.

Two other important variables when it comes to choosing a fabric are weight and material. Consider the garment you’re making and what you’ll want from your fabric. For example, lightweight fabrics like cotton batiste or handkerchief linen are semi-transparent (requiring a lining), though they tend to hold a press better. Chambray or seersucker are both medium-weight and are good choices for tops or dresses. Hard-wearing denims and cotton canvas are more suitable for jackets, trousers, or tote bags.

These are just a few of the many options. To learn even more about different fabrics, check out the sustainable fabrics 101 guide .

4. Prep & Cut Fabric

Wash your fabric. As most fabric shrinks, you’ll want to wash yours before beginning to sew (wash and dry the fabric in the same way you intend to treat the finished garment). If it wrinkles, simply give it a quick press, using the appropriate settings on your iron.

Fold your fabric. Pattern pieces are often the same on both sides, so they will have fold lines to take advantage of the symmetry while ensuring that both sides of your garment will match. Think of it like folding paper in half to cut out a heart. Take the time to carefully fold your fabric in half and smooth out any large wrinkles.

Take note of the grainline arrow on the pattern. This refers to the direction of the warp threads for woven fabric (the vertical threads placed on a loom). The weft threads go under and over, depending on the particular weaving pattern. The arrow is there to indicate how to orient the pattern piece in relation to the grain of the fabric. Cutting a pattern piece askew or off-grain may lead to slight twisting once the pieces are sewn together. For further reading, check out this article .

learning to make your own clothes

Pin, trace and cut. You can either use the pinning method —this was the way I was taught when I learned to sew—or you can use pattern weights . Simply place the pattern on the fabric and use weights, so it doesn’t shift; then trace around it. You can trace with chalk, fabric pencil, or any tool that won’t leave a permanent mark (see photo). Once you’ve traced your first piece, make sure you have enough fabric for the remaining pieces. Also, if your fabric has a large print, this is the time to check the placement. You might want to avoid a pair of big flowers right at the nipples. If everything looks fine, then cut the pieces out.

5. Time To Sew

After all that work, it is finally time to sew! For this step, you’ll need: a sewing machine, sewing machine needle, washi tape, ruler, thread, pins, small scissors, iron and a pressing surface. While you can sew by hand, a machine will be more efficient for beginners.

While sewing machines vary in makes and models, they have multiple points where the thread travels from the spool to the needle. These help keep an even tension, which in turn helps create even or balanced stitches. Make sure you have a new needle and that it’s the appropriate size for the weight of fabric you’re using .

I recommend using a piece of leftover scrap fabric to test-sew before starting your project. This way, you can check how the thread looks next to the fabric and how the stitches themselves are behaving.

learning to make your own clothes

Working on a flat surface, lay the piece out with the right side up. Then place the second piece on top, so the right sides are touching. Seams are hidden inside our garments and, to achieve this, we sew with the right sides together (RST), sometimes called “right sides facing.” The right side refers to the outside of the garment (the side you want to be seen). For some fabrics, this will be obvious (see photo), while printed or woven fabric might look the same on both sides. If that’s the case, just pick one side. You can mark it with chalk or a piece of tape if you feel like you might get confused.

Pin these pieces together following the pattern instructions. Place the pins perpendicular to the edge of the fabric. While the temptation to sew over the pins is strong, it’s better to remove them as you sew. This way, you avoid the possibility of breaking the needle if it hits a pin or driving the pin down into the machine.

learning to make your own clothes

You’ll also want to keep the seam allowance in mind as you sew (the specific distance away a seam should be from the edge of the fabric). The instructions will note how much the pattern calls for. Depending on what you are sewing, the seam allowance could be anywhere from 1/4 inch at a neckline to 7/8 inch for a side seam. Getting this correct is important, since sewing with too wide a seam allowance will result in a garment that’s too small, or conversely, sewing with too narrow a seam allowance yields a garment that’s far too big.

Familiarize yourself by taking a small ruler and measuring the distance from the needle. Most sewing machines have lines in the stitch plate with multiple measurements; some have seam guides as an attachment. Using a strip of washi or masking tape can help make it clearer and act as a visual guide.

6. Edges & Finishing Touches

The edges of the fabric require some attention. If left as is, they run the risk of fraying with every wash and eventually, there might not be enough fabric to hold the seams together. Preventing fraying is easy enough, with a range of options:

Pinking shears. This is a special type of scissors that cuts small triangular notches. This stops long threads from forming and unraveling along the edges.

Zigzag stitch. A basic stitch setting on many machines; sewing at the edge helps grab hold of the thread and keeps them from separating.

French Seams. A method where the edges are sewn twice and enclosed. As you sew more, you might want to experiment with this polished-looking finish.

Serger . A separate machine with two needles and three or four spools of thread. It cuts and encloses the edge in a very speedy fashion. But the downside is they can be notoriously difficult to thread.

learning to make your own clothes

Necklines and hems are edges that need special attention. The curve of the neckline poses a particular challenge with its curves. It requires finishing with separate pieces of fabric cut to the same shape as the neckline (called facings) or bias tape.

As this part of garment sewing often presents the biggest challenge, I recommend using visual aids to help. Here is a video tutorial .

Take it slow on the machine, or you might even consider ditching it altogether and opting for hand sewing. Remember, you are learning a new skill, and with anything, it takes time. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and note the progress you make in your new craft instead of seeking immediate perfection. Most importantly, have fun!

Have you tried sewing your own garments? I’d love to hear about the clothes you’re making in the comments below!

Sonya Philip is an artist, designer, and teacher. Four years ago, Sonya started 100 Acts of Sewing , making dresses while documenting the process. Since then she has made it her mission to convince people to sew their own clothes. When not covered in bits of thread, she can be found knitting another shawl or cardigan. Sonya lives in San Francisco with her family.

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The Creative Curator

Welcome to The Creative Curator, an essential online resource for anyone wanting to learn how to design, pattern, drape and make their own clothes and accessories!

I am a fashion designer and creative pattern cutter – you can learn more about me here – and I teach others how to do the same with my free content, online courses and 1-2-1 sessions.

Whether you’re a complete beginner excited to start making clothes of your own, a more experienced seamstress ready to embark on your patternmaking journey or a fashion lover ready to drape or design your own collections, you’ll find all the information you need here at The Creative Curator!

Take a look at the most popular content below, that my readers love and find helpful.

Learning To Sew – Sewing Tutorials For Sewing Beginners

Patching or mending clothes is just one reason for learning how to sew

The tutorials here are the very beginner ones that I recommend to anyone new to sewing clothes. You can find a full guide to my sewing tutorials here , but those listed below are great starting points!

  • How to thread a sewing machine
  • How to use a sewing machine
  • Different seam finishes
  • How to sew hems
  • What is stay stitching?
  • Essential sewing tools for beginners
  • Parts of a sewing machine
  • Sewing terminology
  • How to cut fabric straight with scissors
  • How to sew in a straight line
  • 9 professional sewing tips

Towards the bottom of the page I have listed out the free sewing patterns (and paid ones too) that I have either created or tried myself! These are great for further developing your sewing skills!

Beginner Sewing Tutorials For Seams and Hems

Loving how nicely the elasticated hem looks once the hem is turned under and stitched into position.

Here are some more specific tutorials on sewing different seam and hem types. It’s important to consider the type of fabric you’ll be sewing, so be sure to consider this too when choosing a seam or hem for your sewing project!

  • Open seam tutorial
  • Easy welt seam tutorial
  • Flat felled seam tutorial
  • French seam tutorial
  • Mock French seam tutorial
  • Lapped seam tutorial
  • How to hem using a sewing machine
  • Double fold hem sewing tutorial
  • How to sew a pin hem
  • Bias binding to finish a hem

Intermediate Sewing Tutorials

How to sew a puff sleeve - prepare your cuff!

For those not quite as new to sewing your own clothes, these tutorials are more intermediate in skill level!

  • How to make rouleau straps
  • How to sew elastic directly to fabric
  • How to fuse fabric together
  • Curved French seam tutorial
  • How to sew darts in a bodice
  • How to sew puff sleeves

Sewing Different Pocket Types

The finished accordion pocket with hand inserted

Adding pockets when sewing your own clothes is a great way to make a commercial sewing pattern more unique. Here are my latest tutorials on sewing different pocket types!

Inset Pocket Tutorials

  • Welt pocket
  • Jetted pocket

Patched Pocket Tutorials

  • Basic patch pocket
  • 3 pleat accordion pocket

Inseam Pocket Tutorials

  • Basic side seam pocket

Guides For Sewing Tools & Sewing Machines

Selection of dress forms I own - on the left is a half size min dress form from Kennett & Lindsell, in the centre a fashion size 12 Kennett & Lindsell dress form and a Celine 'fuller figure' dress form on the right.

It goes without saying that once you’ve fallen in love with sewing, you’ll want to expand the tools and sewing machines that you have. These guides will help you make the right choice for your needs!

Different Sewing Tools

  • Measuring tools used in sewing
  • Fabric marking tools
  • Cutting tools used in sewing
  • How to use a tracing wheel
  • Types of French curve rules
  • Pattern making tools
  • How to use a sewing gauge
  • Best dress forms used in sewing
  • Dress forms for men

Sewing Machine Guides

The following guides will help you to feel more confident in buying and using a sewing machine:

  • Different types of sewing machines
  • Best leather sewing machines
  • Handheld sewing machines
  • Sewing machine needle types
  • Different sewing machine presser feet
  • What is the presser bar on a sewing machine?
  • Buying a sewing machine

Easy Sewing Projects

Eve Tokens, a smiling white woman with blond hair, holds up a DIY recntagle skirt with the elasticated waistband stretched out. Inset is a photo of her wearing the skirt with a black sequinned blazer.

Whilst I have many beginner friendly sewing tutorials on the blog, the number of sewing projects is less prolific. Here are some that I have enjoyed creating and sharing the process of! I do try to create as sustainably as possible, so you’ll notice that they may be upcycle projects or zero waste where possible.

  • Rectangle skirt tutorial
  • Fanny pack / bumbag tutorial
  • DIY wrap skirt with ties
  • DIY faux fur pom pom keychain
  • DIY apron from a man’s shirt
  • DIY ruffle dress

Pattern Making Tutorials

Peter Pan collar pattern - choosing the right starting pattern for your Peter Pan collar!

Of course I need to let you know about some of the best pattern making tutorials that I have for you here as well – these tutorials will walk you step by step through the pattern making process, helping you to become better at pattern making with each one!

  • Drafting a female bodice block
  • Drafting a simple skirt block
  • Drafting a pants pattern: detailed version
  • Drafting a basic sleeve block
  • Drafting a raglan sleeve pattern
  • Puff sleeve pattern
  • Kimono sleeve pattern
  • Peter Pan collar pattern
  • Mandarin collar pattern

Understanding Different Fabric Types

Sheer types of fabric

The key to successful projects when designing and sewing clothing is understanding the different types of fabrics that you can use. My large collection of fabric guides will help you understand the different properties of fabrics so that you can choose the right one for your next project or collection!

  • Choosing the right fabric for clothing
  • Preshrinking fabric
  • What is interfacing fabric?
  • Natural vs and made fibres
  • How is cotton made into fabric
  • Sheer fabric types
  • Types of lace fabrics
  • Sewing with twill fabric
  • Types of georgette fabric
  • How to sew chiffon fabric
  • What is gabardine fabric
  • Types of tulle fabric

Clothing & Fashion Styles

A summery yellow daisy playsuit worn by a young white woman is a clothing type

For those interested in learning more about styles with fashion and clothing, these guides are very informative and a great resource for anyone wanting to better understand garment types and fashion in general.

  • Types of clothing
  • Parts of a shirt
  • Different shirt types
  • Types of necklines
  • All about collars in clothing
  • Pocket types and uses
  • Different types of sleeves in fashion
  • Different types of sweaters
  • Different types of skirts in fashion
  • Different dress styles
  • Different types of pants
  • Different sock types

Best Books For Sewing, Pattern Making & Fashion Design

election of the best books

When it comes to your sewing, pattern making and fashion design journey, there are many books that can also help you develop your skills. Here are the guides I have which feature books that I myself own, or have previously used along the way to developing my own skills.

  • Best sewing books
  • Best sewing books with patterns
  • Mending books
  • Best pattern making books
  • Sustainability in fashion books
  • Fashion design & fashion illustration books

Sewing Patterns To Get Started With

Decide the line you need on the free circle skirt pattern template!

Of course this page would not be complete without mentioning sewing patterns! I have a great selection of sewing pattern round-ups and reviews for you to have a look through, and try hard to mention the sewing level too, so that you can be properly informed before embarking on sewing one of your own!

The first place to start if you’re completely new to sewing patterns is to review the process of printing PDF patterns and how to stick pdf patterns together . It’s so important to get both parts right so that the pattern you cut and sew is accurately sized!

Sewing Patterns That I have Created For My Readers

I’m not a prolific sewing pattern creator as I don’t really believe the world needs more of the same, so the number of sewing patterns I have created for my readers is smaller, and based more on requests of my readers. I’ll update this list as I add more, but here is the current selection:

  • Free sleeping mask pattern
  • Free DIY drawstring bag pattern
  • Free little wallet pattern
  • Bumbag / fanny pack sewing pattern
  • Free easy tote bag pattern
  • Circle skirt template pattern
  • Free face mask pattern

Sewing Patterns That I have Reviewed For My Readers

I’m often asked for sewing patterns suggestions by my readers who don’t want to learn pattern drafting. These are the articles covering different sewing patterns from other designers that my readers have enjoyed learning more about:

  • Simple summer sewing patterns
  • Easy sewing patterns for beginners
  • Best plus sized patterns for beginners
  • Best jumpsuit patterns
  • omen’s cargo pants pattern
  • Men’s drawstring shorts pattern
  • Scandinavian sewing patterns
  • Sewing the Greer jumpsuit

Check out my web stories for a succinct look at some of my readers’ favourite articles!

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A Beginner’s Guide to Making Your Own Clothes

How to sew your own clothes

This guide has been written by Julie Bonnar of  The Pattern Pages – an online resource and 2 monthly downloadable magazine for people who love to sew their own clothes. 

Ever dreamed of making your own clothes? It’s a fantastic way of creating your own style, and with lots of independent sewing patterns  on the market as well as gorgeous fabrics – there really hasn’t been a better time to have a go.

Julie Bonnar from  The Pattern Pages  shares some tips for absolute beginners. She says “practice really does make perfect, and to start with it’s all about making the most of your new and growing skills and gaining confidence as you sew. If you’re completely new to dressmaking, it’s better to make a really good job of a simple garment than a dog’s dinner of something that’s far too complicated! My advice would be to start a printed pattern that’s been created for beginners.”

Sewing Patterns Designed for Beginners

A sewing pattern gives you all the tools you need to make a garment. It’s made up of an envelope with lots of handy information about sizing, what skills you need, garment descriptions, photos and illustrations, body measurements, as well as fabric suggestions and requirements. Inside you’ll also find a set of instructions – this is your guide to making up the garment, along with the pattern tissue (the pattern template), which you’ll use with your fabric to cut out your garment – you’re ready to begin to sew! 

What Comes First – Pattern or Fabric?

Reading a sewing pattern carefully will help you choose which pattern is best for you, as well as helpful advice on what fabric to buy (see this guide to choosing fabrics for dressmaking ). There’s lot of new terms to get to grips with and starting to read the pattern will help you to make choices easier. For more information on sewing patterns, check out  The Beginners Guide to Sewing Patterns  on The Pattern Pages website. 

Look for sewing patterns that suggest they’re for those just starting to sew. These patterns will use easy techniques and avoid any complex tailoring and fitting. 

 Most sewing pattern brands will have sewing pattern collections that have been specifically designed for newbies:

Burda  has a cotton reel rating – where one reel denotes an easy pattern. This pattern brand also has a ‘Super Easy’ range of patterns too. Burda sewing patterns happen to be one of my favourite brands to sew with but are slightly unconventional where certain information that you’d usually expect to find on the instructions is on the tissue (such as layout) – so don’t go throwing away the tissue when cutting out!  

Simplicity  sewing patterns have several sewing pattern collections for beginners including ‘Learn to Sew’, ‘Easy-to-sew’, ‘It’s So Easy’ and ‘Sewing Patterns for Dummies’. The ‘It’s So Easy’ range has a whole section devoted to these patterns in its catalogue, which makes selection easy.  

New Look sewing patterns are labelled ‘Easy’or ‘Very Easy’, and also indicate quick makes of one and two hours on the front of the envelope.  

Butterick  has a whole section in their catalogue devoted to easy patterns and include ‘Yes! It’s Easy See & Sew’ range. Other sewing pattern collections from Butterick, McCalls and Vogue have four ratings – ‘Very Easy’, ‘Easy’, ‘Average’ and ‘Advanced’. 

Kwik Sew  has the Kwik Start, Learn to Sew range for sewing novices. 

 N.B. Do check that the seam allowance has been included on the sewing pattern – some independent sewing patterns don’t and this will cause all sorts of problems if you think it has!

Best sewing patterns for beginners

Tips for Selecting an Easy Sewing Pattern

Get to know the terminology. Check out the  Every Pattern Term You’ll Need to Know  guide on The Pattern Pages.

Select patterns that include the words quick, easy, simple and for beginners. 

Check online to see what other people have to say about the pattern on websites like  Pattern Review . 

Choose a sewing pattern that has just a few pattern pieces to sew together. 

Buy your first sewing pattern from a retail shop where you can get expert advice. 

Make sure you buy the right sized sewing pattern. To help buy the right size, see  How to Take Accurate Body Measurements  on The Pattern Pages.

Beginner’s Sewing Patterns for a Stylish Capsule Wardrobe

Here are my sewing pattern suggestions for beginners:

Wonderful Skirt Patterns

Learn to sew your own clothes

The Ultimate Pencil Skirt

From The Maker’s Atelier  can be   made in stretch fabric, and is very easy to make. Also included within the same pattern is a woven version with zip so you can progress with your sewing skills.

Learn to sew skirt patterns

Easy Skirts

Go for skirt patterns rated easy and you can’t go wrong! Look at the selection here .

Nice knit sewing patterns

Easy to sew knit patterns

Knits are a popular choice for beginners – take a look at the selection of knit dress patterns for beginners here . 

Simple dress patterns for learners

The Bettine Dress  

From Tilly and the Buttons  is a simple to make pull-on dress with scoop neckline and elasticated waistline. The plain skirt version is perfect for those new to sewing.

Best Dressed

what are the easiest sewing patterns for beginners

The Marianne Dress  

This is a casual knit dress with a figure skimming shape, round neckline and binding. This dress sits just above the knee.

Easy patterns to sew with knit fabrics

The Aurum Dress  is from the newest collection of sewing patterns from  Deer & Doe . This woven dress is suitable for absolute beginners, and features this season’s fashionable kimono sleeve. It also has a cinched waist courtesy of princess seams plus a handy bust pocket. Wear it by itself or with leggings and boots.

Easy to sew tops

Kimono sewing pattern

Simplicity  

This is a kimono sewing pattern and comes from the Easy to Sew range – it is loose-fitting and great for any occasion. It comes in sizes xxs-xxl so is a good choice to learn to work with lightweight fabrics.

If you are looking for places to buy sewing patterns please search The Sewing Directory for many online sewing stores to choose from. There is a dressmaking patterns category.

Selecting Fabric

Selecting the right fabric can make or break a finished garment. To begin with, the best advice is to use one of fabric type that’s recommended on the sewing pattern envelope.

Easy-to-sew patterns will recommend easy-to-work with fabrics such as cotton, plain and knit fabrics that don’t fray, aren’t too slippery and where no pattern matching is required like prints, checks and stripes.

Avoid sewing patterns where you need to cut the fabric on the bias as this adds an element of stretch to the equation.

Here is a guide to choosing fabrics for dressmaking . 

Search here to find online fabric stores

Choose your category below

  • Local Businesses
  • Online Businesses

Tools of the Trade

Sewing tips for beginners

  To start to make your own clothes you’ll need an assortment of tools:

For measuring:

Retractable tape measure

For cutting:

Dressmaking shears

Small pair of scissors for cutting thread etc.

Paper scissors (for cutting patterns)

Seam ripper

For marking:

Dressmaker’s chalk pencil

Tracing pattern

Pins and magnet pincushion

For sewing:

Sewing machine

Sewing needles (hand and machine)

Extra bobbins for your machine

Quality threads

For pressing:

Ironing board

Pressing cloth

You may also want to consider buying the following once you’ve caught the dressmaking bug:

A dress form to help with fitting

Extra feet for sewing machine once you get started

Pressing aids such as a sleeve roll and tailor’s ham.

There’s a guide to essential dressmaking tools here. 

Tips for Successful Sewing

1. Read the sewing pattern several times before doing anything. I try to imagine making it step-by-step and thinking ahead to next stage. This can help to avoid sewing things wrongly together and having to unpick.

2. Always pin perpendicularly in the seam allowance as you go. Pins are really easy to remove as you sew and pinning fabric pieces together before you sew can also help you see how things fit together.

3. Watch technique tutorials online.

4. Join a Sew-Along. Many sewing pattern companies have started doing Sew-Alongs when they launch new sewing patterns. These guide you through each step/process over a period of time so you get the best results from your pattern.

5. Invest in some good books to explain techniques and garment construction. 

Three of my favourite dressmaking books

Best sewing books for beginners

1.  Claire Shaeffer’s Fabric Sewing Guide  is a great encyclopaedic guide to the selection, wear, care and sewing of all fabric types.

2.  Sewing 101 – Workshop in a Book  starts at the beginning from choosing tools to learning techniques and comes with a DVD.

3.  The Complete Photo Guide to Clothing Construction  by Christine Hayes is an essential reference book for construction techniques from how to sew a zip to shaping garments with darts and princess seams. 

Burda, Simplicity and New Look patterns,  www.simplicitynewlook.com

Butterick, Kwik Sew, McCalls and Vogue patterns,  www.sewdirect.com

Tilly and the Buttons,  www.tillyandthebuttons.com

The Maker’s Atelier,  www.themakersatelier.com

Christine Haynes,  www.chirstinehaynes.com

Victory Patterns,  www.victorypatterns.com  

Take a look at our  Ultimate Listing of Independent Dress Pattern designers to start selecting your next pattern!  We also have lots of great dressmaking advice in our techniques section , and free dressmaking projects in our free projects category. 

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How to Design and Sew Your Own Clothes: a Beginner’s Guide (2024)

By: Author Mutasim Sweileh

Posted on Last updated: December 27, 2023

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

how to design and sew

Feel the sensual caress of luxe fabrics against your skin as you craft each stitch with loving intention.

Say goodbye to poorly-fitting garments and unleash your inner designer.

With some basic skills, you’ll create custom pieces aligning with your true style – no sewing experience needed.

Just grab a needle and let your creativity flow.

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

Assessing your sewing skills, gathering essential sewing tools, fabric weight and drape, – fabric stretch and recovery, – fabric care and washing, evaluating skill level, – choosing simple patterns, – selecting suitable fabrics, understanding the pattern pieces, cutting out the fabric pieces, marking the fabric pieces, sewing the garment together, adding closures and embellishments, perfecting the fit and finishing, frequently asked questions (faqs).

  • Evaluate your current sewing skills and set achievable goals to improve. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and comfort with basic techniques.
  • Equip yourself with essential sewing tools for measuring, marking, cutting, sewing, pressing, and ripping seams.
  • Carefully choose fabrics suitable for your design considering weight, stretch, recovery, and care requirements.
  • Select beginner sewing patterns suited to your skill level. Consider ease of construction and closures.

Assessing Your Sewing Skills

Take stock of:

  • Stitching mastery
  • Sewing progress
  • Thread techniques
  • Fabric exploration
  • Needle know-how

Consider your comfort level with:

  • Operating a sewing machine
  • Hand sewing

Analyze examples of your previous sewing projects to evaluate:

  • Areas for growth

Determine if you have mastered basic construction techniques like:

  • Installing zippers
  • Making enclosed seams

Assess whether you understand how to:

  • Select fabrics
  • Choose suitable sewing patterns

Be realistic about your current abilities so you can set achievable goals.

This self-evaluation will provide valuable insight into the foundational skills required for designing original garments as a beginner.

Gathering Essential Sewing Tools

You must have basic measuring tools like a tape measure, ruler, and seam gauge.

Marking tools such as chalk, tracing wheel, and pins are essential for transferring pattern markings.

Cutting tools including quality fabric scissors, rotary cutter , and mat streamline cutting fabric pieces neatly and accurately.

Must-have sewing tools are sewing machine, needles, thread, seam ripper, and hand-sewing needles.

Pressing tools like an iron, ironing board, clapper, and tailor’s ham make pressing seam allowances easy.

A well-equipped sewing kit with these crafting basics allows you to design and sew your own clothes from start to finish.

Choosing Fabric for Your Design

Choosing Fabric for Your Design

  • Fabric weight and drape
  • Stretch and recovery
  • Care requirements

Choosing the right fabric for your design will make sewing and wearing your garment more successful.

After gathering essential sewing tools , consider fabric weight and drape when choosing fabric for your design:

  • Lightweight fabrics have a soft drape and flow.
  • Medium weight fabrics hold some shape but still move.
  • Heavy fabrics rarely drape but maintain structure.
  • Sheers accentuate the drape and flow gracefully.
  • Stiff fabrics resist drape and hold rigid shapes.

Your garment’s fit and drape depend partly on the fabric’s stretch and ability to bounce back after stretching.

When selecting fabric, consider stretch techniques like crosswise and lengthwise stretch.

Test the fabric’s recovery by stretching it out and seeing how quickly it springs back.

For a flattering fit, choose fabrics with enough stretch and recovery to complement the garment design.

Material flexibility impacts the ease and wearability of finished sewn clothes.

Your fabric’s care needs and shrinkage determine how to pre-wash it before sewing.

Consult the pattern envelope for fabric washing recommendations.

Choose eco-friendly detergents and follow sustainable practices for longevity.

Some fabrics like linen and cotton shrink when washed, so preshrink accordingly.

When selecting colorfast fabrics, prewash in cold water to remove excess dye and prevent staining .

Test stain removal agents on fabric scraps before using on your project.

Selecting a Beginner Pattern

Selecting a Beginner Pattern

Look for patterns from companies like Burda, Simplicity, New Look , Butterick, and Kwik Sew that specify they’re good for novices.

Pay attention to the fabric requirements and seam allowances to ensure you select an appropriate beginner project.

A Beginner’s Guide :

Before selecting a pattern, honestly assess your sewing skills and experience.

Consider the learning curve, time commitment, and aptitudes needed for each project.

Seek patterns matching your current abilities.

Explore alternative approaches allowing you to incrementally build skills in design and sew your own clothes.

Assessing your sewing skills lays the foundation for securing easy dresses and skirts suiting your talent.

  • Look for patterns labeled easy or beginner.
  • Choose simple silhouettes without too many pieces.
  • Select patterns with common garment closures like zippers or buttons.

Consider your current skill level when deciding on pattern complexity.

When selecting suitable fabrics, consider using those recommended by the pattern.

As a beginner, stick to cotton, wool, linen, and silk fabrics without too much drape or intricate textures that complicate sewing.

Venture into more challenging materials once your skills progress.

Understanding the Pattern Pieces

Identify the pattern layout to understand how the pattern pieces fit together to form the garment.

Note the seam allowance, which provides space between pattern edges for sewing pieces together.

Follow the grainline arrow on pieces to align pattern grain to fabric grain for proper hang and fit.

Learn common notches, symbols, and markings which assist construction.

Assess finished garment measurements against your own and consider pattern adjustments to achieve an optimal personalized fit.

Experiment with inexpensive muslin first to check fit and make refinements before cutting final fabric.

Growing intimate with each pattern component equips you to approach sewing with knowledge and confidence.

Thoughtfully aligning pieces to grain and integrating precise allowances grants freedom in the creative process to manifest beautiful garments with understanding hands.

Cutting Out the Fabric Pieces

Lay out fabric with right sides together if the pattern calls for this. Align pattern pieces precisely along the straight grain and pin in place.

Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter for clean cuts. Cut precisely along the outlines of each pattern piece.

Take care not to distort fabric grainlines or pull the fabric out of alignment when cutting.

When cutting fabric for sewing, precision and care at every step ensures the final garment will come together properly. Focus intently when aligning pattern pieces and pay close attention to cut edges – any small mistake now can throw off the entire construct later.

Marking the Fabric Pieces

Carefully transfer all pattern markings to the fabric with fabric marking tools.

Common marking techniques include:

Precision pattern markings are key for achieving sewing accuracy and bringing creative designs to life.

Note pattern notations like grainlines, button placements, pleats, etc.

Fabric marking paves the way for smooth construction, so don’t rush this step.

With all pieces neatly marked, you’ll have clarity on how they fit together.

Now it’s time to start sewing your unique garment.

Sewing the Garment Together

Carefully pin the pattern pieces together, matching notches and markings, then machine stitch or hand sew using the specified seam allowance.

Choose stitch lengths suited to your fabric weight.

Apply appropriate pressing techniques when sewing each seam to flatten seams.

Remove pins just before reaching them.

Check seam finishes and darts during construction.

If stitches pucker, adjust thread tension .

Practice stitching straight lines on scrap fabric .

Learn tricks like easing sleeves into armholes.

With patience, precision, pressing, and some troubleshooting, you’ll stitch the fabric into the shape of your design.

Adding Closures and Embellishments

Consider creative closures like decorative buttons, fabric ties, or magnets snapped inside to finish off your design.

Unique embellishments like stitching, appliqué, embroidery , beading, or fabric manipulation can elevate your piece.

Take inspiration from nature, culture, or your own imagination when brainstorming decorative finishes to make it truly your own.

Perfecting the Fit and Finishing

Carefully check the following areas:

  • Seam alignment
  • Hem lengths
  • Overall silhouette

Make any necessary fit adjustments, such as taking in side seams or adjusting sleeve width.

Ensure all stitching is neat with even tension.

Apply tailoring techniques like clipping inner curves or trimming seam allowances.

Add your preferred closures or embellishments for a polished finish.

These personalized touches make the design uniquely yours.

With practice, you’ll gain skills to create well-fitting garments tailored to your taste and figure.

The ability to design, sew, and perfect clothing grants freedom to express personal style.

How do I clean and care for the finished garment?

Hand wash or gently machine wash finished garments in cold water using a mild detergent.

Lay flat or hang to dry, avoiding direct heat.

Steam press on low when needed, testing first on an inconspicuous area.

Store folded or on hangers; plastic garment bags can help preserve special pieces.

What kind of thread should I use for sewing the garment pieces together?

When sewing garment pieces together, use a good quality, all-purpose polyester thread that matches the fabric color.

A basic spool of polyester will handle most fabrics without issue.

Are there any videos I can watch to help guide me through the sewing process?

Yes, many sewing video tutorials provide excellent guidance.

Focus on finding tutorials that clearly demonstrate the techniques step-by-step rather than assuming prior knowledge.

Trusted sites like Craftsy offer detailed videos for all skill levels.

Let the tutorials guide you through each part of the process.

What should I do if I make a mistake while sewing the garment?

Stay calm if you make a mistake while sewing.

Carefully remove stitches to just before the error.

Re-pin the fabric, ensuring proper alignment, and continue sewing from that point.

Making mistakes is part of learning; focus on determining the cause and avoiding repeating errors.

With patience and practice, your skills will steadily improve.

Where can I find sewing patterns for plus-sized bodies?

Check out specialty brands like Cashmerette and SVG Patterns.

Their sizes go up to 6X.

Big retailers like Simplicity and McCall’s have designated plus sections on their sites.

Independent pattern designers often offer more size-inclusive options too.

As you cut that final stitch, behold the fruits of your labor with pride.

This act of creation is no small feat.

Though the road was long, each careful step brought you here.

Slip into your custom creation, luxuriating in fabrics hand-picked for matchless style and comfort.

Let this be just the beginning, a doorway to newfound confidence as you continue perfecting your skills and designing garments that express your true essence.

The only limit is your imagination – so dream big, and sew on.

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learning to make your own clothes

Creative Fashion Blog

How To Make Your Own Clothes. 15 FREE Tutorials To Get You Started

Learning how to make your own clothes has become one of my all-time favorite hobbies. Once you have the basic skills down, you can legitimately make anything you want. See something you like at a high-end boutique? Since you know how to sew, you can go home and make an even better version for yourself… complete with custom tailoring and maybe a nicer fabric.

Have a vision of the perfect dress you’d like to find for your next vacation? You don’t need to waste hours shopping around for it. You have all the skills and know-how to make it yourself. Isn’t that thought just so freeing?

Whenever I am out with my husband, I always come home with a new design that I am so excited to create. It could be a cute jacket that a stranger was wearing, a jumpsuit in a store window, or even a skirt that would be soooo cute if it only was made in a knit fabric instead. Knowing how to make your own clothes opens so many doors, provides an incredible creative outlet, and provides you with everything you need to create a closet you really love.

15 easy tutorials to make your own clothes for the absolute beginner.

 If you are just starting out on your creative journey, I recommend my 7 Days of Creativity Email Challenge. Each day, I will walk you through a new area of your closet from jewelry-making, purse-making, giving the clothes you have a makeover, and even making clothes from scratch. By the end of the week, you will have a newfound grasp on DIY fashion and your closet will start looking very different. Fill in the box below to join hundreds of other creatives in this FREE challenge.

15 Tutorials To Make Your Own Clothes

Just click any image below to view the full tutorial and learn how to make your own clothes. Some projects will come with printable instructions, others include a step-by-step video. Either way, they all include full, easy-to-follow directions with shoppable supply lists and lots of photos every step of the way.

How to make DIY matching mommy and me fashion tee shirt dresses free pdf

These DIY mommy and me dresses are also soooooo comfortable. If you have kids, you know how important comfort is in kids clothing or else they just won’t wear it. I once tried to get my daughter in a stiff organza dress for Easter….. and while the photos were cute, she hated it.

learning to make your own clothes

This simple lace top is crazy-simple to make (you can bust out this project in  less than thirty minutes ) and always garners compliments. That’s the best of both worlds right?

learning to make your own clothes

Once you’ve made this off shoulder top once, you’ll probably want to make it out of plaid, jersey, and more! It’s such a versatile pattern and can be styled so many ways. If it’s made of a heavier fabric, it makes an excellent layering piece as well. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.

How to make a DIY Sequin Jacket Cardigan full tutorial and summer outfit idea

In this sequin jacket tutorial , I’ll walk you through the process of creating your own pattern and then show you how to put it all together.

Before you freak out, take a deep breathe. This process is easier than you think!

When you are working with sequins, it’s best to keep the pattern as simple as possible. Extra pleats, darts, and design details will only complicate your project and make it hard to get together plus give it an awkward fit. The sequins tend to bulge inside darts and can’t be ironed. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE .

DIY Tent Dress Floor Length Maxi Dress patternmaking tutorial

This DIY maxi dress has a beautifully draped front and high neckline. The front drape makes this uber-comfortable silhouette still feminine and can be worn almost anywhere from a beach vacation to dinner dates. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE .

How to make a Boho style DIY kimono with fringe from scratch

I love a good DIY kimono . They seem to instantly dress up a pair of jeans and a basic t-shirt effortlessly. They add a bit of drama to any look, create a lightweight layer as seasons change, and give a nod to the 70’s look I’m really loving right now.

While there are hundreds of kimono tutorials out there (you can see my other ones  HERE  and  HERE ) this one is awesome because it includes sleeves and some boho-inspired, fringe embellishment. While this tutorial is excellent if you are beginner,  this 3 step kimono tutorial is even easier if you are in a hurry. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE .

how to make easy DIY high waist wide leg palazzo pants ...

These DIY high waisted wide leg trousers are hands down the most comfortable thing in my closet and likely the easiest tutorial on Creative Fashion Blog so far.

So far, I’ve made several in solid colors and funky prints and they absolutely never disappoint. I hope you like them too! CHECK OUT THE TUTORIAL HERE .

how to make a diy caftan a sewing tutorial easy way

Caftans are those flowy, beach dresses that always look to elegant and chic but also are sooooooo incredibly comfortable. You can either wear this dress belted to define your waistline or wear it like an uber-comfortable dress.

No joke- this dress is perfect for every hot summer day when you’re not sure what to wear or those days when you want to look put together but have absolutely zero motivation. It’s the perfect go-to piece to have on hand. LEARN MAKE ONE BY CLICKING HERE .

How to make an easy DIY tshirt tank dress for summer with free printable PDF instructions

There are only a few wardrobe staples that really can play a major role in every single woman’s capsule wardrobe. In my opinion, a basic t-shirt dress is definitely one of them. That’s why in this tutorial , I’ll be walking you through exactly how to make one yourself!

For this tank dress tutorial , we’ll be using a shirt you already have to create a dress that fits you perfectly. SEE THE TUTORIAL HERE .

How to make an easy DIY sequin pencil skirt in just 5 steps

Don’t you just love the look of a sequin pencil skirt ? It’s perfect for almost any party, cocktail, or night out and always makes you feel more festive when you slip it on. What’s not to love?

Perhaps the only thing I don’t love about the beloved party skirt if the hefty price tag that comes along with it. Why are cute clothes so expensive? Especially the ones that are truly so easy to make? That’s why in this tutorial , we’ll be making a sequin pencil skirt from scratch in just 5 easy steps! SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.

DIY drawstring printed palazzo pants easy sewing tutorial

I love the casual yet pulled together look of a fitted top and paper bag pants . Not only are these pants just as comfortable as your worn-in pajamas, but this seventies-inspired look is surprisingly easy to make yourself.

The name, “paper bag pants” comes from the unique gathered waist. From a construction standpoint, all paper bag pants are is a regular pull-on pant with an extra casing above the drawstring enclosure. The extra fabric above the waistline pulls into itself when the drawstring is tight making the top to look like a “paper bag.” Simple enough right? SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.

How to make a simple suede circle skirt . A FREE pattern printable tutorial

There are few things as versatile as a basic circle skirt . It’s timeless, feminine, flirty, and versatile all at the same time. What other piece in your closet has that kind of impact?

But the absolute best part about the trusty circle skirt is just how easy it is to make . You can whip out a circle skirt in less time than it takes you to find a matching pair of shoes in your closet…. depending on how messy your house is. Or maybe that’s just me….. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE.

How to make a casual maxi dress with a back cut out. Free printable!

I think we can all agree that comfy, cute clothes are the ultimate find. Any time we can lounge around and feel chic at the same time, it’s a win right? This DIY maxi dress tutorial makes for the greatest comfy outfit that can also be worn in public!

To eliminate the frustration with fit and complicated pattern-making process, we’ll be using a shirt that already fits you to build the pattern for this dress. Before you start to panic, take a deep breath. That’s all included in the 5 steps in THIS TUTORIAL.

Summer outfit idea. How to make a simple summer DIY Tube Dress or Top tutorial with video instructions

Follow along this step by step video tutorial to create a simple tube dress. Then, convert it into a shirt, keep it as a dress, or transform it into a chic jumpsuit. SEE THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE .

how to sew a diy floor length maxi skirt with slit ....

This skirt is soooooo easy to make. You are actually only going to be sewing  a single seam!  What this means for you is that this project truly is super-fast to make (you could whip it up today during an hour-long nap time) and is absolutely perfect for the beginner. SEE THE TUTORIAL HERE.

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15 BEST sewing machines for under $150. Each sewing machine is perfect for beginners, fashion projects, and more. From Brother and singer

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Artful Homemaking

practical help and encouragement for homemakers

August 22, 2022 by Joy Kincaid 16 Comments

How to Make Your Own Clothes

Make your own clothes and enjoy the freedom that comes from a handmade wardrobe! When you sew your own clothes, you’re no longer at the mercy of fashion.

Knowing how to sew your own clothes gives you power over your own wardrobe. Imagine what you’d like your wardrobe to contain, find some sewing patterns to use, and then pick out your favorite fabrics!

You’ll have a closet full of homemade clothes in no time!

make your own clothes

That’s what I decided to do this summer. I made five simple dresses to use for my “uniform,” and I wore them all summer long.

In this post I’ll go over the steps to follow in order to make your own clothes, and I’ll also talk about my homemade dresses and how I made them.

What Do You Need to Make Your Own Clothes?

Affiliate links included below, which means I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure  here .

To make your own clothes, you’ll need the following supplies:

  • A sewing machine (I have this one )
  • Scissors (I have these )
  • Sewing pins
  • Measuring tape
  • Sewing gauge
  • Fabric ( this is some of my favorite fabric to use for clothing)
  • Buttons or other notions the pattern may call for
  • Pattern (I used this one for the dresses in this post)
  • Ironing board (or a flat surface you can use for pressing fabric)
  • Serger (optional—I have the Brother 1034D model)
  • Pinking shears (you can also use these to finish seams if you don’t have a serger)
  • Fray check (to stop fraying around buttonholes)
  • Tailor’s ham (helpful for pressing darts and sleeve caps)
  • Seam ripper (in case you make a mistake—it happens to all of us every once in awhile!)

blue white stripe linen dress

Is Making Your Own Clothes Hard?

Making your own clothes can be a challenge if you don’t already know how to sew. Sometimes it’s helpful to try a few simple projects ( like these napkins ) to learn some sewing basics before you tackle clothes ( this half apron is also a simple sewing project ).

However, when I decided to learn how to sew, I started with a dress pattern! I didn’t want to mess around with simpler projects.

The pattern I chose was perfect for beginners. It was a simple, basic jumper dress pattern (this was the 90s!). It had a lined bodice with buttons at the back, a gathered skirt, and pockets.

This was the perfect first sewing project for me! After completing the jumper dress, I quickly moved on to more advanced patterns, like nursing-friendly dresses and dresses with zippers and set-in sleeves.

So, making your own clothes can be challenging if you’re new to sewing, but it’s not impossible. Just take it one step at a time, read the directions, and go slowly. And be sure to keep the seam ripper handy, just in case!

handmade wardrobe

How Do You Make Your Own Clothes?

Here are the simple steps to follow when you want to make your own clothes:

1. First, decide what you want your handmade wardrobe to look like. Do you want to make pants, dresses, skirts, tops, or a combination? Get a vision for what you want the end result to be.

2. Next, look for patterns that will fit your vision. Be sure to check out how much fabric each item will take, if the pattern uses buttons or zippers, and if your current sewing skills are up to the challenge.

3. Then, choose your fabric. This is the fun part! There are so many beautiful fabrics to choose from. My personal favorites are natural fibers, such as linen, cotton, and linen blends.

4. Next, prewash your fabric (if it’s a washable fabric, which I highly recommend for clothing). After it’s washed and dried (following the recommendations for that individual fabric), you may also want to iron it to make it easier to cut out.

5. Fifth, work on fitting the pattern to your individual measurements. This can be tricky, but thankfully there are lots of tutorials online for helping you learn how to do pattern fitting.

6. And finally, start sewing! Lay your prepared pattern onto your fabric, cut around the pattern, and follow the sewing steps for your chosen pattern.

Sewing Tip: Before you even cut into your fabric, you’ll want to do a trial run on some less-expensive fabric or an old sheet. This is called making a muslin, and this important step will keep you from potentially ruining your good (more expensive) fabric!

Find More Sewing Ideas:

  • Japanese Linen Cross Back Pinafore Apron Tutorial
  • Linen Half Apron Pattern Tutorial
  • How to Sew Cloth Napkins Tutorial

navy linen dress

Sewing a Handmade Wardrobe

I’ve been sewing my own clothes for over twenty years, and I also used to sew for my five children. So, I’ve spent lots of time creating handmade clothing!

One of the main questions I’ve received through the years about making handmade clothes is, “How do you find the time?”

Well, the answer to that question is that sewing was something I loved. I enjoyed sitting down at my sewing machine during naptime and creating something from a few yards of fabric.

Even though I loved making my own clothes, I went for several years without sewing clothing.

But this year, I found myself in an unusual situation. Nothing fit. And my size was unusual. If I could find a dress that fit on the top, it was way too large on the bottom.

And if it fit my bust measurement, it never fit my shoulders. The neckline of the dress was always just gapping and hanging off my shoulders.

It was so frustrating to not be able to find anything that fit!

So, I decided to take matters into my own hands, and make my own clothes.

I decided to make dresses, and I really wanted them to be linen. I had several linen dresses in my previous summer wardrobe , but they don’t currently fit me, and I couldn’t afford to buy more.

So I decided to make them myself.

black linen dress

Handmade Wardrobe Ideas

I chose a simple dress pattern to use. I used The Hinterland Dress pattern . It was everything I wanted in a dress—button-front bodice with bias binding, cap sleeves, a gently-gathered skirt that wasn’t too full, pockets, and back ties.

You can also get a Hinterland Dress paper pattern here .

hinterland dress back

I couldn’t afford to buy pure linen, so I settled for linen blends. 100 percent linen will always be my favorite dress material, but linen blends still work.

To get the look I wanted, I also bought these small wooden buttons . They have held up well to a summer of wear and washing (I use my washing machine’s delicates cycle and turn the dress inside out to wash. Then hang to dry after a minute or two of tumbling in the dryer on low heat).

I made two muslins for the dress, trying to get it to fit just right. And I finally got it!

I have narrow shoulders, so I sized down to fit my shoulder width measurement, then did a full bust adjustment (and lengthened the bodice to accommodate that), moved the dart, raised the bottom of the back bodice, and did a full bicep adjustment.

Fitting is probably the most difficult part of making your own clothes, but once you get the fit right, you can use the adjusted pattern to make perfectly-fitting clothing!

My Handmade Dresses

These are the handmade dresses I sewed and wore all this summer. They have been very lived-in and loved all summer long!

First, I made this navy linen dress. This was actually my second muslin for the dress. I made the first muslin last fall, and it just didn’t fit right, so I tried again.

make your own clothes

This one was almost perfect! But I made a few adjustments before the next dress, which made it even better.

This fabric had been in my fabric stash for over ten years, so the cost of this dress was almost zero.

I didn’t have much fabric to work with, since this fabric was leftover from another long-ago project, so I also shortened the skirt. I didn’t add the pockets or back ties to this dress to save time and fabric.

Next, I made this sage green linen blend dress. On this dress, I again used the cap sleeves, but I made a few additions that weren’t included on the last one.

make your own clothes sage green linen dress

I made another small adjustment to the bust dart which made it fit even better. I also added side back ties, but I made them a lot narrower than the ones included in the pattern. And this time I did use the pockets, but I raised them a bit so they would fit me better (the original placement was too far down for comfort).

Next, I made this black linen blend dress. I really love this fabric.

handmade black linen dress

The fourth dress was made in a blue and white striped linen-cotton blend . I love how light and summery it is, and it was a dream to sew.

how to make your own clothes linen dress

This is the fifth dress in my handmade summer wardrobe, in a navy linen blend fabric.

make your own clothes navy linen dress

Creating a Daily Uniform

I know it may seem boring to have five dresses made in the same style, but using the same pattern allows me to sew them up quickly and almost effortlessly.

Also, I’m really fond of a daily “uniform,” and these allow me to just grab a dress out of the closet without too much thought.

My goal is simplicity when it comes to clothing.

How to Make Your Own Clothes

I had so much fun sewing this collection of clothing! In addition to these dresses, I also had a couple of skirts and tops that were already in my closet.

So, it wasn’t a completely handmade wardrobe, but the bulk of it was handmade! There’s something so fulfilling about learning how to make your own clothes, and then being able to wear them on a daily basis.

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October 20, 2023 at 6:36 am

hello Joy, you have captivated my mind these past couple of weeks, i just landed on your facebook page and I have been glued to your website since. I love the idea of making my own clothes and especially now that am expecting. I love the dresses you made as they would be great for breastfeeding, would you mind sharing the pattern please and maybe a tutorial so I could copy.

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October 20, 2023 at 9:34 pm

Hi Brenda! I’m so glad you’re here! These dresses have been a wardrobe staple for two summers now, so they were well worth the time and effort it took to make them. This is the pattern I used . It’s great for so many seasons of life (and would be great for breastfeeding). I’m hoping to make another one this winter, and I would love to do a tutorial to go with it. 🙂

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July 20, 2023 at 4:32 pm

Nice job! I use home made skirts and a variety of t-shirt tops for my wardrobe. I used to make more complicated clothing, but it’s been decades since I inset sleeves or put in a zipper. I have a couple skirt patterns that go together in just a couple hours. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

July 22, 2023 at 4:54 pm

Thank you, Karen!

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June 26, 2023 at 2:20 pm

I love the idea of a uniform. I’m set for spring, summer, fall. What do you do for winter? I don’t prefer pants, but often need the warmth.

July 4, 2023 at 6:04 pm

It makes getting dressed so easy! The past couple of years for winter I’ve been wearing stretch jeans with an oversized sweater or leggings with oversized tops or sweaters. We keep our thermostat on the cooler side, and I like to stay warm! I’m thinking about trying some fleece-lined leggings for more warmth.

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September 1, 2022 at 4:36 pm

I love this dress! I was following along on your IG account when you would post them. I have the dress pattern saved and hope to purchase soon. Thank you for the inspiration! I am so so tired of leggings and t-shirts as my “uniform!” Bless you!

September 2, 2022 at 4:30 pm

Thank you so much, Lori! Blessings to you!

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August 24, 2022 at 11:02 pm

This is an ok post. A better post would have been instructions on HOW you ‘altered’ the patterns to fit you. I find, just like conventional clothing in stores or online, patterns don’t fit me either…and adjustments must be made. Rather than just showing the dresses and stating “”I made another small adjustment to the bust dart which made it fit even better. I also added side back ties, but I made them a lot narrower than the ones included in the pattern. And this time I did use the pockets, but I raised them a bit so they would fit me better…”” You could have given instructions on HOW you made these changes… so we could repeat the changes in our own patterns if needed and not just throw out another wrong pattern.

Also, a question: you mention ‘uniforms’. Do you have a job that requires a uniform or are you just saying it because you have made the same pattern in various fabrics? Thank you for getting me excited about sewing clothing again….now if I could find just the “perfect” pattern that will fit!!

August 29, 2022 at 4:46 pm

Thanks for the suggestions, Carol. Pattern alterations would be beyond the scope of this post, and beyond my level of expertise. I only know how to do the pattern alterations specific to my personal figure type. So, it would only apply to someone just like me. I don’t know how to do alterations for broad shoulders, small bust, etc. since I don’t have that figure. Through trial and error, I’ve figured out how to work with narrow shoulders, petite frame, and a full bust, but I’m not familiar with the rest.

The good news is that there are lots of helpful websites and videos available online for learning how to adjust patterns for a specific body type. That’s how I learned what to do for my own figure. It was just by trial and error, figuring out what specific fitting issues I was dealing with, and finding someone online who could help with that particular issue.

Regarding a daily uniform, I just use that term to describe my desire for my wardrobe to require zero decision fatigue in the morning. When I have a “uniform,” that simplifies everything because I know I can just reach in my closet for a dress (or pants/top, whatever). It just makes life simpler!

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August 24, 2022 at 1:03 am

Well done! That’s a great wardrobe you made yourself. I’m feeling a bit inspired nw.though I prefer skirts or trousers and a shirt or blouse so both a little more involved but still very possible.

August 24, 2022 at 6:00 pm

Thank you very much!

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August 23, 2022 at 3:46 pm

Such pretty dresses. I have tried several times to sew, but can’t get the hang of it. I enjoyed reading the email.

August 24, 2022 at 5:59 pm

Thank you so much, Linda!

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August 23, 2022 at 7:30 am

You have inspired me to sew some skirts and a simple dress. My dress pattern is very similar to yours. I have some quilts to finish ; but hope to sew up a dress and several skirts for the Fall.

Oh, I’m so glad to hear that! Fall sewing and quilting sounds very cozy!

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learning to make your own clothes

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Home > All Classes > Sewing > Garments Sewing with Simplicity: Garment Sewing for Beginners

Joy Macdonell

  • Wind and thread a bobbin case
  • Thread a sewing machine
  • Change a presser foot
  • Change a needle
  • Learn about stitch lengths and straight stitch vs zigzag
  • Read a pattern guide sheet and symbols and match them to the pattern
  • Lay out pattern pieces for cutting and marking
  • Construct garments using stay stitching and darts
  • Assemble facing with interfacing
  • Attach facings to garment
  • Insert zippers
  • Finish a bias tape edge
  • Tack down facings
  • Hand-stitch linings in place
  • Add a hook and eye closure
  • Finish hem with hem tape
  • Create a rolled hem
  • Substitute fabrics
  • A comprehensive course for beginners on garment sewing
  • 9 HD video lessons you can access online anytime, anywhere
  • Detailed supplies list 
  • Step-by-step expert instruction from Joy Macdonell
  • The ability to leave comments, ask questions, and interact with other students

learning to make your own clothes

  • Sewing machine
  • Pattern of your choice (We are using Simplicity Patterns 1609 [Jiffy Dress] and 1200 [Circle Skirt] for reference)
  • Fabric (refer to your pattern for type of fabric and yardage)
  • Fusible interfacing (refer to your pattern for yardage)
  • Zipper (refer to your pattern for length; we use a 22" nylon zipper and a 7" invisible zipper)
  • Zipper presser foot
  • Coordinating thread for your fabric choice
  • Hook and eye closure
  • Fabric scissors
  • Paper scissors (for pattern cutting, optional)
  • Iron and ironing surface with press cloth
  • Hem tape (optional)
  • Double-fold bias tape (optional)

learning to make your own clothes

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Getting Started: Making Your Own Clothes

From time to time I get e-mails from readers who are interested in learning how to make their own clothing. Those who get in touch are usually looking for a starting place or advice on which sewing machine they should buy. Since TaylorTailor is three years old this month, I thought I would try to share my thoughts on the topic. This is mainly intended for those who have never sewn anything before and is in no way comprehensive. You might be disappointed if you are looking for technical advice or a step-by-step guide; buy this model of sewing machine, buy this special book, turn to page 9, and BOOM, you will have a pair of jeans. Instead, what follows are basically the steps I went through to get started. Hopefully it is helpful to others who might be thinking about learning how to sew.

I am in no way an expert, or have any formal training with pattern making or sewing. While I do have an amazingly helpful mentor/teacher here in Nashville, I’ve learned quite a bit on my own as well as from other blogs and websites. I may not do things the way a professional pattern maker or commercial sewing factory would do them, but I do what works for me with the knowledge and equipment I have on hand.

My first bit of advice is that you CAN do this. Don’t let lack of knowledge stop you from trying something new. I had no idea what a bobbin is or what seam allowances are when I started. With that said, making a piece of clothing that looks like it came from a store, that you are proud to wear in public, is hard work. Don’t expect to complete a shirt in a Saturday afternoon or quickly throw together a pair of jeans. This stuff takes time, lots of it, especially if you’ve never sewn before. I don’t mean that last part as discouragement. If your expectations are aligned properly going in, you won’t be disappointed when you’ve spent several weeks on the same project and it still isn’t finished. Take your time, learn as you go, and enjoy the process however long it may be.

stack of fabric

1. First, decide what types of garments/accessories you want to make, and try to gauge how committed you are going to be to learning something new. This will have an effect on how much you budget for your first sewing machine and which type of machine you decide to buy.

2. Get a sewing machine. Choosing the right machine really comes down to budget, personal preferences, and in some cases, the types of things you want to make. Here are the machines I use. I can’t make a specific recommendation for a machine that will work for every beginner, especially if I’ve never used it myself. Sewing machines generally fall into two categories, those made for “domestic” or “household” use, and industrial sewing machines.

  • Pros of household/domestic sewing machines: portable, take up little space, most can do a variety of stitch types, they are versatile.
  • Cons of household/domestic sewing machines: lack power and speed, not ideal for really heavy materials, they can be less durable, although I’m sure a good household machine that is properly cared for can last quite a few years.
  • Pros of industrial sewing machines: powerful, retain power even at low speeds, ability to sew very fast, heavy duty (note: this doesn’t mean that they can all sew heavy duty materials. Depending on the machine, they can be set up for light or heavy work), made to do one task (such as a straight lockstitch) and do it really well.
  • Cons of industrial sewing machines: uni-taskers – generally they can only do one type of stitch, need different machines to do different types of stitches (straight, zig zag, bar tack, etc.) not portable, weigh a lot, need dedicated place to put them.

I’ve never had any problems with my industrial machine. The thing just works, and it works every time I turn it on. No fuss, no babying it, no mechanical issues. All other things being equal, if you have the space and the budget (a simple industrial can be cheaper than a complicated domestic) I would recommend an industrial sewing machine. Again, this is a personal preference, and after researching machines you might come to a different conclusion.

3. Learn how to use your machine. If you don’t have a friend or relative to show you the basics, I would suggest checking out a local fabric/sewing supply store. If they don’t offer classes for beginners, they are likely to know someone who offers private lessons who can get you started. Once you know a few basic things like how to adjust the thread tension, how to wind a bobbin, how to back tack, and how to change a needle, you are ready to start with your first project.

4. Keep it simple for your first couple of projects. I wanted to start with a three piece suit when I first got interested in sewing. My wife talked me down and convinced me to start with an apron . I’m glad she did. I’ve been sewing for three years and I’m still not ready to tackle something like a mens suit. There are lots of commercial patterns available for beginners. With these simple projects you will develop your sewing skills, continue to learn the quirks of your machine, and get a feel for what you like and don’t like to sew.

5. After “suffering” though a few aprons or pairs of pajamas, choose a project that is a little more complicated, something that might eventually turn into a piece of clothing you wear in public. For me, this was a pair of jeans . You might find a commercial pattern for this project, or you might want to make your own pattern. Besides having a genuine interest in learning how to design and make my own patterns, I also decided to do so out of necessity. The commercial pattern business really seems to focus a lot more on women’s clothing, which makes sense given that most of their customers are women. But, for a guy who is interested in making his own clothes this left me with few options for patterns, and I’m extremely picky in terms of fit and style. The book I use to make patterns can be found here .

6. Once you’ve decided on a project and have a pattern in hand, make a test garment, or two, or three. For every new pattern I draft, I make at least two or three test garments out of cheap practice muslin before cutting into nice fabric. With each test garment, I make adjustments to the pattern and modify the fit as needed. There is no sense in ruining a nice piece of fabric with a pattern that doesn’t fit the way you want it to.

As far as learning construction techniques goes, there are TONS of sewing books on the market. Here are the two that I use the most often for shirts and pants: David Coffin- Shirtmaking , David Coffin- Making Trousers for Men and Women . Another great way to learn construction techniques and some pattern making is to inspect store bought clothing. You can learn a lot by turning clothes inside out and inspecting seams, pockets, etc. Then there is good old fashion experience. The more you sew, the more you learn, the more the construction part will become intuitive.

Here are the tools I use the most often:

Sewing Tools

  • Iron/Ironing board- If you are just starting out, the iron/ironing board you currently have is probably fine. At some point though, you will want to invest in a decent quality iron and a nice ironing board. For many projects, you will spend more time pressing than at your sewing machine.
  • Chalk wheels(s)- For marking positions on fabric.
  • Seam ripper- This will be your best friend when you make a mistake.
  • Point turner- Not always essential, but can be helpful turning various kinds of points.
  • Rulers/curves- For pattern drafting and measuring during construction.
  • Tracing paper- For pattern drafting and modification.
  • Pattern weights- I like to use large round washers.
  • Rotary cutter and cutting mat- When used with pattern weights, the best way to cut fabric in my opinion.
  • Shears/scissors- for trimming seam allowances and other cuts, have a pair for fabric only, no paper, cardboard, or other materials which dull the blades quicker.
  • Flexible tape measure- Great for making fit adjustments.
  • Pins- To temporarily hold fabric pieces together before sewing. Pins tend to distort fabric, so use them sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.

With the beginning of a new year approaching, this might be the perfect time to start a new hobby and learn how to make your own clothing. As always, feel free to get in touch if I can help in any way.

posted by Taylor Hackbarth on December 29, 2012

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24 comments on “Getting Started: Making Your Own Clothes”

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Good stuff Taylor!

When I first became interested in denim I soon discovered that there was only limited resources online for building something that I’d actually wear. I found that between your site and Peter’s sew along ( http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.ca/2011/05/jeans-sew-along-1-getting-started.html ) I found exactly what I needed to get me started in the right direction.

A year and a half later I now have my own straight leg pattern for selvedge denim that I created in CAD (I’m a mechanical designer by trade). It can be scaled to different sizes with a single click & seam allowances automatically added after the fact so they go out of proportion. I sourced a used heavy duty vinyl plotter/cutter that’s used to cut a new pattern from kraft paper at a moments notice. This is soooooooo much better than taping 8.5×11 sheets together!

For those that might be interested in the extreme world of raw denim there’s the superdenim forum on http://www.superfuture.com . It contains a wealth of knowledge relating to raw denim and some of the worlds most knowledgeable denim heads. There’s even a home-made jeans thread which seems to be gaining some momentum 🙂

I’m still learning with every pair of jeans I build, but if there is anything that I can do to help your efforts please let me know 🙂 Thanks for getting me started & keep up the great work!

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Thanks Steve! I’m definitely jealous of your CAD set up. I would love to work on my patterns electronically, but I’m not quite sure about the best software to use and if I could find a way to “import” my existing patterns into the software. Something I’ll explore when I have the time.

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Great little intro. Here’s hoping more people take on the challenge of engineering themselves good-fitting clothes that suit them!

To add to the comments about sewing machines, an old domestic machine, old enough to be metal-bodied, can be a great compromise between an industrial and a domestic machine for a brand-new sewist. They’re generally a bit more versatile than an industrial and easier to ‘drive’, but usually have plenty of power and are more or less bombproof, unlike newer domestics. Singer, Pfaff, Necchi, White, and Monkey Wards all made some great machines in the first half of the 20th century.

They’re easy to find for less than a couple hundred bucks, so they make a nice entry to allow you to explore your interests and hopefully figure out what direction you want to go with your sewing.

I very accidentally lucked into this approach when I started sewing, and though I now have (ahem) five machines, including two juki industrials, I still frequently use my 60-pound pfaff from 1953. It purrs like a kitten, will handle anything from chiffon to five layers of midweight denim, and is absolutely reliable, with basic maintenance. Completely worth the fifty bucks and a great way to get started.

Hi Scooter,

That is a great point. I have heard lots of good things about the old domestic machines. If I had more space I would probably have one. Without having direct experience though, I didn’t want to try and talk about them. I wish they still made metal bodied domestic machines. I like that they are strong and durable, but take up less space than a modern industrial.

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Good stuff. Waaaay beyond my capabilities! I recently tried to replace pockets in my denims. It didn’t work out so well.

Making clothes just takes some time and practice. You can do it!

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Thanks for this post! I just bought a basic book yesterday but no tools yet! Its a daunting hobby to take up but Im really excited! I will bookmark your website!

Thanks for the encouragement. I’m going to try make myself a bow tie. I’ll let you know how it goes. eeeeeeek

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Hello lovely, Ive heard that many people are learning to sew and I think it’s something I may just be interested in. As my older sister used to do lessons and my mother and nana are pretty good sewers, we have all the essentials needed. I’ve had a quick browse on the Internet and I can’t find online lessons or anything like that, just looking for some tips or something relevant. I’m 12, in year 7, and I’m looking forward to beginning! thank you xo

You might want to check out this website: http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/p/learn-to-sew.html . The tutorials look to be very straight forward with great images and explanations.

Good luck with your projects!

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I have just started teaching myself to sew. It came out of the need to have a skirt but not being able to afford one at the store and having to many jeans i don’t wear. Making jean skirts are fun. Now i have material and teaching myself to make other things. I bookmarked your site and look forward to making my own cloths.

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This is such a wonderful introduction to sewing! I have many people ask me similar questions but often forget what it is like when you are just starting out. This will be a great post to share.

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Hi i want to start sewing and eventually start my own clothing line, but 1st things first for a person who would be a beginner. What advice does anyone have for me . Thank you

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I just dont know how to start making a pattern from one of my long pants, could you please assist, this will be the first time that I will be trying to make a pants, I cant seem to get a pattern of this specific pants, and would like to try and cut my own pattern.

Thanking you kindly, Salome

Simply do a Google search for “how to copy a pattern from a piece of clothing” and you will see lots of blog posts and instructions.

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Hi – I am looking to start making my own clothes, but eventually want to make my own 3 piece suits. Do you think that is achievable as a hobby?

With lots of practice, patience, and study, I do think it is possible. My goal is to also make some suits at some point.

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Hi, I just got a White (Model #88). I hope it is good for making shirts, sweaters, maybe some pants. I am just starting and hoping I wont have to buy another machine.

Thank you for everything! 🙂

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Hello! I’m looking foward in making my own clothing line,  I been really needing help finding tailors around my area, or a tailor period to help me make my designs to live.

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I am a novice sewer and have various crafts but not clothing. I wish to learn how to sew a men’s button down shirt dress and casual. Are there any beginning patterns available for a novice sewer that aren’t too complicated? Thank you.

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hi, I’m Hannah and I’m 14 and want to try to make my own clothes, but I don’t know how. I could use some tips and hints.

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Thanks so much for all that you said which has really encouraged me more to go into fashion designing. Please help me out on what site I can get videos on how to cut mens clothes. Thanks

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Thank you so much Taylor. This helps a lot for beginners like me where you get on to a lot of confusion on which type of basic stuff you need to get and work with. Cheers,

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Man alive I’ve been making things all by hand stitching. Mostly smallish stuff like lined gloves, cowls, hats, and a few other relatively small clothing garments. Been wanting to do something bigger. Possibly working with a base pair and working it into the style and fit I want. I greatly enjoy the cyberpunk style but not the price.

I work with a lot of thick cloth and thin to medium leather so I don’t know if a machine within my budget will ever work well. Also a lot of my work right now is with lots of odd stitching that usually isn’t straight and has very little room to work with, which has also steered me away from working with machines.

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Why Learning To Sew Your Own Clothes Is So Beneficial To Your Wardrobe And Bank Account

P erhaps people are getting sick of their screens and want to do something more hands-on with their spare time. Whatever the case, hobbies that once seemed old-fashioned are now ultra-trendy. Call it cottagecore , if you must, but pastimes like crocheting, gardening, baking from scratch, and so on are surging in popularity. All that said, it's none too shocking that people seem suddenly interested in one of the oldest skills known to humanity — sewing. 

There are a lot of types of sewing (embroidery, cross-stitch, quilting, etc). In particular, clothes-making is starting to pique a lot of interest. This could be due to the ever-rising costs of wearable goods (thanks a lot, inflation), or just a simple desire to create something unique. Whatever the case, getting started sewing clothes isn't nearly as difficult as most people think. Plus, it'll make you feel metaphorically warm and fuzzy inside while keeping you literally warm and fuzzy on the outside. 

Read more: 14 Fashion Rules That Are Made To Be Broken

It's Cheaper Than Buying Clothes

Everything is more expensive these days, thanks to historic inflation, which has amped up everyone's utility and food bills and left wiggle room for little else. Although clothing prices aren't as obscene as they were in 2022, according to financial data company YCharts , the August 2023 inflation rate for shoes and clothing was at 2.90%, which was far higher than the long-term average of 0.08%.

By comparison, sewing is far cheaper as long as you don't splurge on luxury fabrics. Clothing patterns can be bought online or in craft stores for only a few dollars per pattern. Then, they can be reused to create different versions of the same garment. Other than that expense, there's the initial cost of a basic sewing machine to consider, which can be affordably purchased on Amazon for around $100 — sometimes even less than that for miniature models. Over time, it will pay itself off in cost savings compared with retail shopping. The machine, plus some fabric, thread, and any embellishments you require for the piece (buttons, zippers, etc.), are all pennies on the dollar compared with mid-to-high-end clothing. 

Some thrifty sewers make it even more cost-effective by reusing pieces they already have to generate a brand-new garment. You can also hit the local thrift shop and look less at the style and more at the fabric and its inherent potential. Think of it as the purest form of upcycling.

Clothes Can Be Literally Tailor-Made

Sewing is one of the OG ways to express complete and total individuality. After all, the seamstress gets to hand-pick the fabric and pattern to suit her style and can sew it to fit her specifications exactly. For people with wide shoulders, those who need a little extra room in the chest, or just some other physical feature not typically valued by commercial designers, this is a huge benefit. Plus, turning out a one-of-a-kind piece also makes it far from likely that anyone else will show up wearing the same outfit. 

The problem is that a lot of people don't know where to get started with learning how to sew clothes. Luckily, many craft stores offer classes to get a newbie going (check your local stores for details about in-person class options). You can also find a local independent sewing teacher to show you all the steps, from learning to thread the machine to creating a professional-looking dress hem. Many sewing and craft retailers have also entered the digital age. For example, JOANN Fabrics offers a selection of digital sewing courses on its site . Then, there's always YouTube, which has no shortage of sewing tutorials like one by Jusuf or another by Evelyn Wood . Watch a few videos, find a teacher who's easy to follow, and you'll be churning out garments in no time.

Sewing At Home Is Non-Controversial

Some people are steering away from fast-fashion brands in an effort to avoid products produced by unscrupulous or non-transparent companies. For example, Shein, the world's most popular such company (per Time ), has repeatedly been accused of egregious human rights violations. These include unsafe working conditions, inhumane schedules, and any number of other labor law violations. Others wish to steer clear of companies that potentially test on animals and/or use animal materials in their products. Huge names top that list, according to Good On You , including Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Oscar de la Renta, among many others. 

Then, there's the whole environmental sustainability angle to consider. For example, H&M recycles its clothing, but only 35%, per Sustainably Chic . Although it has gotten rid of some chemicals involved in the manufacturing process, it still produces far too much in the way of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, lingerie powerhouse Victoria's Secret uses materials in its products that are not considered sustainable.

The fact is, sewing your own clothes allows for a lot of control over these issues. Plus, people who make something themselves are more likely to treasure the piece rather than contribute to a wasteful throwaway culture. 

It's Always Good To Learn Something New

Too many people assume that they'll be bad at a skill like sewing because they don't know how to do it. However, most people are not inherently good at very many things — you had to learn to read and write once upon a time, didn't you? The fact is that learning a new skill is beneficial to the human mind and body in many ways. First, learning to sew your own clothes can keep you from being too idle, which can help to prevent loneliness, anxiety, depression, and so on. Keeping those hands busy can also keep you from reaching back out to that toxic ex-friend or significant other, too.

It's also always good for the brain to learn a new skill. "As you take on a new skill, the mind begins to reshape itself because the physical brain is malleable," life and wellness coach Dennis Buttimer told Piedmont Healthcare . "Previously, it was thought that it was only malleable until adolescence. However, now the research shows it can keep changing throughout our lives and for the better, so you have fewer fear responses and a more positive mindset." As you make gradual strides in learning how to make clothes, your confidence will increase, leading to improved self-esteem. 

Read the original article on Glam .

Woman sewing her own clothes

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How To Start A Fashion Business

George Harrison bio image

If you have a passion for fashion and an eye for design, then launching your own clothing line is a great way to put those skills to good use. Starting your own fashion business not only means embarking on a creative and hopefully fulfilling venture – you’ll also get to become your own boss, call the shots, and join a growing and rapidly innovating industry.

Starting a fashion business may seem daunting, but with our simple five-step guide we’ll show you how to get your vision off the drawing board and on to the runway. 

Why start a fashion business?

There are many reasons why you might want to launch your own fashion business:

  • Creative career : Designing your own clothing line will require vision, dedication, and creativity. This could potentially make for a very rewarding career – particularly if you are a creative person with a longstanding interest in fashion. 
  • Growing market : The fashion industry is worth £21 billion annually to the UK economy. Fashion is the UK’s 15th largest industry, and the sector is growing and innovating all the time – so there is technically a lot of room for your business to grow too.
  • Sell your products online: The internet has been revolutionary for fashion businesses. More and more people are now buying clothes online, and the internet has made it easier than ever to sell clothes through existing ecommerce sites.
  • Be your own boss : Many people dream of working for themselves, and if you set up your own fashion business you’ll be your own boss. This means you’ll have complete control over the direction of your fashion business, deciding everything from what to sell to how much you’ll charge. 

Start a fashion business in 5 steps

1. research and choose your market.

The objective of market research is to find out more about your potential customers and competitors, a process that will leave you better prepared to make a success of your fashion business. The fashion industry is extremely competitive, so thorough market research is an essential first step.

Your fashion business will stand the best chance of success if you can find a niche to occupy. This means paying close attention to what other fashion brands (your competitors) are already offering. See if there are any groups of people whose needs are being overlooked by existing fashion brands. If you can identify – and occupy – this gap in the market, then your fashion business is more likely to stand out and, ultimately, succeed. 

You can manage market research in several ways, including conducting online research, talking to industry customers and competitors, or going to rival stores and locations to check out the competition. Since so many clothes are sold online, you can use the internet to look at popular fashion brands. Pay attention to the clothing lines already on offer, noting materials, prices, and the cost and speed of delivery. 

With market research of this kind, the two most important questions are:

  • Is there demand for my product?
  • Which customers am I targeting?

You should also use this research to decide what type of fashion business you want to create. Do you want to launch a high-end line of formal clothing, or would you rather run a fashion business selling leisurewear, gym gear, or casual apparel? 

It’s also important to decide how you want to market your fashion business. This means deciding on a brand name – something your customers will recognise you by. You’ll probably want to choose a name that stands out yet says something about your business: who you are and who your fashion line is for.  

Another key consideration when starting a fashion business is whether you wish to design and manufacture your own clothes, or whether you would rather outsource some business operations to a supplier. Fashion companies generally follow one of three business models:

  • Buy clothes from wholesalers and sell them on to customers. 
  • Design their own clothes and have them manufactured elsewhere. 
  • Design their own clothes and make them themselves.

Try to play to your strengths when you decide which kind of fashion business you’d like to launch. 

Regardless of which fashion business model you choose, the more market research you do, the better you’ll understand the fashion market. And a clearer picture of the fashion market will enable you to make all these big decisions with confidence.

» MORE: How to Start a Dropshipping Company

2. Create a budget for your fashion business

Creating a business plan and budget will help give you a better idea of exactly how much money you need to launch your fashion business. Writing out a plan may also help you to work out if your ideas can realistically be turned into a business. Also, a business plan will normally be required if you apply for a start-up loan or business loan.

For a more detailed guide, read our article on how to write a business plan .

How much money you need up front will depend on your business model. Bear in mind that you may also wish to set aside some money for marketing your fashion brand.

If you plan to make your own clothes, you’ll need to buy materials and equipment – such as a sewing machine and fabrics. If you plan to print T-shirts or tops, you can also do this at home. You’ll need a screen-printing kit, specialist ink, and T-shirts. Wholesalers may sell blank T-shirts for as little as £1 per unit. 

If you start small, and begin by producing clothes at home, you’ll save yourself from paying large sums for warehousing or production. You can then expand your operations as your business grows.

For a more detailed guide, explore our five-step guide to creating a small business budget .

3. Register your fashion business

Before you start up your fashion business, you will need to choose a business structure. Then you’ll be ready to take one of your first official steps: registering your business. You should take your time and research which business structure will best suit your needs:

  • Sole trader: A sole trader is the exclusive owner of a business. If you become a sole trader, you’ll get to keep all post-tax profits. But being a sole trader also means there is no separation between you and your business – making you personally responsible for any losses your business makes. If you go down the sole trader route, you will need to register for self-assessment , so you can pay HMRC the tax due on your income.
  • Partnership: A business partnership is when two or more partners share the responsibilities, risks, profits and losses of a business. The three main types of partnerships are general partnerships (also known as business partnerships), limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships. You will also need to register for self-assessment if you are the ‘nominated partner’ – the person responsible for sending the partnership tax return. Partners will also need to complete their individual tax returns.
  • Limited company: Incorporating as a limited company makes you legally and financially distinct from your business. As a limited company, you will have shares and shareholders and can keep any post-tax profits. You will need to register as a limited company at Gov.uk . Limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships will also need to register their business at Companies House.

» MORE: Should I register as a sole trader or limited company?

There are no specific licensing requirements to sell clothing in the UK, so you are unlikely to encounter any regulatory hurdles in setting up your fashion business. The only exception is if you plan to sell clothes at a market stall, in which case you will need a market stall licence. Visit Gov.uk for more information and to apply.

Any products you sell will have to comply with the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Consumer Rights Act obliges you – as the seller – to ensure your products are described accurately to customers, are fit for purpose, and are of satisfactory quality. A breach of the Consumer Rights Act will allow your customers to return any faulty or defective product for a full refund up to 30 days after they bought it or it was delivered. From 30 days to six months, you do have the option of offering to replace or repair the faulty item before offering a refund.

It’s also important to ensure any clothes you sell are accurately labelled. Your fabric supplier or manufacturer should be able to provide you with the necessary information for your labels. This includes fabric content, country of origin, flammability, and care instructions.

You may also wish to consider trademarking your clothing line, which may protect your fashion business from any legal disputes later on.

4. Fund your fashion business

It may be possible to launch a fashion brand in the UK for as little as a few hundred pounds. But while you don’t have to break the bank to get your fashion business off the ground, bear in mind that any business needs money to get going and before trading actually starts.

Once you have created a budget and registered your fashion business, you are ready to seek funding. You may need to combine the various funding options below in order to get your fashion business off the ground.

  • Personal savings: Using personal savings to start your fashion business means you will keep full ownership of the business. Just be careful not to endanger your financial health in the process.
  • Friends and family: Borrowing money from friends and family can be tricky. It’s generally best to draw up a written agreement before you borrow any money in order to avoid any disagreements in the future.
  • Small business grants: There are a range of non-repayable and partially repayable start up business grants across the UK, as well as those based in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
  • Government business loans: Different government business loans may be available for your fashion business, depending on where you are in the UK.
  • Business loans: A traditional small business loan might be difficult to secure when starting up a fashion business, but it is not impossible. Consider the range of loans on offer and which would suit your business best.
  • Angel investors: Angel investors tend to be wealthy individuals looking to invest in new businesses in exchange for equity or convertible debt. 
  • Crowdfunding: This involves securing funding from more than one source in exchange for things like equity or early access to products. Crowdfunding often takes place through an online campaign. 

You will also need somewhere to put the money you’ll use to start your fashion business and keep it running. 

While sole traders and general partnerships can continue to use a personal bank account for business transactions (if the bank allows), the moment you incorporate as a limited company or partnership, you need to keep your business finances separate, so opening a business bank account is a good idea. You may also find it easier to keep business funds and transactions in their own separate account, no matter what your business structure is.

5. Find your first fashion customers

If you’re planning to sell directly to customers, consider whether you want to use an online marketplace like Amazon or Etsy to make your products visible to a wide audience. If you also want your fashion line to be stocked on the high street, then consider which retailers to approach. 

If you’re planning to sell through an existing ecommerce site, then you’ll need to set up an online storefront on one of these platforms. You may also want to set up a website for your fashion business to raise your profile and draw customers to your products. All of this can be addressed by writing a marketing plan.    

When putting together your marketing plan, it’s important to consider the competition. How do rival fashion brands reach their customers? What distribution and marketing channels do they use? See if you can learn from your competitors and adapt your strategy accordingly.

You may also want to consider advertising your fashion brand online. Social media can be a powerful tool for reaching new customers. Paying an influencer to promote your products (known as influencer marketing) may also be a viable way to promote your fashion business and get your clothes in front of potential customers.

How much do fashion businesses charge?

Any two fashion businesses may charge drastically different prices based on the type of clothes they sell. As such, it’s very difficult to put a number on how much fashion businesses in the UK charge. You can buy a T-shirt from a fast fashion company like Primark for as little as £2.50, while designer dresses at the top end of the market may retail for many thousands of pounds. 

For fashion retailers, the buying margin for a typical fashion product has been estimated by multiplying by around 2.7. This means that if a retailer paid £100 for a dress, they would seek to sell it for 2.7 times that price – £270, in this case. Others have estimated that a 2.2x to 2.5x mark-up is typical in the wider fashion industry.

If you plan to sell clothes online, you’ll also need to consider charging a delivery fee. Prices vary from business to business, but most UK fashion brands charge between £3 and £4 for domestic delivery. 

If you’re selling clothes online, you may also decide to charge a return fee. In 2022, roughly 17% of online purchases were returned – which is why some online businesses choose to charge fees for returns. Fashion brand H&M charges £1.99 for customers to return items bought online – unless you’re a member of its rewards scheme, in which case, returns are free. Zara charges £2.95 for returns at package drop-off points.

Image source: Getty Images

About the Author

George Harrison is a lead writer at NerdWallet. A graduate of the London School of Economics, George has worked as a professional writer for almost a decade, with articles appearing…

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