Start Making Your Own Clothes
Seriously, making your own clothes is a personal journey that develops into a creative endeavor you will fall in love with. It's not difficult!
Here is all you need to know to begin! Just make the first step and you will uncover the secret joy of sewing.
Have you ever commented on someone's garment and they responded gleefully, "I made it!" Or even wondered how to create a wardrobe that’s just your style?
Or maybe you’ve scrolled through Pinterest and pinned garments that you gravitate to. And then tried to locate the item to find out it's extremely expensive or perhaps it's just unavailable! Have you seen fabric and textiles you fell in love with?
How would it be to get that fabric and, actually make something that's all you!
If so, this is for you. I will share that sewing is not supposed to be perfect, tailored to a T, frustrating, or complicated. My way of sewing is easy, making simple garments to mix and match the way you want them to.
It's as if you are designing your very own collection.
This is because I encourage you to not only make a garment but add your preferences in details and inspired ideas.
Read on for helpful beginner advice that will get you sewing in no time flat!
LET'S BEGIN
To start sewing may seem like a distant endeavor, or frightening to even think about it. "I can't sew" should never be said. "I can sew!" I will do this! I am encouraged to do this!
You can do this. Do you have a desire to learn believe me it is quite easy! Did you ever sew in 7th Grade? Have you hand sewn a button? All you need is a budget sewing machine, Facebook Group exchanges with our beautiful and encouraging, sewing-savvy community, and even YouTube Videos to see how to do the simplest things.
So, we have loads of resources here. We have the patterns, the instructions, and if you join the Club Membership you have access to workshops I have done to show you how to make some gorgeous things.
TALA DRESS
MIA DRESS
It's Exciting!
Do not be intimidated you will quickly learn that every mistake can be undone or even used as part of your design. My mistakes sometimes turn into some great details in my design process. Your skills will level up with every step and project. You may encounter some hiccups along the way, but just don't be fristrated. Walk away, come back fresh and you've got this! There is great joy in the process!
If you are interested in making some of your own wardrobe pieces but are finding it difficult to even know where to start, I’m here to share some basics and I hope to demystify this practice and encourage you to take the exciting first steps towards sewing your own clothes!
SEWING MACHINE
Find the right one!
There are very reasonable machines out there. Both Singer and Brother make entry level machines that are fantastic. Singer 4423 or Brother XR9550 are both unbelievable for the price. Invest in yourself and get one.
I am more than thrilled that you're still reading. Let's move on!
Find a Beginner Friendly Sewing Pattern
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I have been dedicated to bring easy-to-sew patterns to the home sewing market for some years now. We have a whole library of Beginner Patterns just for you. Take it slow, read the instructions. Measurements of your body against the pattern are important.
Download the MEASUREMENT JOURNAL it is a vital piece of information to gather before you sew anything for yourself.
The Tools to start sewing.
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Well, you need sharp scissors for fabric only, paper scissors too.
You need thread, get a few neutral shades and black or charcoal.
As you go you may need a specific color for a fabric you are using.
A measuring tape, sewing pins (I like Quilting pins because they are large. Maybe some snippers at your machine for easy snipping those threads, and a seam ripper (boo) I hate those.
These tools are easy to find. Visit your local sewing or fabric shop or search online, you will find reasonable pricing I am sure.
DOWNLOAD PATTERNS
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For some time we offer only download patterns. If you search the internet I am sure you can find some of our printed patterns.
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Downloads are easy to use. You can store them in a file neatly on your computer. If you purchase patterns on www.sewtinagivens.com your account will keep your download purchases in your history, for future access.
We provide A0 files to send to a large format printer; 24" wide if preferred or at home files for you to print out and tile together.
If you download the A0 File, send it to www.pdfplotters.com / click on Large Format Printing 20lb paper. $2.94 / Page. Most patterns are 2 on average. I have provided a link below.
REBLE TANK SHIRT
NATALIA SKIRT
A few Ideas
Visit our Pattern Shop for Beginner Patterns to get you started on your personal adventure. Step by Step! A teaspoon of skill and a whole lot of your magic!