In general, garment-sewing projects are all alike. A craftsperson chooses a pattern or creates one, and selects fabric and sundries. Then the pattern is pinned on the cloth, carefully following the package chart to align pattern pieces.
The fabric is cut, always an exciting moment, and the garment is pieced together, again carefully following directions. Some projects-say, a gathered skirt or a wall hanging-are simple. It is still important to use care and attention at every step to produce the desired result.
These garment-sewing tips should help:
The work of great designers shows that the simplest designs can be the most beautiful. Choose a design with few pattern pieces, few seams (none curved if possible) and no fussy details.
Often, pattern manufacturers will signal ease with pattern titles like Very Easy Vogue, Simplicity It's So Easy or McCall's Easy Stitch 'N Save.
Select a firmly woven, printed cotton or cotton-like fabric for a first project. (If cloth is all-cotton, make sure it is preshrunk.) The print will hide errors that might show on a smooth, solid-color fabric.
Stripes and plaids are harder to sew, because the patterns have to match where the fabric pieces meet. In a similar way, velvets and corduroys have to be aligned so that each piece catches the light the same way.
One-way designs should be avoided as well. Fold some fabric back on itself, and look to see if some of the design looks upside down. A sales clerk can show you how.
Also avoid limp and see-through fabrics, because they are harder to sew and show mistakes too clearly.
You need space to sew. If you must lay out, pin and cut your fabric on a counter or dining table, allow a generous block of undisturbed time for the work. A special sewing room is wonderful, but you can make a sewing box work if you stay organized.
Seams change the shape of the fabric. Iron as you go to integrate the stitches into the cloth, and to shape the fabric to match the seams. Pressing is not optional, even if it's not your favorite task. Press seams flat, and then press them open. Bust darts are pressed down, side seams are pressed open and gathers are seldom pressed, lest they become pleats.
Do not waste your time and trouble on materials that are not first-rate. Cheap fabrics that are printed off the grain of the fabric will always look subtly crooked. Some inexpensive fabrics will fade or shred, even if laundered with care. You are making a garment to be proud of, something you will want to enjoy for a long time.
Sewing is fun and relaxing. Sewing advice and tips will help you get the maximum enjoyment from the time you spend sewing and the garments you produce.
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