In this post you learn how to make your own sewing patterns.
Have you ever wanted to sew your own clothes that fit you perfectly and express your personal style? If so, you need to learn how to make your own sewing patterns. Sewing patterns are the blueprints of your garments, and they allow you to customize the fit, length, and design of your clothes. You can create your own sewing patterns from scratch or from existing garments, and use them to sew your dream wardrobe.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make your own sewing patterns using simple techniques and free PDF patterns. You’ll also learn how to take measurements, draft basic blocks, adjust the fit, add design details, and print your patterns on A4 paper size. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to create your own unique and stylish sewing patterns and use them to sew beautiful garments.
I will write more posts in the future to expand on this extensive topic. So stay tuned !
How to Take Measurements for Sewing Patterns
The first step in making your own sewing patterns is to take accurate measurements of your body. Measurements are the basis of your patterns, and they ensure that your garments fit you well and flatter your shape. Here are some tips on how to take measurements for sewing patterns:
- Use a flexible measuring tape that can wrap around your body curves.
- Wear well-fitting underwear or clothes that are close to your skin.
- Stand straight and relaxed, with your feet slightly apart.
- Ask someone to help you measure or use a mirror to check the alignment of the tape.
- Measure over the fullest or widest part of each body area, such as bust, waist, hips, etc.
- Don’t pull the tape too tight or too loose; it should be snug but comfortable.
- Write down your measurements in centimeters or inches, depending on the unit of measurement used by the pattern.
How to Draft Basic Blocks for Sewing Patterns
The next step in making your own sewing patterns is to draft basic blocks for different garment types. Basic blocks are simple shapes that represent the main parts of a garment, such as bodices, sleeves, skirts, pants, etc. They are based on your measurements and have minimal or no design details. They are also called slopers or foundation patterns.
To draft basic blocks for sewing patterns, you need some tools and materials, such as:
- A large sheet of paper or cardboard
- A pencil and an eraser
- A ruler and a curve ruler
- A calculator
- A pair of scissors
You can find many tutorials on how to draft basic blocks for sewing patterns on my channel Sparrow Refashion or on other websites. You can also download some free PDF basic blocks from my channel or other sources. These basic blocks can be printed on A4 paper size and assembled together.
Free printable french curved rulers with tutorial how to use them.
How to Adjust the Fit of Sewing Patterns
Once you have drafted or printed your basic blocks for sewing patterns, you need to adjust the fit of them to make sure they match your body shape and size. Adjusting the fit of sewing patterns involves making changes to the length, width, or shape of the pattern pieces. You can do this by using some techniques, such as:
- Adding or subtracting seam allowances
- Lengthening or shortening pattern pieces
- Moving or changing darts
- Adding or removing ease
- Grading between sizes
You can find many tutorials on how to adjust the fit of sewing patterns on my channel Sparrow Refashion or on other websites. You can also use a muslin or a mock-up garment to test the fit of your pattern before cutting into your final fabric.
How to Add Design Details to Sewing Patterns
After you have adjusted the fit of your basic blocks for sewing patterns, you can add design details to them to create different styles and variations of garments. Design details are the elements that give character and personality to your clothes, such as:
- Pleats, check out my smart idea on how to make pleats super fast and easy
- Ruffles, learn how to add ruffles to any skirt or dress
- Pockets , check out my video on how to add pockets everywhere and my free PDF pattern for pockets
- Necklines , check out my channel to see how to sew all possible necklines
- Collars, choose your favourite collar from my free patterns
- Cuffs , learn how to sew cuffs with this super easy diy tutorial
- Buttons , watch my video on how to sew on buttons
- Zippers , learn how to add zipper fly
To add design details to sewing patterns, you need to modify your basic blocks by using some techniques, such as:
- Slash and spread
- Pivot and slide
- Dart manipulation
- Pattern drafting
You can find many tutorials on how to add design details to sewing patterns on my channel Sparrow Refashion or on other websites. You can also download some free PDF patterns with design details from my channel or other sources. These free PDF patterns have step-by-step sewing instructions and can be printed on A4 paper size.
How to Print and Prepare Sewing Patterns
The final step in making your own sewing patterns is to print and prepare them for cutting and sewing. Printing and preparing sewing patterns involves:
- Printing your PDF pattern files on A4 paper size using your printer settings. Make sure that the scale or fit option is set to 100% or actual size.
- Cutting out the pages along the edges using scissors or a rotary cutter.
- Assembling the pages together by matching the symbols and numbers on each page. Use glue or tape to join them together.
- Cutting out the pattern pieces along the lines using scissors or a rotary cutter.
- Marking any notches, darts, pleats, or other markings on the pattern pieces using tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker.
How to Sew Your Own Clothes with Your Sewing Patterns
Now that you have made your own sewing patterns, you can use them to sew your own clothes. Sewing your own clothes is a rewarding and creative process that allows you to express your style and personality. You can also choose the fabrics, colors, and patterns that suit your taste and mood.
To sew your own clothes with your sewing patterns, you need some tools and materials, such as:
- A sewing machine or a serger
- A needle and a thread
- A pair of scissors or a rotary cutter
- A ruler and a measuring tape
- Pins and a pin cushion
- An iron and an ironing board, check out this post on how to make your own ironing board
- A seam ripper
- Fabric and notions
You can find many tutorials on how to sew your own clothes with your sewing patterns on my channel Sparrow Refashion or on other websites. You can also watch my video tutorials on how to sew different types of garments step by step.
A Sewing Book for all Those who Want to Know More
Fantastic sewing book for beginners which I just love and really can recommend is Over 300 Step-by-Step Techniques by Alison Smith. This book covers everything from choosing fabrics and threads, to using a sewing machine, to making garments and accessories. It has clear instructions and illustrations for each technique, as well as tips and tricks for improving your skills. It also includes 10 projects that you can make with the techniques you learn, such as a tote bag, a skirt, a cushion, and a dress!
Making your own sewing patterns is a fun and rewarding skill that can help you create your own unique and stylish wardrobe. You can make your own sewing patterns from scratch or from existing garments, and use them to sew beautiful clothes that fit you perfectly and reflect your style.
Sparrow Refashion is here to help you on this exciting journey. You can find many free PDF patterns and sewing tutorials on my channel and blog that will guide you through the pattern making and sewing process. You can also join my community of sewing enthusiasts and share your creations and ideas.
Whether you want to make a dress, a skirt, a top, or a bag, you can find a pattern that suits your style and skill level. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your scissors, tape, and sewing machine and start making your own sewing patterns today!
In this post you learned how to make your own sewing patterns and add design details to them.
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