I gave up on sewing after a really bad experience of bullying at my fashion designing class. Your videos are making me love sewing again. Thank you so so much!
I do this differently in Finland. When one of my favorite clothe has come to end of it's life, I brake it to part to get all patterns perfectly. I brake it a part from seames using carefullu the ripping knife and i iron all the pieces. I save the old clothes pattern parts and i had notised that the old clothes pattern pieces are best to cut new ones.
Ass more information, use old bed sheets to copy your first pattern. Then you can make the pattern like non stretsh material and sew a test piece before you cut the end use material.
This is SSOOOO Briliiant!!! I am a 6' tall woman. Clothes that fit correctly have been hard to come by nearly my whole life. Now I can make my own clothes using the few articles of clothing that I've been able to find that actually fit me! OMG......pants, pants, pants!!! No more wearing the same pants every day!!! YOUR videos are a GOD_SEND!!!
Hope you've had good luck! Would love to see! I'm 5'3 and clothes are always too "tall" for me, and so I want to clone a few pieces that fit so that I don't always need to take my tops and dresses to be altered....
I cannot believe how I have lacked the confidence to even think I could create my own patterns...till NOW!!! Thank you so much Wendy for sharing your talent and skills and for helping a 60 yr old lady get excited again about sewing!!!
That’s cool that you are pursuing your dreams at this stage in your life, I am doing so as well. I feel like as adults we are pushed into doing more “responsible” things, jobs that will put food on the table, but that stifle all creativity. And that does not make us happy. It’s time to live creatively and express ourselves, if we want to truly be happy. Go for it girl!’!’ Do what you WANT to do; not what they TELL you to do.
So much Work! I deconstruct pieces and resew from previous garments like this: 1. wash 2. dry 3. unstitch origional garment 4. steam press with iron 5. spray starch and lable pieces with marker or iron on patch 6. take new fabric 7. wash, dry, steam press 8. lay out template pieces cut with 1/2 inch extra for French seam, or exact provided seams in origional are in tact. 9. Baste stitch together 10. try on, make adjustments if necessary 11. steam seams 12. final top stitch 13. Steam press compleated garment. 14. Keeping a notebook helps and side note: if I am adjusting or changing the design, rather than draw with dots and a pencil I use chalk or a tracing wheel. These temlates are easy to store and use again & mix and match. I give my grandmother credit for both teaching me to sew as a child and this technique. During the Depression and WWII paterns were hard to get and or pricey.
You rock. I went 20 years without sewing a thing. Now I found a dress I love. I bought a sewing machine for Christmas and a sheet at thrift store. This way if I screw up I'm only out 99¢. Otherwise if it works I'll never buy clothes again. Thank you for making it super easy to follow
Love this!!!!!! I paid a lot of money for sewing classes only so that I could replicate my clothes and learned more in this short video than months of classes!!!!!!! Thank you can't wait to do this!!!!!!
@ Laura Starace lucky for me, I never had to take sewing classes because my mom taught me how to sew at age 13. I mostly make handbags, do some alterations or make small things like headbands. It's been a while since I made any clothes. 😊
Tracing clothes and cutting out the pieces is only half the garment making process. Your classes probably taught you how to put the pieces together and in what order they should be sewn.
Hi! I would love if you did a video on fabric and finding fabric that is right for the garment you are trying to make. I struggle with finding fabric, especially rayon or the fabric that many clothes are made of from stores. It's also hard to tell which fabrics are suitable for which garments. Thank you!
That's such an awesome suggestion! With that, it would be extremely helpful to know which stitch is best paired with each fabric, (I know silks and a lot of synthetic materials like polyester chiffons are temperamental)!
Another option, using the same process, is to use HEAVY GAUGE CLEAR PLASTIC SHEETING, which can be found in hardware stores. Having the versatility of being able to place it over or under, and either work around or align things by seeing through it, tracing details, etc, can sometimes make things easier. Also, if you're using Sharpie Markers to draw the lines, they can be erased with rubbing alcohol in case you make an error or want to change the cut of particular seam.
Fantastic idea! That way you can reuse a favorite pattern multiple times without having to cut a paper pattern multiple times! Also... I am going to copy some of my favorite purchased patterns onto plastic sheeting! Cost of patterns is ridiculous these days. Sewing used to be creative & COST SAVINGS. Now the focus of sewing only seems to be on creativity. Toss cost savings to the wind.
Wen i find a pattern like I back it after cutting the commercial partern with frezer paper. When I want to adjust it I just iron two lagy err s of freezer paper. If there is decoration used on the garment I can make templates out of photo frame plexiglass bought at thrift shops from artwork that does not sell.
Thanks so much for this!! I have an uncommon body shape and size. All my life I’ve had trouble finding clothes that fit me well. When I find something that does, I try to buy extras and every color available, but sometimes clothes are discontinued. I have made several pairs of scrubs now that I just love!! Everyone asks me where i got them because I use fabrics that are not found in any uniform shops clothes!! Rocking my wardrobe in 2023! Now I’m repurposing all the clothes in my closet that never really fit me. Ive made some rag rugs, placemates and beautiful tote bags out of shirts that I bought just hoping they would somehow fit me. Subscribed!!
Tracing your own clothes is the best way. I didn't know much of anything about sewing years ago, and I traced a bathrobe of mine and and even put a full length zipper in it. I still have it to this day. I traced my toddler's shirt and husband's shirt and made matching shirts with a front pocket of each of the sizes. They turned out perfect. I took my favorite top and made one, just by tracing it and got requests for me to make more for strangers. All because your own clothes make the best patterns.
That’s great I plan on doing that too. As I find it hard to alter a pattern. I have pants I love that fit well so I’ll try them first. I’m not much of a sewer and haven’t sewn for decades, I can’t find a dress I like, so I’ll trace a dress as well. Thanks for sharing
I am a handknitter who loves to knit sweaters and tops. Your armhole info just immensely helped me with ideas to customize patterns for better fit. Thank you so much.
My grannie was a dressmaker in the 30s and taught me to cut patterns like this. I can’t shop bought patterns now - she used to make a plain material garment to cut from and keep she called a “toile” . Your clothes look great 👍
Dear Wendy, Thank you for making this tutorial. I am a doll maker and I dabble in blankets but not clothes till now. I live in a rural area and due to covid shopping in person for clothing has become a nightmare!! I haven’t bought hardly any new clothes in almost 3 years. I have been wanting to try my hand at making my own clothes, but didn’t know where to start. Your wonderfully clear and simple instructions are just what I needed. I think this style will suit my ability level and leaves some room for creativity. I’m off to give clothing making a whirl. Thank you!!!
Wendy, you're the best!! From an absolute sewing newbie (3 lessons), your videos have given me so much confidence to dive headfirst into the awesome world of greating awesomeness from fabric! I struggle to find clothes that I like and that'll fit me the way I want them to, so learning how to make clothes from stuff that already fits is amazing. Thanks girl!!
I went to designer school and we learnd about pattern making. I have to say NOW i get it. This video was the best explaned pattern video ive ever seen. Thank you Wendy! ♡
I do all of this too, but some of the things you pointed out make so much sense, like picking a high rise pair of shorts that reaches your true waist line and lowering the waist line on the copies pattern to wherever you want. Thanks! I also like to use a straight pin to trace the true arms scythes, then I mark the half inch seam allowance after. :)
Wendy, I LOVE your videos! For a very long time, I wanted to go back to sewing but kept putting other things, people, etc.. first. This pendemic has been the opportunity I needed to put myself first! I have rearranged a small area in my living room & brought a old sewing table (from the thift store) & watching your videos has inspired me! I'm remembering all the things my mom, grandma & home economics teacher taught me about sewing. My boyfriend asked me what I wanted for Christmas & I told him a serger . He told me, "just pick one out & I'll get for you! " 😁 Holy Cow!! Now I am starting to make a lot of my own clothes & enjoying it. It feels so good to embrace my own style. Thank you again!
Hi Wendy Try to put the one leg in the other when you’re tracing your pants - I found it to be much easier when you want the fabric to lay flat I love watching your tutorials, your directions are easy to understand and your style is great
I love how you show and explain the difference in the arms eye and sleeve and how the back of the arms eye is different than the front. This is important even in a knit garment. Thank you again for your videos. You do go fast but that's what the pause button is for.
One thing I use now to copy my patterns is the clear painter's plastic... I put my piece flat sandwich between the folded plastic, pin everything so it is sable and just trace. For me at least, it is quicker and simpler but both techniques are very good 🌹
Thank you. I think I watched this video several months ago when I was thinking about making my own clothing. I bought a sewing machine last year and have been slowly teaching myself along with watching tutorials like yours. I finally made a dress today!!! Woohoo, thanks in part to seeing this video already. I've watched several other channels also to get the courage and finally decided to give it a try. It worked! I sure appreciate the help.
Great video. I do something similar. I lay a soft towel on a protected surface. Put the sheet on paper on it. The last one on top is the garment I want to copy. I get a pin/needle and poke tiny invisible holes through the paper following the line where the pieces were sewn together. At the end I connect the dots with a pen.
Just got a sewing machine today because I can’t find the yummy warm sweatshirt material robe I’ve worn for years…and you have set me free to duplicate it! Thinking about some other things that I’d love to do from my wardrobe. Can’t wait to see some of your other videos. Thank you so much!
I just scoured Poshmark to find my old favorite dress that I wore through until it broke. I can't wait to try and make a pattern from it! Thank you so much for the tutorial!
Dear Wendy, I love you like for real. Creepy, I know but I have to tell you that I was this close to selling my sewing machine and dozens of store bought patterns on Craigslist. I planned on using the cash to buy a bottle of wine to assuage my many, many, so very many sewing fails. Anyway I found this video and made shorts for my son because I had so much fabric that I was use no one would buy. Low and behold it wasn't a disaster. It was ugly but I at least knew where I went wrong. Thanks for giving me hope!
Every time you get frustrated at the sewing machine, take a break, & go back later, when you're calm. Being wound up and anxious never serves anyone well to do anything.
Oh thank you for this!! Exactly what I want to do as a beginner! I'm 65yrs old and I find it difficult to find clothes that really fits me, except for a few that |I have and I have been looking around for at least a pattern that can replicate the clothes that I already have. I love the A line cut on my tops that can hide my belly and I love wearing wide leg shorts. Now you gave me a very good idea to resolve my problems with clothing! Thank you so much! and be looking forward to watching more of your videos! Kuddos to you Wendy!
Thanks so much for the video .I learned a lot from watching you, even though I have sewn for years, and just hated store patterns, which always needed altering ahead of time.
Hey Wendy! I know this is an older video but I have watched it a few times now for different patterns as I am new to sewing and it absolutely blew my mind to see you putting the back and front pattern on the same piece of paper hahahah. That is SO HANDY!! I move a lot and it is so convenient to have compact patterns so you mentioning about making the shorts pattern and just extending them... It may be obvious for some but it was NOT for me and was so helpful! Thank you
This is such a helpful video! I was in a class a few years ago to learn how to make my own leggings. The pattern we were to use was a standard pattern. I pulled out the pattern pieces and thought, this will NOT be leggings - NO WAY! The legs on the pattern pieces for my size looked like I would end up with the widest palazzo pants on earth! So, I took a pair of leggings that I knew fit me and made adjustments. Instead of cutting a large size, I ended up with large in the waist and small in the legs!! I was the ONLY one in the class that did not have to make any size adjustments to create my leggings. Also, I use a pattern tracing paper (sort of like interfacing) and when I had that pattern created for my leggings, I traced it on the tracing paper. Now I have a permanent pattern for leggings that fit me!
I love this gal! Wendy is articulate and a joy to follow. No nonsense or wasted time finding the words to explain directions. Videos are well edited. So refreshing. Excellent job Wendy! I look forward to viewing more instructional videos! Thank you!
This is so awesome. Yes, it's too fast for me, but I went to the SETTINGS COG icon and lowered the speed. Now, I can rewind again and again if need be. Thank you for this tutorial. I am going to help my eleven year old grandson learn to sew.
Thank you Miss Wendy! Watched this video last year and cloned a 1930s style dress! Now it's my favourite pattern, and it's what got me hooked on sewing. =)
Wendy, I sew a LOT so maybe its because I know what you are referring to, but I just wanted to tell you that your videos are so great. Tells me what I need to know fast and easy!
Oh man, I was literally just thinking that! And that makes me so happy that you learn things from me too - I feel like your sewing skills are far above mine!
O. M .G . are you guys...my two favorites youtubers....TALKING?? this is too much for me xD and here i am at the other side of the world fangirling lol. love you guys
...you're so clever! You have the perfect voice for tutorials..you sound so excited about your projects, and that inspires me even more! What I sometimes do is unpick an old favourite piece of clothing, and use it as the template that way. I look forward to more of your tutorials, even if I don't make the article of clothing - so educational! Edit : lol, I just realised this video is 2 years old.. 😂 😂 I need to catch up fast! 😁
I love this idea! Some patterns like McCalls don't go large enough to fit me. I can use my clothes and alter the patterns to make new clothes and costumes!
Thank you so much. I've had a nightie for a looooong time. It's like a long a-line dress shape and I darent wear it because it's a little worn but I've wanted to make one the same for forever.
stumbled upon your cloning vid, and I am hooked. I personally, repurpose my clothes whenever possible, but it never dawned on me to clone my favorite items. Thanks for this.
I tape my pattern paper to my folding pattern cardboard to hold it in place, lay shirt down, then just poke pins in at the seams. I remove and connect pin holes. I like your tutorials. Quick, to the point.
Thank you so much for making these videos. Just starting off in seeing my own clothes, so your tutorials are priceless! It's such a cool way to get your own unique look and be a responsible consumer. :) much love!
I've never made a garment before and I have never used a real pattern (I've always followed video tutorials and mostly made basic shaped items). This was very helpful. I did struggle quite a bit in the beginning but then I think I finally got it. I'm using the same basic principles to make a sleep sack for my son side he's outgrown all of his, but he refuses to sleep unless his legs are bundled up. I appreciate the tutorials you post. Thank you so much!
Excellent video!!! I hate watching 30 minute videos with information I don't need. I will use everything you talked about and you got straight to the point. Anything I need clarity on I just pause and reply. I love this!!! Keep it up ❤
thank you times a million! I have a pair of pants that is the best fitting I've ever had the company doesn't make them anymore and NONE of the numerous dress pants I've bought since can compare to it so I wanted to use the pants as a guide to make my own with the exact same "pattern" but couldn't figure out how...I'm going to the dollar store to buy the thick paper you mentioned. this is a LIFE CHANGER thanks!!!
Wow that's amazing. I love those simplicity. I have sewn for 3 years and learn so many how to draw pattern, most of them are so complicated. I am still loving a simple one. Thanks for sharing.
It is CRAZY to get them to fit. If you do it wrong, you get a crazy looking horseshoe shape. I haven't done a diy pattern yet, but if you have any pants/shorts patterns, just get one out and follow the instructions and it will work. I find it truly mind bending EVERY time. (BTW, I teach college level geometry, trig, math, etc every day, and i still can't wrap my head around it without detailed instructions so don't feel bad!)
Diane Deziel has two great, detailed videos on making patterns for hoods. (Actually, just check out Diane Deziel, she has many great, detailed tutorials. Now I think about it, she recently made a series on coats, too.)
One trick I love is to use washable markers to mark from & back, etc. on the pattern pieces instead of chalk or whatever. I usually use a Crayola skinny washable marker like Pipsqueeks in a similar color to the fabric, and it has always washed out just fine, and the marks keep me on track.
Super helpful! This took a ton of the mystery out of pulling a pattern! It's really tough to find men's patterns that aren't some nightmare of a McCall's 90s reject vest. I've been wanting to make some stuff based on my modern clothes and I'm glad I found your channel!
What do you recommend a beginning seamstress (I MEAN A REAL BEGINNER, NEVER SEWED BEFORE!!) watch or do or buy to start her new hobby?!? Well, my new hobby. Lol! I REALLY want to learn the right way but am so intimidated by it all. Please help me know how to begin and EXACTLY what to do. I would be SO grateful! Ty xo!
I'm doing the same thing,but I'm 45 lol, I'm watching so many u tube vids,brought material from op shops,super cheap,and now trying to make a halter top from a pattern, there's 3 pieces to it, its strecty t shirt material I'm using and I will zig zag it,a small zig zag,should be easy start, see I'm sure you will find something to start with, good luck, I really enjoy these vids :-) best way to learn
Start with something with simple shapes. In my home ec. class, we made a quillow (squares and rectangles). Practice on scrap fabric, get to know your machine. It helps.
If you have a friend that sews, ask then if they will mentor you, so you can ask questions. I sew and have a friend that has quilted for years, but never made clothes. She has the technical skill but knows nothing about fitting and fabric type, etc. She asked a few questions and has made amazing progress! Some questions just don't come up on youtube.
Great video! I’d love it if you could do something with a bust dart. There are heaps of tutorials with a lot of technical information about positioning and resizing darts, but if your dress already fits, and you know the size of the dart it would be handy to know how to trace the pattern so that you can cut the fabric correctly without screwing up the side seam!
This is how I was able to make my three boys all their halloween costumes. I loved it because I could buy cheap material, since they were only wearing it once and then make their dream a reality!
I really enjoying the easiness of marking & cutting out in just a few minutes. I have an old worn-out top that I cannot replace & this will do the trick! Thank you!
Eye opener video especially for me because I never get to learn by calculating. This makes me like "Oh here is how&what I need it? Thank you so much❤️😘
love it. I have to make some skirts but can no longer find reasonably priced Classic skirt designs, that fit just as i want them to. Do you have videos on tracing zippered skirts? Definitely subscribed! thanks for sharing.
This is such a great tutorial. You make it look easy and actually it is easy, so much easier than fitting patterns for every garment like this. I do use patterns to get style and design ideas and add those features to what would be everyday garments. I have cloned a lot of my own clothes. And I have been able to establish many great fitting blocks that use these patterns for perfect fit. My experience over time though says that one can make the same garment type from a cloned pattern, but fabrics have different behaviors. I have had them shrink even with prewashing, and the difference in stretch can affect the fit or feel of the new garment. But overall, I think you can get a better result when you start with a garment style you like that already compliments one's body. I have made some really great pieces, now when I clone a jacket idea or the actual garment, I can do a tank or tee to go under it and make matching bottoms for a cohesive and simple outfit that goes well together. This also works for sleepwear and swimwear. I have even cloned bras. My success was not that great compared to my own designed patterns made from measurements though. Thanks for sharing how you do it. Your channel comes highly recommended and now I see why. I can't wait to see what else you have done.
great vídeo! great tutorial! but how to copy a piece of clothing that have darts? I also copy clothing by not throwing old stuff away, then ripping the seams and tracing the pieces.
Measure the dart, double it so u have the full dart allowance. Add it on to the pattern. Its not the perfect way to do it but it will do for homemade purposes
Really enjoyed this as a on point refresher. For more complex stuff, I found I can undo some of the stitching on a piece I love, get the pattern to "clone" it, and restitch the original
how do you transfer a dart from the clothing onto the pattern paper? I'm making a pattern from the shirt I own, and the shirt has a side dart. There are lots of resources online for sewing a dart or transferring the dart from pattern to fabric, but I need the opposite :P. HELP PLEASE :) Love your videos!! You make sewing seem less intimidating!
It's easier to fold the garments inside out first. They fold flat and more true to original pattern. Try it! 😊
I'm gonna cuz the other way didn't work so good. thanks
brainy
Good idea!
I agree
I wish I read this first lol that would have made it easier lol
I gave up on sewing after a really bad experience of bullying at my fashion designing class. Your videos are making me love sewing again. Thank you so so much!
Arshi Dokadia don't ever let anyone take your joy believe in yourself and go after your dream of sewing... you're better than you know
Bullying? I'm curious, was it a classmate or a teacher?
A lot of bullying happens when people are jealous. And they are jealous when you are good! So keep going and do what you love!
Envy is the enemy of progress, fuck them, follow your dreams
Keep your passion for fashion in the present. As far as the ppl who bully, they are trash and must be jealous of your inner beauty. Good luck!🙏🏼
I do this differently in Finland. When one of my favorite clothe has come to end of it's life, I brake it to part to get all patterns perfectly. I brake it a part from seames using carefullu the ripping knife and i iron all the pieces. I save the old clothes pattern parts and i had notised that the old clothes pattern pieces are best to cut new ones.
Smart trick Liisa! I hadn't thought of doing that.
That’s cool, I think this is to save your cloths you like and make new ones
@@dinonugget_741 just keep care that no one or any one would not put them to trash...
I so this too! Its easier when you have the original seam(s) allowance!
Ass more information, use old bed sheets to copy your first pattern. Then you can make the pattern like non stretsh material and sew a test piece before you cut the end use material.
This is SSOOOO Briliiant!!! I am a 6' tall woman. Clothes that fit correctly have been hard to come by nearly my whole life. Now I can make my own clothes using the few articles of clothing that I've been able to find that actually fit me! OMG......pants, pants, pants!!! No more wearing the same pants every day!!! YOUR videos are a GOD_SEND!!!
Hope you've had good luck! Would love to see! I'm 5'3 and clothes are always too "tall" for me, and so I want to clone a few pieces that fit so that I don't always need to take my tops and dresses to be altered....
ME TO Im 5'7 and 14 so shopping for jeans is a hard core struggle because I cant really stay in the teens sections 😅
I hear you! Shirt and jumper sleeves that sit above my wrists grrrrrrrrrr
Lebrone Cranberry model🥺🥺🥺🥺
@@nidhinandkumar4103 it hard when you're tall be cause everything short makes you look like red ligh district woman 😬🙅♀️🤦🏼♀️
I cannot believe how I have lacked the confidence to even think I could create my own patterns...till NOW!!! Thank you so much Wendy for sharing your talent and skills and for helping a 60 yr old lady get excited again about sewing!!!
That’s cool that you are pursuing your dreams at this stage in your life, I am doing so as well. I feel like as adults we are pushed into doing more “responsible” things, jobs that will put food on the table, but that stifle all creativity. And that does not make us happy. It’s time to live creatively and express ourselves, if we want to truly be happy. Go for it girl!’!’
Do what you WANT to do; not what they TELL you to do.
So much Work! I deconstruct pieces and resew from previous garments like this:
1. wash
2. dry
3. unstitch origional garment
4. steam press with iron
5. spray starch and lable pieces with marker or iron on patch
6. take new fabric
7. wash, dry, steam press
8. lay out template pieces cut with 1/2 inch extra for French seam, or exact provided seams in origional are in tact.
9. Baste stitch together
10. try on, make adjustments if necessary
11. steam seams
12. final top stitch
13. Steam press compleated garment.
14. Keeping a notebook helps
and side note: if I am adjusting or changing the design, rather than draw with dots and a pencil I use chalk or a tracing wheel.
These temlates are easy to store and use again & mix and match. I give my grandmother credit for both teaching me to sew as a child and this technique. During the Depression and WWII paterns were hard to get and or pricey.
while im just doing it because i cant wrap my head around the calculations TT
This is what I was thinking. Unstitch and make new patterns from the donor.
You rock. I went 20 years without sewing a thing. Now I found a dress I love. I bought a sewing machine for Christmas and a sheet at thrift store. This way if I screw up I'm only out 99¢. Otherwise if it works I'll never buy clothes again. Thank you for making it super easy to follow
Love this!!!!!! I paid a lot of money for sewing classes only so that I could replicate my clothes and learned more in this short video than months of classes!!!!!!! Thank you can't wait to do this!!!!!!
@ Laura Starace lucky for me, I never had to take sewing classes because my mom taught me how to sew at age 13. I mostly make handbags, do some alterations or make small things like headbands. It's been a while since I made any clothes. 😊
Tracing clothes and cutting out the pieces is only half the garment making process. Your classes probably taught you how to put the pieces together and in what order they should be sewn.
Hi! I would love if you did a video on fabric and finding fabric that is right for the garment you are trying to make. I struggle with finding fabric, especially rayon or the fabric that many clothes are made of from stores. It's also hard to tell which fabrics are suitable for which garments. Thank you!
That's such an awesome suggestion! With that, it would be extremely helpful to know which stitch is best paired with each fabric, (I know silks and a lot of synthetic materials like polyester chiffons are temperamental)!
I agree completely! Wendy is so thorough and helpful, I feel like she would explain this so well and help so many people!
Malini Chandra
i made a skirt in silk. Tussah silk. So stiff it stood out like a lampshade. So much work, so big fail!
Yes! Yes! Great suggestion!
Another option, using the same process, is to use HEAVY GAUGE CLEAR PLASTIC SHEETING, which can be found in hardware stores. Having the versatility of being able to place it over or under, and either work around or align things by seeing through it, tracing details, etc, can sometimes make things easier. Also, if you're using Sharpie Markers to draw the lines, they can be erased with rubbing alcohol in case you make an error or want to change the cut of particular seam.
rmcdaniel423 That is so smart!
This is so brilliant. Thanks for sharing...
Fantastic idea! That way you can reuse a favorite pattern multiple times without having to cut a paper pattern multiple times!
Also... I am going to copy some of my favorite purchased patterns onto plastic sheeting! Cost of patterns is ridiculous these days. Sewing used to be creative & COST SAVINGS.
Now the focus of sewing only seems to be on creativity. Toss cost savings to the wind.
rmcdaniel423 brilliant- thank you!
Wen i find a pattern like I back it after cutting the commercial partern with frezer paper. When I want to adjust it I just iron two lagy err s of freezer paper. If there is decoration used on the garment I can make templates out of photo frame plexiglass bought at thrift shops from artwork that does not sell.
Thanks so much for this!! I have an uncommon body shape and size. All my life I’ve had trouble finding clothes that fit me well. When I find something that does, I try to buy extras and every color available, but sometimes clothes are discontinued. I have made several pairs of scrubs now that I just love!! Everyone asks me where i got them because I use fabrics that are not found in any uniform shops clothes!!
Rocking my wardrobe in 2023! Now I’m repurposing all the clothes in my closet that never really fit me. Ive made some rag rugs, placemates and beautiful tote bags out of shirts that I bought just hoping they would somehow fit me. Subscribed!!
Tracing your own clothes is the best way. I didn't know much of anything about sewing years ago, and I traced a bathrobe of mine and and even put a full length zipper in it. I still have it to this day. I traced my toddler's shirt and husband's shirt and made matching shirts with a front pocket of each of the sizes. They turned out perfect. I took my favorite top and made one, just by tracing it and got requests for me to make more for strangers. All because your own clothes make the best patterns.
That’s great I plan on doing that too. As I find it hard to alter a pattern. I have pants I love that fit well so I’ll try them first.
I’m not much of a sewer and haven’t sewn for decades, I can’t find a dress I like, so I’ll trace a dress as well. Thanks for sharing
I am a handknitter who loves to knit sweaters and tops. Your armhole info just immensely helped me with ideas to customize patterns for better fit. Thank you so much.
My grannie was a dressmaker in the 30s and taught me to cut patterns like this. I can’t shop bought patterns now - she used to make a plain material garment to cut from and keep she called a “toile” . Your clothes look great 👍
"You are the boss and you can make your clothes as you like" I am enchanted by that sentence!
Dear Wendy,
Thank you for making this tutorial. I am a doll maker and I dabble in blankets but not clothes till now. I live in a rural area and due to covid shopping in person for clothing has become a nightmare!! I haven’t bought hardly any new clothes in almost 3 years. I have been wanting to try my hand at making my own clothes, but didn’t know where to start. Your wonderfully clear and simple instructions are just what I needed. I think this style will suit my ability level and leaves some room for creativity. I’m off to give clothing making a whirl. Thank you!!!
Wendy, you're the best!! From an absolute sewing newbie (3 lessons), your videos have given me so much confidence to dive headfirst into the awesome world of greating awesomeness from fabric! I struggle to find clothes that I like and that'll fit me the way I want them to, so learning how to make clothes from stuff that already fits is amazing. Thanks girl!!
I went to designer school and we learnd about pattern making. I have to say NOW i get it. This video was the best explaned pattern video ive ever seen. Thank you Wendy! ♡
I'm genuinely blown away by how easy you made it look, I thought that making anything was very difficult and you had to be a professional
100%
So gracious of you to share precious knowledge and skills ❤👍
I do all of this too, but some of the things you pointed out make so much sense, like picking a high rise pair of shorts that reaches your true waist line and lowering the waist line on the copies pattern to wherever you want. Thanks! I also like to use a straight pin to trace the true arms scythes, then I mark the half inch seam allowance after. :)
Wendy, I LOVE your videos! For a very long time, I wanted to go back to sewing but kept putting other things, people, etc.. first. This pendemic has been the opportunity I needed to put myself first! I have rearranged a small area in my living room & brought a old sewing table (from the thift store) & watching your videos has inspired me! I'm remembering all the things my mom, grandma & home economics teacher taught me about sewing. My boyfriend asked me what I wanted for Christmas & I told him a serger . He told me, "just pick one out & I'll get for you! " 😁 Holy Cow!! Now I am starting to make a lot of my own clothes & enjoying it. It feels so good to embrace my own style. Thank you again!
Hi Wendy
Try to put the one leg in the other when you’re tracing your pants - I found it to be much easier when you want the fabric to lay flat
I love watching your tutorials, your directions are easy to understand and your style is great
I love how you show and explain the difference in the arms eye and sleeve and how the back of the arms eye is different than the front. This is important even in a knit garment. Thank you again for your videos. You do go fast but that's what the pause button is for.
One thing I use now to copy my patterns is the clear painter's plastic... I put my piece flat sandwich between the folded plastic, pin everything so it is sable and just trace. For me at least, it is quicker and simpler but both techniques are very good 🌹
Thank you. I think I watched this video several months ago when I was thinking about making my own clothing. I bought a sewing machine last year and have been slowly teaching myself along with watching tutorials like yours. I finally made a dress today!!! Woohoo, thanks in part to seeing this video already. I've watched several other channels also to get the courage and finally decided to give it a try. It worked! I sure appreciate the help.
Great video. I do something similar. I lay a soft towel on a protected surface. Put the sheet on paper on it. The last one on top is the garment I want to copy. I get a pin/needle and poke tiny invisible holes through the paper following the line where the pieces were sewn together. At the end I connect the dots with a pen.
Bookmark Monaco that’s so smart!! I love that idea :)
Just got a sewing machine today because I can’t find the yummy warm sweatshirt material robe I’ve worn for years…and you have set me free to duplicate it! Thinking about some other things that I’d love to do from my wardrobe. Can’t wait to see some of your other videos. Thank you so much!
I just scoured Poshmark to find my old favorite dress that I wore through until it broke. I can't wait to try and make a pattern from it! Thank you so much for the tutorial!
I could just listen to you talk for hours. Your voice is soothing and smooth
Dear Wendy, I love you like for real. Creepy, I know but I have to tell you that I was this close to selling my sewing machine and dozens of store bought patterns on Craigslist. I planned on using the cash to buy a bottle of wine to assuage my many, many, so very many sewing fails. Anyway I found this video and made shorts for my son because I had so much fabric that I was use no one would buy. Low and behold it wasn't a disaster. It was ugly but I at least knew where I went wrong. Thanks for giving me hope!
+mavis ajede this is an amazing story! I'm so touched :) you will get better every time you try!!
Every time you get frustrated at the sewing machine, take a break, & go back later, when you're calm. Being wound up and anxious never serves anyone well to do anything.
Movie room 104 whats up is it rea
Oh thank you for this!! Exactly what I want to do as a beginner!
I'm 65yrs old and I find it difficult to find clothes that really fits
me, except for a few that |I have and I have been looking around
for at least a pattern that can replicate the clothes that I already
have.
I love the A line cut on my tops that can hide my belly and
I love wearing wide leg shorts. Now you gave me a very good idea
to resolve my problems with clothing! Thank you so much! and be
looking forward to watching more of your videos! Kuddos to you Wendy!
Thanks so much for the video .I learned a lot from watching you, even though I have sewn for years, and just hated store patterns, which always needed altering ahead of time.
Hey Wendy! I know this is an older video but I have watched it a few times now for different patterns as I am new to sewing and it absolutely blew my mind to see you putting the back and front pattern on the same piece of paper hahahah. That is SO HANDY!! I move a lot and it is so convenient to have compact patterns so you mentioning about making the shorts pattern and just extending them... It may be obvious for some but it was NOT for me and was so helpful! Thank you
This is such a helpful video! I was in a class a few years ago to learn how to make my own leggings. The pattern we were to use was a standard pattern. I pulled out the pattern pieces and thought, this will NOT be leggings - NO WAY! The legs on the pattern pieces for my size looked like I would end up with the widest palazzo pants on earth! So, I took a pair of leggings that I knew fit me and made adjustments. Instead of cutting a large size, I ended up with large in the waist and small in the legs!! I was the ONLY one in the class that did not have to make any size adjustments to create my leggings. Also, I use a pattern tracing paper (sort of like interfacing) and when I had that pattern created for my leggings, I traced it on the tracing paper. Now I have a permanent pattern for leggings that fit me!
I love this gal! Wendy is articulate and a joy to follow. No nonsense or wasted time finding the words to explain directions. Videos are well edited. So refreshing. Excellent job Wendy! I look forward to viewing more instructional videos! Thank you!
Freezer paper is also a great tool to cut out patterns. Many people have this kitchen item plus its wide and can still be taped double wide if needed.
This is so awesome. Yes, it's too fast for me, but I went to the SETTINGS COG icon and lowered the speed. Now, I can rewind again and again if need be.
Thank you for this tutorial. I am going to help my eleven year old grandson learn to sew.
I love this video!!!! Just got a sewing machine. Sewing seems so scary, but your videos make everything clear!! Thank you, thank you.
so far, you are the first person I have actually understood, where you were headed and why. I'm grateful and thrilled. hope there's more good stuff
When I do the armhole, I use a straight pin to poke holes in the paper. Then lift the shirt and connect the dots. Great video.
This is genius
Thanks for sharing❤
This is so genius. It feels easier than a store bought pattern, theyre so delicate and messy. Truly overwhelming. Wish me luck 🍀
Thank you Miss Wendy! Watched this video last year and cloned a 1930s style dress! Now it's my favourite pattern, and it's what got me hooked on sewing. =)
Wendy, I sew a LOT so maybe its because I know what you are referring to, but I just wanted to tell you that your videos are so great. Tells me what I need to know fast and easy!
I love your videos :) even though I already use this method myself I still learned a number of useful things!! Thank you so much Wendy ❤️
+Annika Victoria I'm always learning things from you!! Wish we weren't so far across the ocean from each other!
Oh man, I was literally just thinking that! And that makes me so happy that you learn things from me too - I feel like your sewing skills are far above mine!
+Annika Victoria rest assured, I have thought the same thing about you many times. So glad!
O. M .G . are you guys...my two favorites youtubers....TALKING??
this is too much for me xD and here i am at the other side of the world fangirling lol. love you guys
I LOVE YOU BOTH
Thank you. The part about adjusting the front different from the back ... all of that was golden. Thanks.❤
...you're so clever! You have the perfect voice for tutorials..you sound so excited about your projects, and that inspires me even more!
What I sometimes do is unpick an old favourite piece of clothing, and use it as the template that way.
I look forward to more of your tutorials, even if I don't make the article of clothing - so educational!
Edit : lol, I just realised this video is 2 years old.. 😂 😂
I need to catch up fast! 😁
SOOOO HELPFUL!!! THANK YOU FOR BEING THE ONE TO ACTUALLY DO THIS AND PUT IT INTO ENGLISH FOR THE REST OF US TO UNDERSTAND!!!! thank you!
I love this idea! Some patterns like McCalls don't go large enough to fit me. I can use my clothes and alter the patterns to make new clothes and costumes!
Our body shapes are not always easy to replicate with pattern pieces. Using clothes we already have will give us the perfect fit
Omg you finally made the lightbulb go off for me! Thank you!
Thank you so much. I've had a nightie for a looooong time. It's like a long a-line dress shape and I darent wear it because it's a little worn but I've wanted to make one the same for forever.
stumbled upon your cloning vid, and I am hooked. I personally, repurpose my clothes whenever possible, but it never dawned on me to clone my favorite items. Thanks for this.
You are getting me back into sewing! thank you so much! you are honestly so fabulous 😀
I'm so happy to hear that it's motivating you!
Jessica Chignell cvh,
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I tape my pattern paper to my folding pattern cardboard to hold it in place, lay shirt down, then just poke pins in at the seams. I remove and connect pin holes. I like your tutorials. Quick, to the point.
Thank you so much for making these videos. Just starting off in seeing my own clothes, so your tutorials are priceless! It's such a cool way to get your own unique look and be a responsible consumer. :) much love!
You obviously have training because you know all the professional lingo. Love you Cutie.💝
I've only seen one of your videos and I'm HOOKED! You make it look Sooooo easy!! Thank you!!
Finally someone who is BILNGUAL! thank you for translating from sewing language to newbie!!!!
Wow! This actually looks DOABLE!
Hi Wendy, could you please tell me how I would add a dart onto my template using a garment that already has a dart sewn in it. Thank you! xx
Hello. I have a video channel on pattern making and clothes construction. FYI only. Blessings.
@@chicfrancisco6845 Subscribed! I like your channel. What a details. It are complete courses. Thank you💕🇳🇱
I've never made a garment before and I have never used a real pattern (I've always followed video tutorials and mostly made basic shaped items). This was very helpful. I did struggle quite a bit in the beginning but then I think I finally got it. I'm using the same basic principles to make a sleep sack for my son side he's outgrown all of his, but he refuses to sleep unless his legs are bundled up.
I appreciate the tutorials you post. Thank you so much!
Addressing a frequently requested topic today! Get into my brain and see how I copy my clothes for sewing projects :)
thank you wendy..i have been wondering how ppl trace around the sleeve bfore..tried but fail 😅..so at least now i know more..and try again later
You're so talented!
Cutting dresses
How do we make adjustments for stretchy fabrics? I always make it too big then have to adjust but then it ends up choppy
withwendy
I appreciate that you pointed out that the front of the sleeve has a different slope then the back of the sleeve and why!
Hey Wendy! Could you do a video on how to pattern from our cloths but making darts too? I'm trying to teach my self to make a dress!
Hello. I have a video channel on pattern making and clothes construction. FYI only. Blessings.
Excellent video!!! I hate watching 30 minute videos with information I don't need. I will use everything you talked about and you got straight to the point. Anything I need clarity on I just pause and reply. I love this!!! Keep it up ❤
Gift Wrapping paper is also handy to use as draft paper, as it can be long and wide.
thank you times a million! I have a pair of pants that is the best fitting I've ever had the company doesn't make them anymore and NONE of the numerous dress pants I've bought since can compare to it so I wanted to use the pants as a guide to make my own with the exact same "pattern" but couldn't figure out how...I'm going to the dollar store to buy the thick paper you mentioned. this is a LIFE CHANGER thanks!!!
really good video. Your voice, appearance and energy make it very easy to watch..Thank you.. Bill a man who sews..
Wow that's amazing. I love those simplicity. I have sewn for 3 years and learn so many how to draw pattern, most of them are so complicated. I am still loving a simple one. Thanks for sharing.
can you sew the shorts for a video? i can't wrap my head around how the heck to match up the front/back patterns because they look so different?!
+Courtney Lynne sure! I will do it soon!
+withwendy Thank you (-:
+withwendy I asked me the same ^^
It is CRAZY to get them to fit. If you do it wrong, you get a crazy looking horseshoe shape. I haven't done a diy pattern yet, but if you have any pants/shorts patterns, just get one out and follow the instructions and it will work. I find it truly mind bending EVERY time. (BTW, I teach college level geometry, trig, math, etc every day, and i still can't wrap my head around it without detailed instructions so don't feel bad!)
Wow. I watched this video last year, and now it has subtitles with my native lamguage!! Gotta love this one!
could you do a tutorial on how you make patterns for jackets / hoodies / coats etc?? especially the hoodie part.. love youu 💕
wanderlust ëlly she made one about a hoodie check her videos
Diane Deziel has two great, detailed videos on making patterns for hoods.
(Actually, just check out Diane Deziel, she has many great, detailed tutorials. Now I think about it, she recently made a series on coats, too.)
One trick I love is to use washable markers to mark from & back, etc. on the pattern pieces instead of chalk or whatever. I usually use a Crayola skinny washable marker like Pipsqueeks in a similar color to the fabric, and it has always washed out just fine, and the marks keep me on track.
Omg I love how most of your vids are diy clothes and that's something I wanna do and you vids are so satisfying to watch 💕
Super helpful! This took a ton of the mystery out of pulling a pattern! It's really tough to find men's patterns that aren't some nightmare of a McCall's 90s reject vest. I've been wanting to make some stuff based on my modern clothes and I'm glad I found your channel!
What do you recommend a beginning seamstress (I MEAN A REAL BEGINNER, NEVER SEWED BEFORE!!) watch or do or buy to start her new hobby?!? Well, my new hobby. Lol! I REALLY want to learn the right way but am so intimidated by it all. Please help me know how to begin and EXACTLY what to do. I would be SO grateful! Ty xo!
I'm doing the same thing,but I'm 45 lol, I'm watching so many u tube vids,brought material from op shops,super cheap,and now trying to make a halter top from a pattern, there's 3 pieces to it, its strecty t shirt material I'm using and I will zig zag it,a small zig zag,should be easy start, see I'm sure you will find something to start with, good luck, I really enjoy these vids :-) best way to learn
TheBlueDaisy my first project was a pillow case.
Start with an apron or small square bag or a pillow case. Then u can go to bigger things. Hope this helps.
Start with something with simple shapes. In my home ec. class, we made a quillow (squares and rectangles). Practice on scrap fabric, get to know your machine. It helps.
If you have a friend that sews, ask then if they will mentor you, so you can ask questions. I sew and have a friend that has quilted for years, but never made clothes. She has the technical skill but knows nothing about fitting and fabric type, etc. She asked a few questions and has made amazing progress! Some questions just don't come up on youtube.
Wendy rocks at sewing. Simple and understandable.
Thank you so much for making such informational and helpful videos! I love your fashion and film style.
Great video! I’d love it if you could do something with a bust dart. There are heaps of tutorials with a lot of technical information about positioning and resizing darts, but if your dress already fits, and you know the size of the dart it would be handy to know how to trace the pattern so that you can cut the fabric correctly without screwing up the side seam!
This is how I was able to make my three boys all their halloween costumes. I loved it because I could buy cheap material, since they were only wearing it once and then make their dream a reality!
Wendy! Thank you! This is a Huge game changer for my design work to have sold slopers that I know fit right have the right armscyes. Length, AMAzing!
I love you so much, this is exactly what I needed, but can you please do a video of pattern cutting for a dress, please
Hello. I have a video channel on pattern making and clothes construction. FYI only. Blessings.
I really enjoying the easiness of marking & cutting out in just a few minutes. I have an old worn-out top that I cannot replace & this will do the trick! Thank you!
This is the slower version!? haha... I would fall off my chair on the faster version.
maybe you're just slow, i think it's well explained idk what more you need. You can also slow down de video in settings tho.
Iveth Gutiérrez u allpatten
Haha. Im a slow learner also.. Ive watched this video too many times. BUT I FINALLY GET IT! Hah
Desert Angel 😂😂😂
@@rlp0303 Try slowing down the video speed.
Thank God for TH-cam rewind, you make it perfect for us slow beginners. 🐌
This is so helpful I love u
Eye opener video especially for me because I never get to learn by calculating. This makes me like "Oh here is how&what I need it? Thank you so much❤️😘
love it. I have to make some skirts but can no longer find reasonably priced Classic skirt designs, that fit just as i want them to. Do you have videos on tracing zippered skirts? Definitely subscribed! thanks for sharing.
This is such a great tutorial. You make it look easy and actually it is easy, so much easier than fitting patterns for every garment like this. I do use patterns to get style and design ideas and add those features to what would be everyday garments. I have cloned a lot of my own clothes. And I have been able to establish many great fitting blocks that use these patterns for perfect fit.
My experience over time though says that one can make the same garment type from a cloned pattern, but fabrics have different behaviors. I have had them shrink even with prewashing, and the difference in stretch can affect the fit or feel of the new garment. But overall, I think you can get a better result when you start with a garment style you like that already compliments one's body.
I have made some really great pieces, now when I clone a jacket idea or the actual garment, I can do a tank or tee to go under it and make matching bottoms for a cohesive and simple outfit that goes well together. This also works for sleepwear and swimwear. I have even cloned bras. My success was not that great compared to my own designed patterns made from measurements though. Thanks for sharing how you do it. Your channel comes highly recommended and now I see why. I can't wait to see what else you have done.
this is so helpful! thankyou wendy 💖
I'm just thrilled to see people sewing their own clothes again!!! Awesome job!
great vídeo! great tutorial! but how to copy a piece of clothing that have darts?
I also copy clothing by not throwing old stuff away, then ripping the seams and tracing the pieces.
Measure the dart, double it so u have the full dart allowance. Add it on to the pattern.
Its not the perfect way to do it but it will do for homemade purposes
I just made a copy of a tshirt!! I used the inside of a paperbag to make the pattern! Thank you so much for this!!
Nice thank you. How do you include darts?
Not sure how many times I've seen this video, but now that I'm actually ready to clone my clothes, I'm back again. Thanks so much, Wendy! ^_^
hi wendy. wow...i got it! now i dont have to buy patterns. can u do a boxy shirt/blouse? thank u for infos i didnt know. :)
You’re the BEST! Thank you. I am making a coat without a pattern and needed help on my sleeves. Problem now solved.
when you use all your shirts to make masks and now you have to make new shirts
Really enjoyed this as a on point refresher. For more complex stuff, I found I can undo some of the stitching on a piece I love, get the pattern to "clone" it, and restitch the original
how do you transfer a dart from the clothing onto the pattern paper? I'm making a pattern from the shirt I own, and the shirt has a side dart. There are lots of resources online for sewing a dart or transferring the dart from pattern to fabric, but I need the opposite :P. HELP PLEASE :)
Love your videos!! You make sewing seem less intimidating!
Hello. I have a video channel on pattern making and clothes construction. FYI only. Blessings.
I’m a new sewer and I’ve been wanting to make something similar to my favorite clothes. THANK YOU ☺️ 🙌