how to sew – Page 2

How To Sew – Getting Started

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Before you can begin sewing, you will need some supplies. Most importantly, you need a sewing machine. If you’re just learning, don’t worry about investing in the best machine you can afford. A basic machine is all you really need – you can always upgrade or buy additional machines (serger, coverstitch, embroidery) if you decide you really love sewing or want to have additional features available or want to start selling what you make.

My current machine

I learned to sew on this old Singer machine.

Some of the older machines are better anyway, so if you have Mom’s or Grandma’s sewing machine, don’t be afraid to use it. If you’re teaching a kid to sew, don’t – I repeat do NOT – buy a cheapie kids machine. It needs to have a bobbin in order for the stitches to stay and not just unravel (which is totally frustrating!).

For kids, I’ve heard good things about this one, but have never used it myself. Check this out for more information on slowing down a “real” machine to make it safer for kids.

This is similar to my machine except mine is 20+ yrs old (I have a Brother XR-34).

You will also need a few more supplies – thread, material, a pattern (unless you’re making something like a pillow), scissors and pins or clips. You can find them at WalMart or JoAnn (they have coupons online and an app where you can find coupons). These shouldn’t cost more than $15 – $20.

For a free pattern, check out this post about the Chloe and Mama Chloe maxi skirts. It’s a super easy pattern – perfect for learning. Check back next week for more beginning sewing tips and another easy pattern recommendation.

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Why Paper Patterns

A couple weeks ago I posted my top 5 reasons to use PDF patterns. However, there are also some really good reasons to use paper patterns. Here are my top 5 reasons to use paper patterns.

Cheaper – This is a big one! JoAnns regularly has patterns for $.99. You can’t beat that price. Even if you have to buy more than one to get all the sizes you need, it’s still a great deal! Even WalMart sells patterns.
Perfect for personal use – If you aren’t selling what you make, then paper patterns make perfect sense.
No printer, ink, or paper required – Paying for ink and paper can be expensive! Having patterns printed at a copy/print shop can save your printer ink, but it’s still going to cost you. Paper patterns avoid this.
Easier to store – I don’t know about anyone else, but I have a terrible time storing my PDF patterns. Once they’re taped together, there’s no easy way to store them. Paper patterns are fairly easy to fold up and put back into the envelope they came in.
One stop shopping – you can look through three or four different designer catalogs at one store.

I think they can be summed up into one word – convenience.

What about you – do you prefer paper patterns or PDF patterns? Why?

Skipper Skirt Hack – Adding a Third Tier

Skipper Skirt Hack Adding A Third Tier

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When I tested the Skipper Skirt pattern a few weeks ago, I made my daughter a school skirt. When it was done and she tried it on, it was just barely long enough to meet the dress code. If I had been thinking when I made it, I would’ve measured the finished length and then lengthened the tiers and ruffles. However, it never occurred to me, so I’m adding a tier.

A simple stacey top and skipper skirt.

I measured the around the bottom of the 2nd tier and ruffle. Since I’m doing a size 12, my measurements were very close to the measurements on the cutting guide. I need a tier that’s 5″x41.5″ (don’t forget to add your seam allowance – in my case 1/2″) and a ruffle that’s 5″x72″ (again, seam allowance). Also, if you’re material isn’t that wide, you can cut two pieces that are both half the width – so I’ll cut two 5″x36.25″ pieces for the ruffle. Sew the short edges of the tier together. Repeat with the ruffle. You should have two tubes. Hem the bottom of the ruffle using your preferred method.

Ruffle and tier for Skipper skirt hack

Now, follow the directions in step 7 of the Skipper Skirt pattern where it tells you how to put together the bottom ruffle and attach it to the skirt.

With the extra ruffle on it the Skipper Skirt is definitely long enough for a school uniform skirt.

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Pattern Review: Joy by Made for Mermaids

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I recently tested the Joy pattern by Made for Mermaids. It’s part of their Dreamy Collection (check it out – it’s truly dreamy!).

As with all her patterns, it is an easy sew and the directions are excellent!

The pleats are super easy to do and there’s a video to further explain how to put them together.

Side seam pockets are optional, but so easy!

There are three sleeve options – being in Florida I almost always go with short.

I made mine with an overlay by simply cutting the front and back bodice pieces from both the main material and the overlay material. I basted them together and then sewed it following the directions.

It comes with different skirt lengths too – maxi, dress, and peplum. You can also put a zipper up the back either for a design element or to make it easier to get on/off over fussy hair.

This pattern can be mashed with her other Dreamy Collection patterns. Pick the top and skirt you like and put them together to make your own look. I’m planning a Joy/Juliette mash for an Easter dress!

It’s on sale for $7 until tonight. Buy it here, then come back and tell me what you made.

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Why PDF Patterns?

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When I was a kid and learning how to sew, there was only one kind of pattern – the tissue paper ones. I didn’t know anything different until about three years. Somehow I discovered the world of PDF patterns and I haven’t looked back.

My first PDF pattern – Love Me Knots by Seamingly Smitten.

There are several reasons I like PDF patterns over the traditional tissue paper ones. Here are my top five.

Facebook groups – When you buy a paper pattern, there’s no talking to the maker or other people who have used that pattern. There’s no pretty, full color pictures for each step. You’re pretty much on your own. With PDF patterns there’s a whole world of personal support & inspiration. Almost all makers have some sort of Facebook group, Instagram account, a Pinterest page, some kid of way to reach them and to see what others have made and to share what you’ve made. There’s also a Facebook group dedicated to PDF patterns and one for free PDF patterns (I’m sure there are others, but these are the two I like).

Easier to print sizes you need – Many patterns come with layers meaning you can print only the size you need. If you’re mashing sizes, you can pick the two or three sizes you need and print them. There’s also usually a guide so you only print the pages you need. Once you get the hang of it, gluing/taping pages really doesn’t take that long. Plus, if you want another size, you can just reprint it.

Include all sizes from infant to 12 or 14 – this is a big one for me. I love to be able to buy one pattern and use it for several years. Yes, you pay more initially, but remember, you don’t have to buy the same pattern two or three times if you’re trying to make matching outfits. Also, most designers have sales once or twice a year and when a new pattern comes out, it’s offered at a discounted price. Sometimes patterns have options for both boys and girls – that’s a win in my book!

Rowan Raglan by Made for Mermaids

Often there’s a Mama pattern too – So often patterns for kids would be perfect for adults and vice versa. Often times designers will design a pattern for one and then if there’s enough interest, they’ll design a pattern for the other.

Chloe and Mama Chloe by Made for Mermaids

Able to sell what you make – As a seamstress with an online shop, this is probably the biggest one for me! Tissue paper patterns say for personal use only. Every PDF pattern I’ve bought says that I can sell items made with the pattern (obviously I can’t resell the PDF file). For instance, I recently needed a size 6 shirt pattern. Nothing fancy, just a basic shirt with long and short sleeve options. Stacey by Made for Mermaids was perfect – I was able to hack the pattern to make the sleeve I needed.

Now that I’ve convinced you to try PDF patterns, here are my favorite designers. Go check them out. If you find one you think you might like, look for one of their free patterns so you can get a feel for their style.

Made for Mermaids

Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop (she also has an awesome fabric shop with basic knits and adorable custom knits)

Seamingly Smitten

Itch to Stitch (one caveat – I have not actually made the Angelia shorts pattern I purchased, but I love her stuff)

Stitch Upon A Time (S.U.A.T.)

Patterns for Pirates

Gracious Threads

Did I forget any? Who’s your favorite?