May I have some help? | Page 1 | Sewing, Cooking, and Crafts | Guild Forums

Kriddles

Desirable Werewolf

Offline

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 12:13 pm

I would love to sew. Adore it actually.

However, I don't know where to start. I've dipped my hand in Embroidary, but I would like to design Full Outfits. See, I design clothes all the time... But that's as far as they go: Paper. I want to bring them to life, and show them off. I get confused with the patterns(Do I need to use them?If so where is the best to find the patterns I need?) and what kind of fabrics to use, also whether or not to use a sewing machine. What thread due I use and how do I keep the fabric from fraying at the edges? Any help would be amazing and appreciated. Links as well (When I find 'Sewing' websites... I usually don't get Sewing websites.)

Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 10:11 pm

Hello.
I have only been sewing for a year or two but it is a wonderful hobby to have.
There are a few ways that you can use patterns, first you can use them as they are meant to be used, you can alter the patterns for your own preference, you can make your own, or you can just begin to cut, measure, and hope you have it correct. (I would not suggest the last bit though. xd ) In my personal opinion and experience I do better with making my own patterns because I know every step and I do not have to worry about the sometimes complicated store bought patterns.
Here are a few examples of what I have done.
Altering an already existing pattern: For these plain lolita bloomers I used a sleepware bottoms pattern and just shortened the pattern to my preferences and inserted a bit of elastic a few inches above the hem.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/silmarwen_nenharma/My Projects/04-06-08011.jpg

Some things that has just been measured and thrown together without a pattern: http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/silmarwen_nenharma/My Projects/Skirts03-25-08002.jpg http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/silmarwen_nenharma/My Projects/09-22-08001.jpg

You can generally find patterns at some craft stores and all fabric stores. Until Wal-Mart closes down the sewing section you can also find fairly cheap patterns there, depending on the type that you are searching for.

As for fabric, I prefer to use cotton and that is more than likely the best material to use when you first begin sewing. It is not quite as stretchy or difficult to work with.

I myself prefer my sewing machines but I have never really used hand sewing techniques before though. I feel that sewing machines do the job much better than hand sewing and it seems that it would stay stronger for a longer period of time with a machine.

As for thread, I am not the best person to ask.

Generally you either hem everything that would have a raw edge or you can use a serger and that holds hems in much better than a regular machine.

Using a pattern created from scratch:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/silmarwen_nenharma/My Projects/08-05-08019.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/silmarwen_nenharma/My Projects/08-05-08020.jpg

I have also taught myself but if you would really like to learn I suppose you can take a class somewhere if you are willing to do so.

I would also suggest small projects when you first begin, something fairly easy.
A pillow or something of the like would be ideal for someone new to sewing. biggrin

[Elisabeth]
Crew

Bucktoothed Streaker

Offline

Kriddles

Desirable Werewolf

Offline

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:51 am

Thank you so much. You have been extremely helpful.

You are really talented with your sewing, I must say, and creative.
I am really hoping to start sewing soon. And I will definately be starting out small. Pillowcases sound nice. You have to crawl before you walk.

Again, thank you so much for your help. *Bows*

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 5:44 am

A good way to start out small is creat a hair bow 2-3" wide and attch it to a hair clip or comb. If you need more detailed directions let me know. With holidays around the corner, embroider some holly or pratice french knots using red and green. For xmas I give my little fairy princess a gift wrapped in a sheer fabric and ribons. She plays with the fabric more than the gift. To get back on the subject another small starter project is a book jacket (cover). These require a small amount of sewing but are short projects. To many new tasks can be too much.

Snipplus4

Devoted Alchemist

19,075 Points

200
100
100

Offline

ybunnygurl

7,000 Points

100
100
100

Offline

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:49 am

Your local library is your friend. there are a lot of books out there on how to sew or start. If your library has a poor selection spend some time in a book store, I don't recommended just buying a random book, because most present sewing in different ways. If that fails or is not your style, start asking people you know if they know how to sew, or see if fabric stores in your area know of some where offering sewing classes.

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:50 am

I agree with all of the above advice...I have designed on paper, and in actually built from the ground up, remodified, many types of clothing, gowns, hats, corsets, etc...and have used a ton of methods to achieve astonishing things. Research is important, the library, the net, fabric and pattern places, ....also I have had great luck in used book stores and Thrift shops. There are too many methods to mention, in a post, but start learning about embroidery and sewing techniques....it would be well worth your time... I have used machinery as well as hand techniques...there are other ways as well, but those two are most important.
P.S.- And if you do not have an actual sewing machine or access to one, the little "cheapos" or hand held ones will start you out just as nicely. Experiment. Also...you don't have to just buy patterns, once you understand the process you can make your own.

Happy Creating...Have Fun, but always Build on Basic and Traditional Methods heart heart heart

Alizarin Crimson

Magic Warrior

28,000 Points

200
500
500

Offline

AyaKage

Offline

Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 2:00 pm

If you are lucky enough you might have a local recreational center that offers courses. (Some colleges also offer shorter courses on the basic concepts.) If you can afford to, and they offer basic sewing ones take one or two. They will totally get you going.
Also, thread... the most general use, and good but affordable one that I know of is Coats. Walmart sewing sections generally stock their product {walmart might be losing the sewing section?? I did not know this.}
If you don't understand how the peices fit together in clothes, buy a few general patterns and use those as bases- most clothing does not vary a lot in the basics. And for more difficult pieces, you can always buy some of the dollar-bin fabrics and play with those to get the feel of it before you attempt the final piece.
I do agree with research though! It will save you many headaches, and many dollars over the years. And if you can't find anything on what you need- just sleep on it. I wake up a lot in the middle of the night, a huge lightbulb having just gone off while I slept... or new designs floating around.

Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 2:20 pm

Kriddles

I get confused with the patterns(Do I need to use them?If so where is the best to find the patterns I need?) and what kind of fabrics to use, also whether or not to use a sewing machine. What thread due I use and how do I keep the fabric from fraying at the edges? Any help would be amazing and appreciated. Links as well (When I find 'Sewing' websites... I usually don't get Sewing websites.)

Hmm. Just read over your post again. I think I'll just answer what I can that I didn't finish answering before in point form.

1) No, you don't really need to use patterns but for the first little while they can help.
If you can figure out on your own how to shape the pattern so it will fit you, and not be missing any pieces you can skip them, but that's difficult. If you do figure out how to make your own blocks- remember to leave extra inches on all the sides- about 2-4. It's easier to bring in a project than to add extra.
Simplicity, Butterick, and McCall's all are fairly good basic pattern companies. They have advanced project type patterns as well as "patterns for dummies/ noobs".

2) It depends what you are sewing on what fabric you will use. On the back of bought patterns, they suggest types of fabrics to use. It also slightly depends what you want it to look like when you are done. If you make your own patterns, just look at the back of similar patterns for the best suited fabrics.
**And don't forget, each type of fabric acts in its own way. Denim will not act like velvet, and brocade will not act like bamboo. **
If you get stuck, you can always ask the employees that work where you are buying your fabric.
'
3) I find that I get better and easier results with a sewing machine, but really sewing machines are a personal choice. They make your projects go one hell of a lot faster, but one of my best friends HATES them with a passion.

4) It depends what fabric you are working with for what thread is best, but Coats as I mentioned before is a general all-purpose. General Notion Basics I know that the link connects to a Canadian fabric store but it's all the general basics for notions, and those are international.

5) To keep your fabric from fraying, either finish it with a spray, tape, or sewing along the edges with a zigzag stich before you sew the pieces together. If you do the sewing method of fray-stopping, I say before because then you can press the seams open still, before you complete the garment and it keeps a lot of bulk from building up. OR if you are lucky enough and have access to a serger, just use that.

And if you have any more questions, feel free to PM me; and I will try to answer them as best as I can. biggrin Enjoy yourself

AyaKage

Offline

Welcome to Gaia! ::

Gaia Guilds

The Historical Clothing, Home, and Lifestyle Guild

Quick Reply

More Information