So you're a dressmaking newbie, where do you start?

Author - Caroline Jones

---

So you're a dressmaking newbie, where do you start?

As a teacher I'd say with lessons, of course I would, but if you don't fancy lessons then here's how you get started.

Buy a pattern, there are a a few big pattern companies about, all sell online and some you can buy in shops, here in the Forest of Dean the best shop is Zig Zags in Coleford and they stock New Look patterns. Wether you're looking online or in a shop have a good look through the pattern choices available and base your choice on 2 main factors.

1. choose something you will want to wear, sounds silly but if you choose something you're not really sure about, you'll make it up and then not wear it. So you'll have wasted time and money and dented your dressmaking confidence just a little bit more, every time you pick it up you'll think "nah" and put it down and it will put you off having another go.

2. choose something within your dressmaking ability, again sound obvious but I've known students try to make garments outside their skill range, they've got stuck, panicked, put it aside and given up. If you're a real newbie, never done it before then pick the patterns variously labelled as 'easy',  'very easy', 'basics', 'it's so easy' and the like. Some online pattern sellers categorise patterns so for example Jaycotts have an easy pattern section at http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/collections/patterns_easy this is a great place to start.

When teaching I usually make the students choose something a little outside their comfort zone pattern wise but then they've got me there to push them along!!

When you've got your pattern, read it carefully before choosing fabric, the packet will tell you what type of fabric to buy and how much, more of that another time.

If I can help more with pattern selection then get in touch at www.fashionrevived.weebly.com or 01594 861286

Caroline