Tell me.... Do you do any of these? What do you struggle with in regards to garment construction? Or how have you learnt it? If you want to really take your sewing to the next level and have an awesome community behind you, come join me at Vintage Sewing School 😀 www.vintagesewingschool.com/
I was 10 years old when I did my first shirt with the guidance from my big sister. Not a t-shirt, but proper shirt with cuffs, collars and everything. Learned the traditional construction order then. I have also learned to read the instructions and also read some basic lists of construction order. I also sewed plenty of clothes for Barbies as a kid. The sewing order is often different from peoples clothing, but it really teaches one to think about the order!
I'm a self-taught tailor and women's wear designer, and I learned most of what I know now through trial and error. I've gotten so mad to the point that I never wanted to try sewing ever again, but I noticed my mistakes and took that knowledge on to the next project. Eventually, this will add up to a well rounded understanding of garment construction, and by extension, your sewing in general. Just don't get discouraged, no one starts life knowing any of this, we all start at zero. There will definitely be mistakes when you're starting out, and you will feel horrible, but thanks to the internet and videos like this, there are many resources out there to help you. Good luck to everyone just starting out! Sewing, tailoring, and garment construction is a very gratifying and valuable skill to have once you figure it out, just be patient and believe in yourself.
I always make a mock up with cheap fabric of a difficult pattern first, then I cut into my expensive fabric later. I know this sounds like a lot of work but the second run thru with the good fabric is so much easier.
I have my kids use the mockups of their clothes for their painting and grubby clothes. Of course, getting them to actually do this is a challenge, but theoretically it gives them another “no care” garment that they can “decorate” as they please.
I always do a toile with cheap fabric as I am not a 'normal' shape and need to know where to alter. At the same time, a bonus, I have a garment which I could wear, if only for at home, and know the order in which to sew the main garment and can find out about any methods I'm not familiar with. It seems like a lot of work to sew a toile but in the long run it saves a lot of time.
I found a vintage Butterick pattern that I thought didn't have any instructions. So I tried to write them out! I looked at the drawing of the pattern, looked at the seam construction, and the parts of the pattern that it had. So...to make a long story short, I wrote down my instructions, looking at what I thought I needed to do first, next.... Then..I found the instructions in another pattern envelope!!!!! And WOW! Except for a minor part, I had pretty much the order of construction. I think that's another way to understand garment construction!
My tips would be: Be patient with yourself, don't hurry through. Don't attempt to sew if you feel tired or if you're in a bad mood. If sewing becomes too stressful take a break. It's okay to do little bits at a time.
Deja vu! As a child learning to read my mother would ask me to read the next Step in the pattern as she did it. I also did this with her knitting and crocheting instructions. This was back in 1964 through 19 70. Stitch, iron, starch, Stitch Etc. my mother would love to make new dresses for my sister out of her old dresses. thank you for bringing back those memories👩👧👦
I do the same thing with recipes. I need to know where I am going, not just what I am doing right this moment. I would rather navigate with a map that shows the big picture than with GPS that just tells you the next turn.
I personally find it easiest to put in a zipper at an early stage, for example into the back of a dress before I attach the back to the front. When I watch Project Runway they seem to always do the zippers last but I don't like to do it that way. I just get a nicer cleaner look when I am setting the zipper into a flat piece of fabric rather than a finished dress or skirt or pants. I don't know which is the "right" way I just know my way is the easiest way for me.
@Angry Hippo Yes if you are sewing with a pattern, it usually does it in that order. Maybe it's different for draping? It just seems a lot harder to do it last but on Project Runway (where they always drape garments) they all seem to wait til the very end and then they freak out and say "I don't have time to put the zipper in!" It's weird because you would not adjust the fit from the center back anyway, you'd usually do that from the side seams so it seems more logical to do side seams last. (well second to last anyway, hem is last)
I hadn’t made a top since the 80’s. A year ago, I’ve had relearn. I find the best way for me is to read the instructions, and if I ever get stuck, I refer to TH-cam to see “ how to”. It’s much easier for me to see someone doing it than reading it.
I live in Atlanta with lots of highly skilled home sewists and I see so many of their peices in thrift stores. Lots of costume pieces for conventions and parties! Its so neat to see work done by people who you can tell by the evenly spaced hand tacks that theyve been at it a while !
It's like you knew!!! I picked up some patterns last week too try. Opened it up, unfolded it all, saw all the lines and numbers, folded it back up and put it on my shelf for another day. So, thank you thank you. I will give it a go again.
I mainly struggle with reading the pattern but I prefer a visual tutorial of how to make a garment, the way you explained about patterns helps me a lot .
I love how you break down your videos. I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to find someone online as a guide to start, but I'm excited to see more videos from you! For now I'll look back on your older ones. Thank you!
Most patterns use Unit Construction--which is what you describe in the video and how I originally learned to sew. But when I went to uni, the instructors told us we should do "Like Jobs," meaning pinning and sewing all of the darts on every piece or the first seams (shoulders, sides, sleeve seam, etc.). Then everything was pressed and the next seams which would cross the first would be done. Each method has merit, but for newbies, I think Unit Construction in the best way to learn how things go together.
First time viewer here. I never realized there is a different look and feel between a sit-in sleeve and one in which the side seam and sleeve is sewn all in one. I hope to see this covered more in depth in another of your videos.
I always have to look at arms eyes because I draft my patterns (because I’m cheap and buying them is expensive 🙃) and if I could give one tip to anyone it would be that THE BODY HAS CURVES and the silhouette you get when you cut your pattern with all the curves of the body versus straighter lines is so much more flattering lol. Idk why it took me so long to learn this 😂
Patterns don't fit me to the point I've been drafting my own for the past few months. So far I much prefer the results. I've decided that the easiest way to make the sleeves fit the armscye is to sew the shoulders together on my mock up and then trace the shape onto the sleeve pattern on the paper. I've had to make a few adjustments to how much fabric is in the armscye for a jacket because the sleeve hung to the back of the garment but otherwise it's working really well.
Thank you for posting this video. I wish I had thought of looking at ready made garments back when I was learning to sew in the 1970's. I was a clueless teenager and one of my older friends was going to teach me. Thing is she wasn't very good at it. Mostly she told me to complete each step of the pattern instructions before moving on to the next step. I'm not a fan of pattern instructions as a teaching device. Often the instructions didn't go into enough detail and the drawings didn't make much sense. I had to guess about a lot of it. I asked my friend and she didn't get it either and was making her own guesses. Nothing I made looked good or fit right so I got frustrated and quit sewing. I am envious of people learning to sew now that have the internet and TH-cam to help them out. Watching someone do something the right way is so much better than trying to make sense of a two-tone line drawing. Eventually I did decide to start sewing again. Problem was I had already formed all these bad habits. I can tell you from experience that it is much harder to relearn something than to learn it correctly the first time. I finally had to admit to myself that everything I knew about sewing was wrong and start over. It was a slight wound to my pride to say, "I'm wrong," but it was the best thing I ever did in regard to sewing. I still think of myself as an advanced beginner because I'm still learning new things all the time. I welcome it. The more I learn the better I get. Learning a better way of doing something isn't the same thing as saying you were a failure. It just means you're moving forward and getting more advanced in your skill.
Oh yes! What a difference the internet and You Tube would have made! I relied on my mother who liked sewing large things such as curtains (she had her own business) but hated dressmaking. She gave me a lot of invaluable information in spite of that. I always had to wait until she had finished an order before I could get to the treadle Singer machine!
I enjoy all the videos. Sometimes, it's a review but I get an ah ha moment of "I knew that but had forgotten". Then there are the techniques that are new to me and I can't believe I never thought of that. Love the attention to detail and finishing.
Evelyn, you and Tock Custom have provided the best, most understandable sewing information and instruction I’ve encountered since taking sewing classes in the 1970s. Thank you very much! I really appreciate you.
I'm glad to hear that Robin! You might also enjoy the video I released yesterday and garment construction too! th-cam.com/video/IOQEcPMwJ9g/w-d-xo.html
Every time I watch you I get excited .I always learn something.I have difficult with size so I just started making quilts which I love .I am older now 74 and I sew all day now ,I absolutley love to sew .I have started back sewing little girl dresses .Hopefully your videos will help.Thank you for all the help you put out for us
I'd love to see a video on using a pattern to make pants and the types of construction issues that may come up ie; crotch length, signs that the crotch is tight, loose etc. How to solve those problems. A 1940s pant pattern would be neat since it's a vintage style and that's why I love to watch your channel (along with your accent!). Thanks for taking time to read this.
I just discovered your videos. Absolutely love them. I made nothing but quilt tops for 20 years. Now I am excited about making garments for my self. 50 years ago I did make some garments. Everytime there was the smallest flaw I didn't love the garment. I am excited to hear your tips and tricks to improve my techniques. Thank you for what you do!
Gurrrrrllll thank you thankyou 🎉for 🎉🎉 learning how to reverse engineer a garment is key, we find that the clothing world is hush hush about construction, but i was 85% accurate on my shirt, 👕 and you literally just showed me what else to look for
For the last 30 years I have only made menswear. This tends to be very conservative and once you master one shirt you can handle almost any shirt. I have Enid Gilchrist to thank for the sewing skills I have and a treadle sewing machine (long gone) for teaching me more than one way to finish seams. Vintage men's clothing is in very short supply because most men wear things till they fall apart.
For me, its having the patience to assemble and prepare everything correctly. Reflecting on what I sewed and how I could have sewn it differently or better. I'm at times tunnel visioned into finishing an item cause I was sooo excited to finish and wear it, i cut corners and had to redo a few of the parts which cost me more time and effort.
This got better for me after I did a lot more by hand. I love my sewing machine, shes great! But with it the project can move so rapidly it can get almost stressfull, because I get so close so fast. And then there are aaaaall those finishes that use up easily as much time as just sewing the main parts together and I get frustrated. But if I do more by hand (basting before machine sewing for example. But atm I do a winter wool coat completely by hand) the project slows down, and gets more meditative
Get yourself a Build-A-Bear (of normal size, and good nature). They are your new sewing friend. Next go on ebay and look for people selling their kids Build-A-Bear outfit collections. Pick up a ton of stuff for only a couple of quid. Deconstruct all of it. If you’re feeling brave, put it back together again. This will help give you an idea of how all sorts of clothing shapes work. Will they be the same as a human? Not quite, but they’re close enough, they’re cheap, and you can be sure you’re not taking away cheap clothes from people who might need them. Making a mini-mockup of something you want to sew for your bear will give you opportunity to test stitches and general construction with your fabric, with less time and materials used, if you just want to test something out. (And they don’t complain when you make the seams too bulky either).
I once had a problem in school where I wasn't understanding the pattern - I'd "followed" it to a point, then all of a sudden, my work didn't seem to match. My teacher "traced" my work against the pattern and showed me where I'd inadvertently done an extra step too soon - which I then HAD to undo. It had involved topstitching in decorative threads to match two different colours of fabrics, and I was getting tired of constantly re-threading the machine. I once found what I thought was a nice pattern in an op-shop, used some really nice fabric from my stash, and got bamboozled about three quarters of the way through. I didn't pick up any problems with the pre-read as the picture looked "logical". I tried three times, even laying my work to look exactly like the picture and there was absolutely no way it could be done they way it was stated. After looking really closely,I felt the wrong picture had been put in the pattern, as the fabric detail in the picture was different to the preceding and succeeding pics. I also felt that was probably why the pattern had been passed on - it had been screwed up before being folded back into its envelope. Anyway, I sat and thought about what to do, imagining the following steps and what it would look like on the right side as a finished garment. Then I backtracked and made some adjustments. I had to skip that step, modify the second, ignore the third totally,do the fourth, then modify the skipped one. Then I went on with the pattern (I wrote my fix on the pattern as well). I was happy with the end result as you couldn't tell that it wasn't the way it was supposed to be on the inside of the garment, and the outside looked exactly as it should! So sometimes they do print errors - not very often though.
Thankyou for your tips. I would love if you could post a video of you putting a garment together from beginning to end, even just a simple mens or womens dress shirt. I know this would be a lot of video footage & editing but I think a full tutorial would help so much especially if you could post a free pattern for us to print and work from as you teach how you would sew. I understand this is probably what is in the Sewing class so if this isnt possible here I understand. 🧵❤ You have so many great tips tho I'd love to be able to try and work on the same thing as you teach and see how close I can get to your original work !
@@joejust9269 Yeah that's where I'm at lol I think that's tomorrow's project is just look at a shirt and try recreate one. I'm ordering some patterns from Joanns tonight hopefully i will be able to pick them up in the morning ! Happy sewing !🧵❤
@@joejust9269 Years ago I turned the collars on some of my husbands shirts. We didn't have enough money to buy new ones at the time or the fabric to make some but what a great way to learn how to sew a collar stand! Husband had what looked like new shirts and I had gained valuable knowledge.
I've watched many videos that do just that. I follow Mimi G Style and she does that and I'm sure there are 100 others. It gives me hope that I too can do that.
I have been binge watching your videos...not in any particular order. I am seriously considering signing up for your Vintage Sewing School. I'm almost 68 and have been sewing since I was 11. But I have never really challenged myself. I think your course would help me with that!
This is the first video about dressmaking, by you, or anyone else. I never thought It'd be an interest, but BAM! I'm interested. I have been inspired, parity by you. I can't wait to go back and watch your stuff. And I really can't wait to get someone into a dress I make.... Someday. I'll even look into the class you smartly mention 🙂. I'm a fan!
I cook the same way I sew. Read all the instructions and then gather all materials. It’s no fun to be partway through a project (recipe) and find something is missing.
I would definitely like to see a video on reading pattern instructions. I find many times that the instructions are to general and the photos help only sometimes. I have rec'd patterns with instructions for a pattern piece #7 and there was no #7 pattern piece!! I am new to your channel, and I am liking it alot. I am learning alot. Thank you!
I make a toile (mockup) of the garment ( I use old hotel sheets because I got them for free) and make the garment. This tells me where the problems are, what I have to alter for the fit and I get to practice anything new/strange/different. I also get to see if the pattern instructions have anything strange in them (sometimes they leave stuff out or a section is missing). No, I don't have a useable garment in the end, but there have been times where I ditched the entire project because I saw that the garment was just NOT going to look good on me no matter what I did to it. Investing the time with cheap fabric saved a lot of tears later. I also get to test seam finished to see what works with that garment best.
I am waiting to receive my new sewing machine so I can begin learning how to use it and begin using the machine. I have material which was my grandmother's when she was alive and sewing and have to dig some of it out and see which I can use to make other garments from. After viewing some of your videos I am sure that you know all we need to know about sewing and I will be using your experience to teach me how to sew.
@Jay Fields I am enjoying my machine so far, but wish I could have gotten the better machine though. There was a shortage of Singer machines when I finally ordered mine.
Such good information! I wish I could go back in time a few years and learn what I should've learned so I could be a better seamstress! Thank you, you are a terrific teacher! 👍
Gosh...yes! More of these kind of videos please. Really useful tips and understanding and often just having something explained that is shown visually can really help visual learners. Thank you.
Thank you Evelyn for another great video. I want to share this tip...my Gram worked in a coat factory n taught my mom n aunts to make the collar first then sew it on the garment. My mom in turn taught me this. I have used patterns from a variety of companies and their directions always say to sew the upper collar to the facing, the under collar to the garment then sew the outside seam. Talk about confusion! I much prefer the way Mom showed me (thanks Gram)!
I made a dress pattern from the 30's recently and it is very interesting how things have changed. Getting used to the various size holes as your only guide is interesting. The pattern companies also assume that you know what you are doing so the directions tend to be very minimal. The directions they give you and how it is put together is so different from what I am used to.
I always learn something new or remember something I'd forgotten. Can't wait for then future posts on this topic. There are times I struggle and others it's a breeze. I am not sure why.
You are spot-on with how i was taught many years ago. I also recommend that the patterns from very simple items be studied and practiced enough that the item can be made easily - a simple pillow or pillow case or apron, depending on how much of a beginner the seamstress is. Then maybe a simple gathered skirt, possibly with an elastic waistband, and finally maybe an unlined,cardigan-style jacket (no buttons or collar) would be my item progression suggestion. You can probably tell from my suggestions that i have usually worked with people VERY new to sewing, so i apologize if my suggestions are too simplistic for this channel.
I've been sewing for years but it is always good to recap on methods of sewing, even the very simple ones. I love Evelyn's videos. She is so refreshing to watch and has so many good tips for us and doesn't assume any prior knowledge. I've watched videos where the presenter say things like 'now do the understitching and then go on to....' Not good at all for a beginner.
Great advice! As a complete noob, I can confirm that inspecting pattern "from afar" and trying to build a whole picture of the process before actually sewing helps tremendously. Especially if you are an anxious person. Doing this helped me understand why the instructions were in that order and when I needed to be especially careful with my seams (I still had to unpick a lot, but hey, it was my first sewing adventure). I am not sure if you already have such video, but I would really appreciate some tips on how to alter pattern to fit your body. Thanks!
Hi Evelyn! Thank you so much for this video-it’s so difficult to find content on order of construction I think, so this has been tremendously helpful. Would you consider sharing some tips on sewing and finishing the slash/gathered darts that are so common in 1930s and 1940s garments? I have an idea on how to sew them, but not sure how to go about finishing the raw edges! Thank you 😊♥️
I have done a number of comunity classes in sewing and drafting however as a renaissance costume maker I have found sequence of construction my biggest challenge as there is seldom any patterns to follow. I really appreciated your video on this and will be lookng at commercial patterns and vintage for sequence to improvemy understanding of construction to add to my journal. Thank you so much!!
I read the instructions and construct the garment in my mind. Even after decades of sewing, some explanations may be still unclear. I will re-read the instructions till I understand or decide on another plan of action. I have also decided against a project after reading the instructions, no time, or money wasted.
I so love your TH-cam channel, and I'm so glad you are releasing videos more frequently. I must have watched almost every thing you've released so far! :-) I would love to see a comparison/contrast regarding vintage vs. modern sewing techniques, and when it might be useful to choose one over the other. Thank you so much for all your hard work and outstanding videos. So inspiring!
When I first started sewing they never had you do understitching in the directions! I think they have changed that but I learned to do it by taking apart ready to wear. I learned a lot taking things apart and paying attention as to how they were put together in the first place. I think that is great advice!
I was the same. I only heard of understitching many years after I began sewing. It was in a magazine with very clear instructions and it has made such a difference. I agree, the pattern instructions never mentioned it.
I'm in the midst of making some shirts for my (49-yr old) son, based on a high-end shirt he loves. Tracing out the pattern bits and looking at the construction sequence is making it a lot less intimidating. I'm about ready to cut the muslin for a rough fitting draft to see how close I've come. Last night, I realized that while the back yoke is a separate section (one piece cut on grain, one on the bias) but the front yoke is an overlay instead. Since this is a western-style pointed yoke, now I'm musing on how the back and front will be going together and how that back yoke seam (finished as a felled seam) will come out. Never a dull moment.
That's impressive that you taught yourself. You're slightly younger than me and I'm about a 1/2 a generation away from the women who would have still been sewing their own clothes. Good for you. Keep up the good work. I only have vague remembrances (from the mid-70's) from when my grandmother last sewed a garment. I remember when she laid some fabric out on a cutting board. She started the project. Then, when some 'knuckle head' relative came past her and remarked, "nobody sews clothes anymore......why don't you just go out and buy something" that just knocked the wind out of her sail and she never touched her sewing machine or touched another needle again!! Also, as a side note when I looked at your name then, listened to your reference to "reading....then you will already know", I thought surely I did not hear that. I really thought your name was taken from an American company. Here in America there used to be a reading / education technique that was once all the rage. It was called, "Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamic". The basic idea and sales pitch was that the 'system' taught 'students' how to 'speed read' so that they read (actually skim) through more of the text -- FASTER. One drawback.....you didn't hear much about how much of the material was retained once absorbed on a fast track model. In other words could the reader retain the info weeks or even months later. I, personally only knew of 2 or 3 people that bought into the course. They didn't have much to say about it nor did they say too much about enjoying reading!!
I've had people ask me why I sew garments because I could buy lots of ready made things at Primark for the same money. I point out that my clothes will actually fit me and will last for a very long time but the Primark stuff (made by very poor people paid less than a living wage) would be worn out by Christmas and then I would need more. They still wonder why I don't buy ready made clothes! Some will never learn. These comments can be so damaging. They haven't stopped me but your poor GrandMother. How awful.
@@lunasmum6869 Awww. Thank You. Yes, sadly, I remember seeing for years her cutting board left laying out on the dining room table. It was almost as if she couldn't bring herself to put it away. Yet, she never seemed to know quite how to get back into the 'groove' of sewing ever again. Matter of fact I don't even think it was ever put away until just before her death.
I guess i'm so lucky that i have these bunch of high quality boutique vintage clothes from my grandma. i use to called this vintage clothes as grandma's clothes. My mother teach me how to sew, because she's an autodidact, she just taught me to do the basics and let me learn from my own error, if i stuck at something she will told me to investigate these clothes, that's how i realize that the clothes I've been wearing only in house are a fancy vintage clothes. But till now, i'm still struggling to sew the arm
Absolutely bloody brilliant idea. Was sceptical that what advise was worth it. But I have just tried it and whilst to some its obvious but this such an important step for. Just discovered im doing darts wrong and a few things I needed to be aware of. So now I'm creating my own notes on how to do this and that. Sending a huge huge thanks for these tutorials. Sadly I can't commit to joining your school due covid has taken care of that financially for now 😕 😔.
Great Content!! Very helpful information. I Love learning from you. Whenever I help someone learn to sew I tell them...."First thing is to read the pattern all the way through. Outloud if you need to. As you look at the pictures. Read the descriptions of what the directions mean too." Thank You for a great video..
I'm glad someone else advises to read instructions out loud! If I come across something I can't get my head around it is often the best way to understand it. Reading aloud can make much more sense.
I love all your videos I am a beginner and it’s been 5 years the one thing I still find very hard is to read the ruler,tape measure ,and yard stick any helpful hints would I would appreciate it I started sewing at the age of 50 and when I was younger and in school we were never taught how to read a ruler so that is the one thing I really still struggle with I love your videos keep up the awesome work happy sewing
Another great video Evelyn. Of course my biggest learning curve in garment construction was vintage sewing school as you are teaching me so much. My next biggest learning curve in garment construction is when I started refashioning. When I started deconstructing pieces it started to all make sense.
You know, i always hated the instructions and never paid any attention to those little boxes and now i know why some of the garments didnt come out right! Thank you for pointing out that there is an order on sewing patterns together!
I'm new to your channel and love love love it. Which means that I haven't seen all of them YET. But I would love to see a video of how you worked out the problem your student had. Show which step was causing the problem, and then how you analyzed and resolved it. I mostly sew bags, purses and make quilts so clothing is a hobby so I'm truly a novice sewer of clothing. I often get stuck on a pattern step and the drawings just don't make sense. I eventually figure it out after another cup of coffee or walking away from it and coming back...or I just make it up as I go and it usually works out. But seeing how you resolved the challenge would be fantastic to learn. Thank you!
I just completed my first ever “garment” - i tried to create my own pattern, based of a v-neck fast fashion blouse I really love the cut of. Wished I would have found your video sooner! (my makeshift homemade pattern did not come with assembly instructions hahaha)
More good information there Evelyn, thankyou for that ! I have a jacket - kind of jersey or something. Not well made, but I love it ! Would love to make myself another. If I can find the material. So would have to study how its made first. Hoping I find something, its light and comfy. Thanks for sharing.
I would really love to hear how and why binding for an arm hole? And I am interested in how you looked ahead to understand! I would have assumed you would have just known! 😂 I admire your skill. I Amari would love to see and hear stories of the cloths you’ve made!!!
This is so helpful. I have a pattern I would like to make, but it doesn't have any instructions, so I've been trying to figure out the order of operations. I will definitely make a muslin version first just in case I have it wrong.
I am trying to go from a girl who learned to sew in High School...we did the napkins first (like Evelyn taught) to practice our straight stich. Then we went to apron, pencil skirt, dress with a zipper, then we got to choose our own patterns and bring them in. I remember our teacher in 1978 was already in her late 60's...and some girls brought in patterns and she held them up in front of the class and said "Honey, NO, this is way too complicated for you to do in two school weeks (15 hours). Why don't you work on this over the Summer. Teachers in the 70's were way more hard core and less sensitive to feelings. In fact, in every class she chose one student who she called her "Jack-ie the ripper" and in my first year that girl was me! I get to tell me kids that story. She would often pick up my garment and use it as an example of what NOT TO DO". My biggest problem....trying to sew to fast....because I was excited to see the results. She would walk around the class like Tim Gunn on project runway and as she got to me would say out loud " Lets see what a mess our Jack-ie the ripper has gotten herself into". For our dress with the zipper we all had same pattern but I choose a fluorescent orange fabric...LOL...it was 1978 and I loved it! She just said "Dear God" when she saw it. I am still friends with a few of those girls in my class and we get together every few years drink a bottle of wine, eat a marijuana cookie and laugh and laugh about that dress. Of my friends I am the only one who still sews from time yo time...mostly to repair something or a Halloween costume. I want to up my game. What a blessing TH-cam has been!!!! Thank You Evelyn....Thank You, Thank You for taking the time to teach here.
I’m new to your channel today. After years of quilt making, I’m getting back into garment making due to getting a new babylock serger last year ( my first serger in 35 years of sewing. ) so...I’m sewing pants, easy, right. They are a chocolate brown fine corduroy with front pockets and elastic waistband. So I cut it out and find I accidentally cut two view ‘ a’ fronts and two view ‘ b’ fronts. Argh. So back to the store for more fabric. I cut it out, did the pockets ( turned out beautifully) then stitched the side seam. It was then I discovered my error again! Nap!! Front is light brown, back is dark brown. I did think of nap but for some reason I thought if I cut out the pieces running the same direction it would be ok. Of course it would if it was one continuouslength to start with. Duh. ( tip-don’t sew after midnight when tired) . So...I have one idea. I don’t want to go back for more fabric! I’m going to do view A now instead, a narrower pant. And it has a front pleat. So I’ll half that front pattern piece, cut out from surplus pant back cut out on view b ( I’ll have 4 front pieces)and then stitch the two pieces together along the pleat markings and then make the pleat. I don’t think it will be noticeable. If it is, they will be my ‘ home’ pants. I feel so dumb. I’ve sewn much more complex patterns in the past how can I make dumb errors. I guess it goes to show everyone at any level can make mistakes. Slow down, don’t rush it. ( I hate the cutting part and just want to get sewing)Think through the steps, understand what you’re doing and what’s asked of you. Sew when refreshed and relaxed.
Oh dear. How awful. At least you managed to salvage something from it. We all make mistakes from time to time. Don't be so hard on yourself. Good advice not to rush and to slow down. I'm a weaver and when I started I hated winding the warp and dressing the loom but someone, I can't remember who, said to think 'It is all part of the process so try to enjoy it because you are working one just one step towards making some lovely fabric'. Now I try to think that way about cutting out as well.
Since I do almost all my patterns myself, and have been since I started sewing earnestly (because store bought patterns are a nightmare for me), I was forced to find out and think through a lot of "what is done when, and how???!" by myself. I have found general order of steps in books which helps. But a lot is try and error. Like finishing the neckline as soon as possible, so it has no chance to stretch out and the whole bodice gets more stable before the additional weight and pull from the sleeves gets added and so on.
Great video and tips! Can't help but notice the brown/maroon dress in the background and was wondering if there is a sewing pattern for that (or something similar)?
firstly is your blouse a re fashion and if so i like the lace you have inserted into the seams and i am undecided on what sleeve i would go with because i like both . This is a fantastic video . i struggle with button holes .
Hi Evelyn! Thank you so much for your videos. I love your compassion for sewing. I am unable to click on your suggested videos you mention during your videos. Is there a link somewhere that I am missing? ❤️🤗
After about 60 years of sewing, starting with doll clothes as a child, you start with the biggest pieces and work towards the smallest. You also do as much while it's flat, like a zipper. Well,, all that works till you get to sleeve island! LOL But mainly, to learn to sew, you have to sew! I've taught, I've judge garment construction and you can tell who has done things more then once!
Tell me.... Do you do any of these? What do you struggle with in regards to garment construction? Or how have you learnt it?
If you want to really take your sewing to the next level and have an awesome community behind you, come join me at Vintage Sewing School 😀 www.vintagesewingschool.com/
I struggle with sleeves. Especially if there is interfacing involved.
What a GREAT Video!
I was 10 years old when I did my first shirt with the guidance from my big sister. Not a t-shirt, but proper shirt with cuffs, collars and everything. Learned the traditional construction order then. I have also learned to read the instructions and also read some basic lists of construction order.
I also sewed plenty of clothes for Barbies as a kid. The sewing order is often different from peoples clothing, but it really teaches one to think about the order!
I really struggle with cutting fabric before sewing them. Its scary for some reason.
@@claringeorge1964 Is it any wonder, really? Cutting cannot be undone, seams can.
I'm a self-taught tailor and women's wear designer, and I learned most of what I know now through trial and error. I've gotten so mad to the point that I never wanted to try sewing ever again, but I noticed my mistakes and took that knowledge on to the next project. Eventually, this will add up to a well rounded understanding of garment construction, and by extension, your sewing in general. Just don't get discouraged, no one starts life knowing any of this, we all start at zero. There will definitely be mistakes when you're starting out, and you will feel horrible, but thanks to the internet and videos like this, there are many resources out there to help you. Good luck to everyone just starting out! Sewing, tailoring, and garment construction is a very gratifying and valuable skill to have once you figure it out, just be patient and believe in yourself.
I always make a mock up with cheap fabric of a difficult pattern first, then I cut into my expensive fabric later. I know this sounds like a lot of work but the second run thru with the good fabric is so much easier.
Me, too. And if you mock-up is nice, you have another garment.
I use cast off sheets for mock ups. It helps to know if the sizing is right. I usually have to make partial adjustments for my arms etc.
I have my kids use the mockups of their clothes for their painting and grubby clothes. Of course, getting them to actually do this is a challenge, but theoretically it gives them another “no care” garment that they can “decorate” as they please.
Omg so many great tips just in this comment thread!
I always do a toile with cheap fabric as I am not a 'normal' shape and need to know where to alter. At the same time, a bonus, I have a garment which I could wear, if only for at home, and know the order in which to sew the main garment and can find out about any methods I'm not familiar with. It seems like a lot of work to sew a toile but in the long run it saves a lot of time.
I found a vintage Butterick pattern that I thought didn't have any instructions. So I tried to write them out! I looked at the drawing of the pattern, looked at the seam construction, and the parts of the pattern that it had. So...to make a long story short, I wrote down my instructions, looking at what I thought I needed to do first, next.... Then..I found the instructions in another pattern envelope!!!!! And WOW! Except for a minor part, I had pretty much the order of construction. I think that's another way to understand garment construction!
My tips would be: Be patient with yourself, don't hurry through. Don't attempt to sew if you feel tired or if you're in a bad mood. If sewing becomes too stressful take a break. It's okay to do little bits at a time.
Great tips, especially about avoiding sewing when in a bad or tired mood
Deja vu! As a child learning to read my mother would ask me to read the next Step in the pattern as she did it. I also did this with her knitting and crocheting instructions. This was back in 1964 through 19 70. Stitch, iron, starch, Stitch Etc. my mother would love to make new dresses for my sister out of her old dresses. thank you for bringing back those memories👩👧👦
I do the same thing with recipes. I need to know where I am going, not just what I am doing right this moment. I would rather navigate with a map that shows the big picture than with GPS that just tells you the next turn.
@@lestranged Great comment. I agree.
What a beautiful memory ❤
I personally find it easiest to put in a zipper at an early stage, for example into the back of a dress before I attach the back to the front. When I watch Project Runway they seem to always do the zippers last but I don't like to do it that way. I just get a nicer cleaner look when I am setting the zipper into a flat piece of fabric rather than a finished dress or skirt or pants. I don't know which is the "right" way I just know my way is the easiest way for me.
Not sure project runway is a great thing to watch for sewing skills.
@Angry Hippo Yes if you are sewing with a pattern, it usually does it in that order. Maybe it's different for draping? It just seems a lot harder to do it last but on Project Runway (where they always drape garments) they all seem to wait til the very end and then they freak out and say "I don't have time to put the zipper in!" It's weird because you would not adjust the fit from the center back anyway, you'd usually do that from the side seams so it seems more logical to do side seams last. (well second to last anyway, hem is last)
I hadn’t made a top since the 80’s. A year ago, I’ve had relearn. I find the best way for me is to read the instructions, and if I ever get stuck, I refer to TH-cam to see “ how to”. It’s much easier for me to see someone doing it than reading it.
I live in Atlanta with lots of highly skilled home sewists and I see so many of their peices in thrift stores. Lots of costume pieces for conventions and parties! Its so neat to see work done by people who you can tell by the evenly spaced hand tacks that theyve been at it a while !
It's like you knew!!! I picked up some patterns last week too try. Opened it up, unfolded it all, saw all the lines and numbers, folded it back up and put it on my shelf for another day. So, thank you thank you. I will give it a go again.
😀 You can do it! Just take one step ay a time.... but read the whole thing through first! 😉❤
Also do a mock-up (toile) in muslin first to make sure it will fit correct or adjust as necessary, and to get familiar with the instructions
Patterns always overwhelm me I guess that’s way I never finished a project I joined your class Evelyn so I can gain patience and knowledge
I mainly struggle with reading the pattern but I prefer a visual tutorial of how to make a garment, the way you explained about patterns helps me a lot .
I love how you break down your videos. I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to find someone online as a guide to start, but I'm excited to see more videos from you! For now I'll look back on your older ones. Thank you!
Aww thankyou! And yes, I have lots of great videos for you! 😀
Me too! This channel is a great place to learn and Evelyn is a god send💐
I love to join U
Evelyn may I join you
Most patterns use Unit Construction--which is what you describe in the video and how I originally learned to sew. But when I went to uni, the instructors told us we should do "Like Jobs," meaning pinning and sewing all of the darts on every piece or the first seams (shoulders, sides, sleeve seam, etc.). Then everything was pressed and the next seams which would cross the first would be done. Each method has merit, but for newbies, I think Unit Construction in the best way to learn how things go together.
I'm in love with that eyelet blouse. It's beautiful.
First time viewer here. I never realized there is a different look and feel between a sit-in sleeve and one in which the side seam and sleeve is sewn all in one. I hope to see this covered more in depth in another of your videos.
I always have to look at arms eyes because I draft my patterns (because I’m cheap and buying them is expensive 🙃) and if I could give one tip to anyone it would be that THE BODY HAS CURVES and the silhouette you get when you cut your pattern with all the curves of the body versus straighter lines is so much more flattering lol. Idk why it took me so long to learn this 😂
Patterns don't fit me to the point I've been drafting my own for the past few months. So far I much prefer the results. I've decided that the easiest way to make the sleeves fit the armscye is to sew the shoulders together on my mock up and then trace the shape onto the sleeve pattern on the paper. I've had to make a few adjustments to how much fabric is in the armscye for a jacket because the sleeve hung to the back of the garment but otherwise it's working really well.
Wow-great tip! Thx
Thank you for posting this video. I wish I had thought of looking at ready made garments back when I was learning to sew in the 1970's. I was a clueless teenager and one of my older friends was going to teach me. Thing is she wasn't very good at it. Mostly she told me to complete each step of the pattern instructions before moving on to the next step. I'm not a fan of pattern instructions as a teaching device. Often the instructions didn't go into enough detail and the drawings didn't make much sense. I had to guess about a lot of it. I asked my friend and she didn't get it either and was making her own guesses. Nothing I made looked good or fit right so I got frustrated and quit sewing. I am envious of people learning to sew now that have the internet and TH-cam to help them out. Watching someone do something the right way is so much better than trying to make sense of a two-tone line drawing. Eventually I did decide to start sewing again. Problem was I had already formed all these bad habits. I can tell you from experience that it is much harder to relearn something than to learn it correctly the first time. I finally had to admit to myself that everything I knew about sewing was wrong and start over. It was a slight wound to my pride to say, "I'm wrong," but it was the best thing I ever did in regard to sewing. I still think of myself as an advanced beginner because I'm still learning new things all the time. I welcome it. The more I learn the better I get. Learning a better way of doing something isn't the same thing as saying you were a failure. It just means you're moving forward and getting more advanced in your skill.
Oh yes! What a difference the internet and You Tube would have made! I relied on my mother who liked sewing large things such as curtains (she had her own business) but hated dressmaking. She gave me a lot of invaluable information in spite of that. I always had to wait until she had finished an order before I could get to the treadle Singer machine!
I enjoy all the videos. Sometimes, it's a review but I get an ah ha moment of "I knew that but had forgotten". Then there are the techniques that are new to me and I can't believe I never thought of that. Love the attention to detail and finishing.
Evelyn, you and Tock Custom have provided the best, most understandable sewing information and instruction I’ve encountered since taking sewing classes in the 1970s. Thank you very much! I really appreciate you.
Evelyn this by far is the best instrument on how to read and in what ORDER Construction happens!! Thank You Soo Much!! You are a great teacher!!!
I'm glad to hear that Robin! You might also enjoy the video I released yesterday and garment construction too! th-cam.com/video/IOQEcPMwJ9g/w-d-xo.html
First of all you are adorable and easy to watch. Second of all, I am terrible at cutting out patterns and sewing straight
Every time I watch you I get excited .I always learn something.I have difficult with size so I just started making quilts which I love .I am older now 74 and I sew all day now ,I absolutley love to sew .I have started back sewing little girl dresses .Hopefully your videos will help.Thank you for all the help you put out for us
Love your TH-cam channel. ❤️
Thankyou for watching 😀 I hope this one helped!
I'd love to see a video on using a pattern to make pants and the types of construction issues that may come up ie; crotch length, signs that the crotch is tight, loose etc. How to solve those problems. A 1940s pant pattern would be neat since it's a vintage style and that's why I love to watch your channel (along with your accent!). Thanks for taking time to read this.
I just discovered your videos. Absolutely love them. I made nothing but quilt tops for 20 years. Now I am excited about making garments for my self. 50 years ago I did make some garments. Everytime there was the smallest flaw I didn't love the garment. I am excited to hear your tips and tricks to improve my techniques. Thank you for what you do!
Same
Gurrrrrllll thank you thankyou 🎉for 🎉🎉 learning how to reverse engineer a garment is key, we find that the clothing world is hush hush about construction, but i was 85% accurate on my shirt, 👕 and you literally just showed me what else to look for
I am going to try sewing from a paper pattern and your tips are helpful. I love your ever-present smile! Thank you!
For the last 30 years I have only made menswear. This tends to be very conservative and once you master one shirt you can handle almost any shirt. I have Enid Gilchrist to thank for the sewing skills I have and a treadle sewing machine (long gone) for teaching me more than one way to finish seams. Vintage men's clothing is in very short supply because most men wear things till they fall apart.
For me, its having the patience to assemble and prepare everything correctly. Reflecting on what I sewed and how I could have sewn it differently or better. I'm at times tunnel visioned into finishing an item cause I was sooo excited to finish and wear it, i cut corners and had to redo a few of the parts which cost me more time and effort.
I think we all start like this! I certainly did! 😄
This got better for me after I did a lot more by hand.
I love my sewing machine, shes great! But with it the project can move so rapidly it can get almost stressfull, because I get so close so fast.
And then there are aaaaall those finishes that use up easily as much time as just sewing the main parts together and I get frustrated.
But if I do more by hand (basting before machine sewing for example. But atm I do a winter wool coat completely by hand) the project slows down, and gets more meditative
Get yourself a Build-A-Bear (of normal size, and good nature). They are your new sewing friend. Next go on ebay and look for people selling their kids Build-A-Bear outfit collections. Pick up a ton of stuff for only a couple of quid. Deconstruct all of it. If you’re feeling brave, put it back together again. This will help give you an idea of how all sorts of clothing shapes work. Will they be the same as a human? Not quite, but they’re close enough, they’re cheap, and you can be sure you’re not taking away cheap clothes from people who might need them. Making a mini-mockup of something you want to sew for your bear will give you opportunity to test stitches and general construction with your fabric, with less time and materials used, if you just want to test something out. (And they don’t complain when you make the seams too bulky either).
I once had a problem in school where I wasn't understanding the pattern - I'd "followed" it to a point, then all of a sudden, my work didn't seem to match. My teacher "traced" my work against the pattern and showed me where I'd inadvertently done an extra step too soon - which I then HAD to undo. It had involved topstitching in decorative threads to match two different colours of fabrics, and I was getting tired of constantly re-threading the machine.
I once found what I thought was a nice pattern in an op-shop, used some really nice fabric from my stash, and got bamboozled about three quarters of the way through. I didn't pick up any problems with the pre-read as the picture looked "logical". I tried three times, even laying my work to look exactly like the picture and there was absolutely no way it could be done they way it was stated. After looking really closely,I felt the wrong picture had been put in the pattern, as the fabric detail in the picture was different to the preceding and succeeding pics. I also felt that was probably why the pattern had been passed on - it had been screwed up before being folded back into its envelope. Anyway, I sat and thought about what to do, imagining the following steps and what it would look like on the right side as a finished garment. Then I backtracked and made some adjustments. I had to skip that step, modify the second, ignore the third totally,do the fourth, then modify the skipped one. Then I went on with the pattern (I wrote my fix on the pattern as well). I was happy with the end result as you couldn't tell that it wasn't the way it was supposed to be on the inside of the garment, and the outside looked exactly as it should! So sometimes they do print errors - not very often though.
Thankyou for your tips. I would love if you could post a video of you putting a garment together from beginning to end, even just a simple mens or womens dress shirt. I know this would be a lot of video footage & editing but I think a full tutorial would help so much especially if you could post a free pattern for us to print and work from as you teach how you would sew. I understand this is probably what is in the Sewing class so if this isnt possible here I understand. 🧵❤ You have so many great tips tho I'd love to be able to try and work on the same thing as you teach and see how close I can get to your original work !
I asked my mom to help me she gave me an old shirt and told me to take it apart and sew it back together.🤣🤯 thanks Mom!
@@joejust9269 Yeah that's where I'm at lol I think that's tomorrow's project is just look at a shirt and try recreate one. I'm ordering some patterns from Joanns tonight hopefully i will be able to pick them up in the morning ! Happy sewing !🧵❤
@@joejust9269 Years ago I turned the collars on some of my husbands shirts. We didn't have enough money to buy new ones at the time or the fabric to make some but what a great way to learn how to sew a collar stand! Husband had what looked like new shirts and I had gained valuable knowledge.
I've watched many videos that do just that. I follow Mimi G Style and she does that and I'm sure there are 100 others. It gives me hope that I too can do that.
I have been binge watching your videos...not in any particular order. I am seriously considering signing up for your Vintage Sewing School. I'm almost 68 and have been sewing since I was 11. But I have never really challenged myself. I think your course would help me with that!
This is the first video about dressmaking, by you, or anyone else. I never thought It'd be an interest, but BAM! I'm interested. I have been inspired, parity by you. I can't wait to go back and watch your stuff. And I really can't wait to get someone into a dress I make.... Someday. I'll even look into the class you smartly mention 🙂. I'm a fan!
Evelyn, I could watch you every day. Always great advice and tips x
I can't stop looking at the fabulous blouse in the background! Is there a pattern available??
I cook the same way I sew. Read all the instructions and then gather all materials. It’s no fun to be partway through a project (recipe) and find something is missing.
I would definitely like to see a video on reading pattern instructions. I find many times that the instructions are to general and the photos help only sometimes. I have rec'd patterns with instructions for a pattern piece #7 and there was no #7 pattern piece!! I am new to your channel, and I am liking it alot. I am learning alot. Thank you!
I make a toile (mockup) of the garment ( I use old hotel sheets because I got them for free) and make the garment. This tells me where the problems are, what I have to alter for the fit and I get to practice anything new/strange/different. I also get to see if the pattern instructions have anything strange in them (sometimes they leave stuff out or a section is missing). No, I don't have a useable garment in the end, but there have been times where I ditched the entire project because I saw that the garment was just NOT going to look good on me no matter what I did to it. Investing the time with cheap fabric saved a lot of tears later. I also get to test seam finished to see what works with that garment best.
I am waiting to receive my new sewing machine so I can begin learning how to use it and begin using the machine. I have material which was my grandmother's when she was alive and sewing and have to dig some of it out and see which I can use to make other garments from. After viewing some of your videos I am sure that you know all we need to know about sewing and I will be using your experience to teach me how to sew.
@Jay Fields I am enjoying my machine so far, but wish I could have gotten the better machine though. There was a shortage of Singer machines when I finally ordered mine.
Such good information! I wish I could go back in time a few years and learn what I should've learned so I could be a better seamstress! Thank you, you are a terrific teacher! 👍
Cynthia it's never too late to hone in your skills! 😃
Your outfit is so pretty. Thinking it’s my favorite so far 💞
Gosh...yes! More of these kind of videos please. Really useful tips and understanding and often just having something explained that is shown visually can really help visual learners. Thank you.
Thank you Evelyn for another great video. I want to share this tip...my Gram worked in a coat factory n taught my mom n aunts to make the collar first then sew it on the garment. My mom in turn taught me this. I have used patterns from a variety of companies and their directions always say to sew the upper collar to the facing, the under collar to the garment then sew the outside seam. Talk about confusion! I much prefer the way Mom showed me (thanks Gram)!
You are amazing! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. Your descriptions are very clear and so helpful.
You just said it and demonstrated…very clearly
I made a dress pattern from the 30's recently and it is very interesting how things have changed. Getting used to the various size holes as your only guide is interesting. The pattern companies also assume that you know what you are doing so the directions tend to be very minimal. The directions they give you and how it is put together is so different from what I am used to.
I love the umbrella🐦🐦🐦
Very informative and fun! I have to teach my granddaughters to look at there clothes.
I always learn something new or remember something I'd forgotten. Can't wait for then future posts on this topic. There are times I struggle and others it's a breeze. I am not sure why.
We all have different ways of understanding but if the person who wrote the instructions is not on your 'wave length' it makes it very difficult.
You are spot-on with how i was taught many years ago. I also recommend that the patterns from very simple items be studied and practiced enough that the item can be made easily - a simple pillow or pillow case or apron, depending on how much of a beginner the seamstress is. Then maybe a simple gathered skirt, possibly with an elastic waistband, and finally maybe an unlined,cardigan-style jacket (no buttons or collar) would be my item progression suggestion. You can probably tell from my suggestions that i have usually worked with people VERY new to sewing, so i apologize if my suggestions are too simplistic for this channel.
I recommend these for beginners too! 😄
I've been sewing for years but it is always good to recap on methods of sewing, even the very simple ones. I love Evelyn's videos. She is so refreshing to watch and has so many good tips for us and doesn't assume any prior knowledge. I've watched videos where the presenter say things like 'now do the understitching and then go on to....' Not good at all for a beginner.
Great advice!
As a complete noob, I can confirm that inspecting pattern "from afar" and trying to build a whole picture of the process before actually sewing helps tremendously. Especially if you are an anxious person. Doing this helped me understand why the instructions were in that order and when I needed to be especially careful with my seams (I still had to unpick a lot, but hey, it was my first sewing adventure).
I am not sure if you already have such video, but I would really appreciate some tips on how to alter pattern to fit your body. Thanks!
Hi Evelyn! Thank you so much for this video-it’s so difficult to find content on order of construction I think, so this has been tremendously helpful. Would you consider sharing some tips on sewing and finishing the slash/gathered darts that are so common in 1930s and 1940s garments? I have an idea on how to sew them, but not sure how to go about finishing the raw edges! Thank you 😊♥️
I have done a number of comunity classes in sewing and drafting however as a renaissance costume maker I have found sequence of construction my biggest challenge as there is seldom any patterns to follow. I really appreciated your video on this and will be lookng at commercial patterns and vintage for sequence to improvemy understanding of construction to add to my journal. Thank you so much!!
I read the instructions and construct the garment in my mind. Even after decades of sewing, some explanations may be still unclear. I will re-read the instructions till I understand or decide on another plan of action. I have also decided against a project after reading the instructions, no time, or money wasted.
I so love your TH-cam channel, and I'm so glad you are releasing videos more frequently. I must have watched almost every thing you've released so far! :-) I would love to see a comparison/contrast regarding vintage vs. modern sewing techniques, and when it might be useful to choose one over the other. Thank you so much for all your hard work and outstanding videos. So inspiring!
When I first started sewing they never had you do understitching in the directions! I think they have changed that but I learned to do it by taking apart ready to wear. I learned a lot taking things apart and paying attention as to how they were put together in the first place. I think that is great advice!
I was the same. I only heard of understitching many years after I began sewing. It was in a magazine with very clear instructions and it has made such a difference. I agree, the pattern instructions never mentioned it.
I'm in the midst of making some shirts for my (49-yr old) son, based on a high-end shirt he loves. Tracing out the pattern bits and looking at the construction sequence is making it a lot less intimidating. I'm about ready to cut the muslin for a rough fitting draft to see how close I've come. Last night, I realized that while the back yoke is a separate section (one piece cut on grain, one on the bias) but the front yoke is an overlay instead. Since this is a western-style pointed yoke, now I'm musing on how the back and front will be going together and how that back yoke seam (finished as a felled seam) will come out. Never a dull moment.
That's impressive that you taught yourself. You're slightly younger than me and I'm about a 1/2 a generation away from the women who would have still been sewing their own clothes. Good for you. Keep up the good work.
I only have vague remembrances (from the mid-70's) from when my grandmother last sewed a garment. I remember when she laid some fabric out on a cutting board. She started the project. Then, when some 'knuckle head' relative came past her and remarked, "nobody sews clothes anymore......why don't you just go out and buy something" that just knocked the wind out of her sail and she never touched her sewing machine or touched another needle again!!
Also, as a side note when I looked at your name then, listened to your reference to "reading....then you will already know", I thought surely I did not hear that. I really thought your name was taken from an American company. Here in America there used to be a reading / education technique that was once all the rage. It was called, "Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamic". The basic idea and sales pitch was that the 'system' taught 'students' how to 'speed read' so that they read (actually skim) through more of the text -- FASTER. One drawback.....you didn't hear much about how much of the material was retained once absorbed on a fast track model. In other words could the reader retain the info weeks or even months later. I, personally only knew of 2 or 3 people that bought into the course. They didn't have much to say about it nor did they say too much about enjoying reading!!
I've had people ask me why I sew garments because I could buy lots of ready made things at Primark for the same money. I point out that my clothes will actually fit me and will last for a very long time but the Primark stuff (made by very poor people paid less than a living wage) would be worn out by Christmas and then I would need more. They still wonder why I don't buy ready made clothes! Some will never learn. These comments can be so damaging. They haven't stopped me but your poor GrandMother. How awful.
@@lunasmum6869 Awww. Thank You.
Yes, sadly, I remember seeing for years her cutting board left laying out on the dining room table. It was almost as if she couldn't bring herself to put it away. Yet, she never seemed to know quite how to get back into the 'groove' of sewing ever again. Matter of fact I don't even think it was ever put away until just before her death.
I guess i'm so lucky that i have these bunch of high quality boutique vintage clothes from my grandma. i use to called this vintage clothes as grandma's clothes.
My mother teach me how to sew, because she's an autodidact, she just taught me to do the basics and let me learn from my own error, if i stuck at something she will told me to investigate these clothes, that's how i realize that the clothes I've been wearing only in house are a fancy vintage clothes. But till now, i'm still struggling to sew the arm
Absolutely bloody brilliant idea. Was sceptical that what advise was worth it. But I have just tried it and whilst to some its obvious but this such an important step for. Just discovered im doing darts wrong and a few things I needed to be aware of. So now I'm creating my own notes on how to do this and that. Sending a huge huge thanks for these tutorials. Sadly I can't commit to joining your school due covid has taken care of that financially for now 😕 😔.
Hello Evelyn love your channel thank you for your help. Love your accent. I watch your videos all the time
Great video, yes more videos like these. Are you able to share an example if how write your plan as this would be super helpful.
I appreciate your hints But however showing and doing by far is the better way to learn 💞😄💕
I agree!!!!
Great Content!! Very helpful information. I Love learning from you. Whenever I help someone learn to sew I tell them...."First thing is to read the pattern all the way through. Outloud if you need to. As you look at the pictures. Read the descriptions of what the directions mean too."
Thank You for a great video..
I'm glad someone else advises to read instructions out loud! If I come across something I can't get my head around it is often the best way to understand it. Reading aloud can make much more sense.
I love all your videos I am a beginner and it’s been 5 years the one thing I still find very hard is to read the ruler,tape measure ,and yard stick any helpful hints would I would appreciate it I started sewing at the age of 50 and when I was younger and in school we were never taught how to read a ruler so that is the one thing I really still struggle with I love your videos keep up the awesome work happy sewing
Another great video Evelyn. Of course my biggest learning curve in garment construction was vintage sewing school as you are teaching me so much. My next biggest learning curve in garment construction is when I started refashioning. When I started deconstructing pieces it started to all make sense.
You know, i always hated the instructions and never paid any attention to those little boxes and now i know why some of the garments didnt come out right! Thank you for pointing out that there is an order on sewing patterns together!
😂😂 I too tried to go 'off pattern' without realizing there were things I needed to know first! I'm sure your next ones will be even better now!!
I'm new to your channel and love love love it. Which means that I haven't seen all of them YET. But I would love to see a video of how you worked out the problem your student had. Show which step was causing the problem, and then how you analyzed and resolved it. I mostly sew bags, purses and make quilts so clothing is a hobby so I'm truly a novice sewer of clothing. I often get stuck on a pattern step and the drawings just don't make sense. I eventually figure it out after another cup of coffee or walking away from it and coming back...or I just make it up as I go and it usually works out. But seeing how you resolved the challenge would be fantastic to learn. Thank you!
I just completed my first ever “garment” - i tried to create my own pattern, based of a v-neck fast fashion blouse I really love the cut of. Wished I would have found your video sooner! (my makeshift homemade pattern did not come with assembly instructions hahaha)
Thank you, Evenly!
I love this emmm I didnt understand how to use a garment to construct a garment
When I go to the stores and see simple wear I start to look at the construction to see if I can copy it at home
Hello Miss Wood I really like your work
More good information there Evelyn, thankyou for that ! I have a jacket - kind of jersey or something. Not well made, but I love it ! Would love to make myself another. If I can find the material. So would have to study how its made first. Hoping I find something, its light and comfy. Thanks for sharing.
I would really love to hear how and why binding for an arm hole?
And I am interested in how you looked ahead to understand! I would have assumed you would have just known! 😂 I admire your skill. I Amari would love to see and hear stories of the cloths you’ve made!!!
Thanks Evelyn, I always try to read the pattern instructions several times especially if it there is something new that I'm attempting 🙂
This is so helpful. I have a pattern I would like to make, but it doesn't have any instructions, so I've been trying to figure out the order of operations. I will definitely make a muslin version first just in case I have it wrong.
I am interested in everything you can advise on,. I am new to sewing, this is all new and exciting.
Bless you!! Thank you SO much I've learned so much from you
I am trying to go from a girl who learned to sew in High School...we did the napkins first (like Evelyn taught) to practice our straight stich. Then we went to apron, pencil skirt, dress with a zipper, then we got to choose our own patterns and bring them in. I remember our teacher in 1978 was already in her late 60's...and some girls brought in patterns and she held them up in front of the class and said "Honey, NO, this is way too complicated for you to do in two school weeks (15 hours). Why don't you work on this over the Summer. Teachers in the 70's were way more hard core and less sensitive to feelings. In fact, in every class she chose one student who she called her "Jack-ie the ripper" and in my first year that girl was me! I get to tell me kids that story. She would often pick up my garment and use it as an example of what NOT TO DO". My biggest problem....trying to sew to fast....because I was excited to see the results. She would walk around the class like Tim Gunn on project runway and as she got to me would say out loud " Lets see what a mess our Jack-ie the ripper has gotten herself into". For our dress with the zipper we all had same pattern but I choose a fluorescent orange fabric...LOL...it was 1978 and I loved it! She just said "Dear God" when she saw it. I am still friends with a few of those girls in my class and we get together every few years drink a bottle of wine, eat a marijuana cookie and laugh and laugh about that dress. Of my friends I am the only one who still sews from time yo time...mostly to repair something or a Halloween costume. I want to up my game. What a blessing TH-cam has been!!!! Thank You Evelyn....Thank You, Thank You for taking the time to teach here.
Thanks so much; these videos are so helpful and informative! Also-your intro is amazing and the music is spot on!🖤
Love your channel. Always informative and inspirational! Thank you for all your hard work!
Thankyou for watching!! 😀
Your so informative! Thank you
Thank you for this video Evelyn.
Thank you so much mam❤good explanation
I’m new to your channel today. After years of quilt making, I’m getting back into garment making due to getting a new babylock serger last year ( my first serger in 35 years of sewing. ) so...I’m sewing pants, easy, right. They are a chocolate brown fine corduroy with front pockets and elastic waistband. So I cut it out and find I accidentally cut two view ‘ a’ fronts and two view ‘ b’ fronts. Argh. So back to the store for more fabric. I cut it out, did the pockets ( turned out beautifully) then stitched the side seam. It was then I discovered my error again! Nap!! Front is light brown, back is dark brown. I did think of nap but for some reason I thought if I cut out the pieces running the same direction it would be ok. Of course it would if it was one continuouslength to start with. Duh. ( tip-don’t sew after midnight when tired) . So...I have one idea. I don’t want to go back for more fabric! I’m going to do view A now instead, a narrower pant. And it has a front pleat. So I’ll half that front pattern piece, cut out from surplus pant back cut out on view b ( I’ll have 4 front pieces)and then stitch the two pieces together along the pleat markings and then make the pleat. I don’t think it will be noticeable. If it is, they will be my ‘ home’ pants. I feel so dumb. I’ve sewn much more complex patterns in the past how can I make dumb errors. I guess it goes to show everyone at any level can make mistakes. Slow down, don’t rush it. ( I hate the cutting part and just want to get sewing)Think through the steps, understand what you’re doing and what’s asked of you. Sew when refreshed and relaxed.
Oh dear. How awful. At least you managed to salvage something from it. We all make mistakes from time to time. Don't be so hard on yourself. Good advice not to rush and to slow down. I'm a weaver and when I started I hated winding the warp and dressing the loom but someone, I can't remember who, said to think 'It is all part of the process so try to enjoy it because you are working one just one step towards making some lovely fabric'. Now I try to think that way about cutting out as well.
I taught myself by making things and going *grumble grumble* "I should have done XYZ first!" And then I remember for next time. :p
Since I do almost all my patterns myself, and have been since I started sewing earnestly (because store bought patterns are a nightmare for me), I was forced to find out and think through a lot of "what is done when, and how???!" by myself.
I have found general order of steps in books which helps. But a lot is try and error. Like finishing the neckline as soon as possible, so it has no chance to stretch out and the whole bodice gets more stable before the additional weight and pull from the sleeves gets added and so on.
Can you please do a video on seam binding ? I love your videos they are so informative
Great video and tips! Can't help but notice the brown/maroon dress in the background and was wondering if there is a sewing pattern for that (or something similar)?
firstly is your blouse a re fashion and if so i like the lace you have inserted into the seams and i am undecided on what sleeve i would go with because i like both . This is a fantastic video . i struggle with button holes .
Love your videos Evelyn! Thank-you for posting. I'm considering purchasing an overlocker. Which model would you recommend? Thanks.
Hi Evelyn! Thank you so much for your videos. I love your compassion for sewing. I am unable to click on your suggested videos you mention during your videos. Is there a link somewhere that I am missing? ❤️🤗
Thank you
This was great!
After about 60 years of sewing, starting with doll clothes as a child, you start with the biggest pieces and work towards the smallest. You also do as much while it's flat, like a zipper. Well,, all that works till you get to sleeve island! LOL But mainly, to learn to sew, you have to sew! I've taught, I've judge garment construction and you can tell who has done things more then once!
Many thanks. Perfect.
Nice review!
Amazing.