Dear Designers,
10 replies / 384 views / last reply by Derek R. 5 months ago
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I've been wanting to begin sewing and designing my own clothes for a while now. I already know how to do very basic sewing like taking in dresses or making pillows. But I want to learn how to make professional looking clothes and design patterns, so what's the best way to go about learning how to do those? Is there a certain book that's good, or is it better to have someone teach me? Also, I would appreciate suggestions on the best sewing machines out there right now. I have one, but it's literally fifty years old, so I'll be needing a new one soon.
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Madalyn K.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN,
United States
19 posts
Member since: 11/19/2010
Nothing wrong with older sewing machines! Just make sure you have new needles and keep the machine cleaned. You can always contact a local sewing shop that sells machines because they normally know someone who can fix them or clean them, which costs a lot less than buying a new one. If you do purchase a new one make sure that you'd be able to sew very heavy fabrics on it because you never know what you'll end up sewing or what sorts of materials you'll use. Good luck lady!
posted Jul 10, 2011
Cindy F.
Netherlands
365 posts
OG since: 08/24/2010
Yeah I take sewing lessons too.
I've been doing it for a year now. (it's so much fun!)
If you really want you clothes too look good you should take lessons.
Because you could teach yourself some mistakes that are really difficult to reverse when you Do take lessons..
All the best! (:
posted Jul 12, 2011
Esra W.
Netherlands
11 posts
Member since: 05/28/2011
i learned sewing at a sewing class, and i love it you can take a look at one of my first looks, i made the dress myself, learned at sew class: lookbook.nu/look/1964284-Strawberry-Dress , i'm doing it for 3 years now , i don't know any books that teach you how to sew but maybe there is some one you know that can teach you,
posted Jul 27, 2011
Yeva T.
TORONTO,
Canada
90 posts
Member since: 12/04/2010
If you're looking for professional quality to your clothes, I suggest looking at books on couture techniques. I would also recommend trying to find classes directed at the same subject. Also when it comes to professional quality, the quality of the fabric will make or break the garment. If you want to learn how to design patterns, you could try looking for classes on pattern-making/drafting. There are some books out there on the topic, but how useful they are I'm not too sure.
posted Jul 29, 2011
Mika P.
DOWNTOWN MANILA,
Philippines
1908 posts
OG since: 05/21/2009
take a basic sewing class, and start by making clothes for yourself. you can buy a good and affordable starter sewing machine from singer. study clothing and how it is sewn together. oh and make sure you know how to sew by hand, haha :D
posted Aug 1, 2011
Julie Z.
CHINA LIVING IN NEW YORK,
China
50 posts
Member since: 07/27/2011
I think taking a sewing class is much easier than flipping through books. But it takes a lot of practice... especially when you are dealing with light fabrics like silk... and especially CHIFFON omg... And you need a serger(they are expensive) to sew knits (like jersey fabrics) if you want them to look professionally finished. But you can always cheat with a zigzag stitch.
Since you're just starting, I think you can just stick to your old machine as long as it's still functional. And look on Amazon for books (with good reviews), and Youtube for videos on beginner sewing techniques. That's what I did!
posted Jan 4, 2012
DONNA D.
A FAMILY OF 32 KIDS,
Australia
84 posts
Member since: 11/05/2010
I learnt to sew at school, but I only learned the basics. From there I pretty much taught myself what to do. I think if you already know how to work the machine and do the main stuff with it, that's a good start. Just buy a whole heap of patterns from a thrift store and practice. Oh and when it comes to making your own designs, my teacher told me to go out and look for a pattern which is similar to your design, and just alter it :)
posted Jan 4, 2012
Derek R.
YOUR PERIPHERAL ,
United States
4 posts
OG since: 04/27/2010
You're halfway there! You have the ambition and a sewing machine. Madalyn K. is right on- pay to fix what you have and save yourself a couple hundred dollars. Also, sewing skills are pretty important, but nothing teaches like making mistakes. I taught myself to sew when I was 14, with some pointers from my mom (like how to thread the machine, etc.) and I'm still not great, but I'm learning as I go. Keep a sketch pad with you all the time and scribble out some ideas you'd like to try. You'll do great!! Good luck :)
posted Jan 4, 2012