{"id":5395,"date":"2019-12-11T07:01:35","date_gmt":"2019-12-11T07:01:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/?p=5395"},"modified":"2022-08-17T10:34:05","modified_gmt":"2022-08-17T09:34:05","slug":"beginners-guide-to-making-clothes-top-tips-from-real-dressmakers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/beginners-guide-to-making-clothes-top-tips-from-real-dressmakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginner&#8217;s Guide to Making Clothes: 21 Tips from Real Dressmakers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Ever fancied yourself a seamstress? Want to make your own clothes but aren&#8217;t sure where to begin? Well, we have scoured the internet for you and contacted some real-life dressmakers to ask them what the one thing that they wish they had known when they were starting out was. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s right, we&#8217;ve searched high and low to bring you some of the greatest beginners hints and tips and we&#8217;ve compiled them all into one handy beginner&#8217;s guide for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Top Tips from Dressmakers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2>1. For the cause<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Laura from <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/the_quiet_needle\/\" target=\"_blank\">The Quiet Needle<\/a> told us: Have a dedicated pair of scissors for sewing and cutting fabric.  Remember to keep them sharp and never use them to cut paper.  Cutting paper will dull the scissors.  The heavier the scissor the better too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/scissors-1008912_640.jpg\" alt=\"dedicated scissors\" class=\"wp-image-5406\" width=\"351\" height=\"234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/scissors-1008912_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/scissors-1008912_640-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 351px) 100vw, 351px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>2. Prep, prep and more prep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Suzy from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sewing_in_spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Sewing in Spain<\/a> said: Always take time over the preparation before you start sewing. It&#8217;s hard because you are keen to get to the construction phase, but it makes all the difference to a project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/toys-1934070_640.jpg\" alt=\"sewing supplied - prep first\" class=\"wp-image-5407\" width=\"365\" height=\"257\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/toys-1934070_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/toys-1934070_640-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 365px) 100vw, 365px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>3. Press as you go<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Stacie from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/notions_of_a_dressmaker\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Notions of a Dressmaker (opens in a new tab)\">Notions of a Dressmaker<\/a> says:  If I could only give one piece of advice for a new sewist it would be this&#8230; Do not underestimate the importance of your iron! Failing to press your seams may seem like an easy way to save time, but I absolutely believe it\u2019s the difference between your projects looking \u2018home-made\u2019 and expertly hand-made. I keep my iron set up right alongside my sewing machine to it is on hand between every seam I sew. Pressing will not only set your stitches to make them more secure and long-lasting but will also ensure a lovely crisp and clean finish to your creations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/stacie-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"iron as you go\" class=\"wp-image-5472\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/stacie-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/stacie-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/stacie.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>4. Build Your Confidence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nicki at <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/awaywiththefaeries.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\">Away With The Faeries <\/a>says: Start with a cotton print, as it\u2019s not prone to slip or stretch when sewing. And by using a print, minor mistakes such as a wobbly seam are unlikely to show. This will save your frustration and build confidence in your sewing abilities. Remember that sewing is a creative process unique to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/shopping-2630045_640.jpg\" alt=\"print on cotton first\" class=\"wp-image-5409\" width=\"410\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/shopping-2630045_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/shopping-2630045_640-300x210.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>5. Know your fabrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sally, a.k.a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/secret_life_of_a_seamstress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Secret Life of a Seamstress<\/a>, says: Getting to know which fabric types work best for different garments was a massive game-changer for me.&nbsp; I used to always go for cotton because they are easy to work with but they just don&#8217;t work when a pattern needs drape, likewise, a drapey fabric wouldn&#8217;t work where you need more structure.&nbsp; As soon as I got my head around what worked best with what it began to make sense why my stiff cotton blouse just didn&#8217;t feel right.&nbsp; Your pattern envelope will usually give you suggestions of what fabrics work well for the type of garment you are making. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/sally.jpg\" alt=\"know your fabrics secret life of a seamstress\" class=\"wp-image-5398\" width=\"415\" height=\"574\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/sally.jpg 676w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/sally-216x300.jpg 216w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 415px) 100vw, 415px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>6. One way system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thequietneedle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">The Quiet Needle<\/a> let us know that:  When you&#8217;re changing your thread on a sewing machine NEVER pull the last thread back through the machine. Cut it at the spool and pull the tail through the needle and toss it.  Machines are made for the thread to go in one direction and have &#8221; lint catcher&#8221;.  If you pull the thread in the opposite direction eventually the lint will be pulled back into things like the tension control.  I learned the hard way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/couture-1896454_640.jpg\" alt=\"sewing machine is one way\" class=\"wp-image-5410\" width=\"344\" height=\"252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/couture-1896454_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/couture-1896454_640-300x221.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 344px) 100vw, 344px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>7. Don&#8217;t let zips be your nemesis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Di from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sewitwithdi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Sew it With Di<\/a> said her top tip was: Are zips your nemesis? If your clip-on zipper foot is wider at the back then buy an adjustable one that\u2019s narrow all the way to the back. You\u2019ll be able to sew perfect zips without needing to open them to stitch past the zip pull. No teeth peeking out to spoil your clothes, no wobbly topstitching, stitch right next to the teeth for fly fronts and bags. It\u2019s perfect for all sizes of piping as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Di is fab with zips and has a whole tutorial on them <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sew-it.biz\/sew-it-with-di-blog\/4588727068\/Hints-and-Tips-for-Perfect-Zips\/11276653\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">here<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>8. Make a mock-up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sewing_in_spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Sewing in Spain<\/a> Instagrammer Suzy Roberts advised: Make a toile or a muslin (I use old sheets), at least of the bodice part if it is a dress. This doesn&#8217;t take long and it&#8217;s better to adjust your fit before cutting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/closet-4583402_640.jpg\" alt=\"make a toile sewing in spain\" class=\"wp-image-5411\" width=\"380\" height=\"253\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/closet-4583402_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/closet-4583402_640-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>9. Start with the basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Karen from <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sew.little.time\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sew Little Time<\/a> told us not to get sucked into buying all the expensive gadgets or machines, just start with the basics and get stuck in.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sew-2448191_640.jpg\" alt=\"start with basic equipment\" class=\"wp-image-5412\" width=\"387\" height=\"258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sew-2448191_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sew-2448191_640-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 387px) 100vw, 387px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>10. Change that needle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beth from <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bethsmithtextiles\/\" target=\"_blank\">Beth Smith Textiles<\/a> says: Change your sewing machine needle regularly. I used to sew with the same needle for weeks and weeks. I would just use it until it broke but now I change my needle more frequently. Sometimes after 3 projects if I am just sewing cotton and sometimes after just one project&nbsp;if what I&#8217;m sewing is more difficult like denim or sequins. It&#8217;s amazing how much more smoothly things go after changing a needle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If I take out a needle for lightweight fabrics to switch to a denim needle I don&#8217;t save the finer needle either. When I switch back to the finer fabric I always get a new needle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sew-2384278_640.jpg\" alt=\"change needles frequently\" class=\"wp-image-5413\" width=\"340\" height=\"255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sew-2384278_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sew-2384278_640-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 340px) 100vw, 340px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>11. Iron your interfacing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fee from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MySewingClub\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">My Sewing Club<\/a> says:  Understanding your sewing machine makes sewing much easier and way more fun. Another of my favourite tips is to iron your interfacing on to a rectangle of fabric before you cut out your facings, once you have ironed the fabric and interfacing together, you can then easily cut them both out in one go, so much quicker and neater, no annoying bits of interfacing hanging over the edge, to gunk  up your iron or ironing board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/fee.jpg\" alt=\"iron interfacing my sewing club\" class=\"wp-image-5400\" width=\"358\" height=\"358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/fee.jpg 280w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/fee-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 358px) 100vw, 358px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>12. Be accurate with rulers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Karen from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/quilters_paradise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Quilter's Paradise (opens in a new tab)\">Quilter&#8217;s Paradise<\/a> told us: Whenever possible, use your ruler to cut your pieces, not the measurements on the cutting mat.&nbsp; Your ruler markings are more accurate.&nbsp; This way, if using various mats when cutting a      project, you will have consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/scontent-lhr3-1.cdninstagram.com\/v\/t51.2885-15\/sh0.08\/e35\/s750x750\/73290167_176486776864983_8018109679400468128_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lhr3-1.cdninstagram.com&amp;_nc_cat=103&amp;oh=1054c0b0815225d1ce60b1dcbc5d0b15&amp;oe=5E820554\" alt=\"\" width=\"363\" height=\"363\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>13. Tidy as you go<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nope, this isn&#8217;t those echoes from your childhood (or was it just my mum that used to bark this at me?). Another top tip from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/the_quiet_needle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">The Quiet Needle<\/a>:  Keep a small Tupperware container near you for loose thread, thread clippings and fabric clippings instead of walking over to a garage can each time. Keep a lint roller handy for a quick thread-clippings pick-up.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/lint-roller-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"lint roller\" class=\"wp-image-5414\" width=\"323\" height=\"214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/lint-roller.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/lint-roller-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/lint-roller-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 323px) 100vw, 323px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>14. Make space<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nicki at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AwaywiththefaeriesDesigner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Away With The Faeries<\/a> told us: Have fun, but watch out for the growing fabric stash, it\u2019s addictive and you may need a bigger room!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/craftroom-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"craft room\" class=\"wp-image-5415\" width=\"321\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/craftroom.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/craftroom-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 321px) 100vw, 321px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>15. Diagnose upside down<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>John, the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sewingmachinerepairsgoldcoast\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sewing Machine Man<\/a> gave us this handy piece of information: Did you know sewing is upside down? When your stitch is messy on top it means the problem is with the bobbin, and if it\u2019s messy underneath the problem is with the top thread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net\/v\/t1.0-9\/34721570_1020807918069998_8355489936677273600_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&amp;_nc_ohc=wotUJcj2xdoAQmWcP0BTDwQFIcfU1meMj55Ok124UwPrw7_kIsJRunI1w&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-lhr3-1.xx&amp;oh=15a50d4ff01c2bbe65a13eba58196896&amp;oe=5E7AE159\" alt=\"diagnose upside down the sewing machine man\" width=\"386\" height=\"386\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>16. Wash away<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Suzy at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sewing_in_spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Sewing In Spain<\/a> said: Wash your fabric, many fabrics shrink, so better to find out before you cut.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/washing-machine-943363_640.jpg\" alt=\"wash fabrics first\" class=\"wp-image-5416\" width=\"400\" height=\"266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/washing-machine-943363_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/washing-machine-943363_640-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>17. Test first to make sure the needle is right<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Karen from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sew.little.time\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Sew Little Time<\/a> says:  Make sure you&#8217;re using the correct needle for the type of fabric you are using and always do a test run of stitches on a scrap piece of fabric before you start on your project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sewing-machine-925458_640.jpg\" alt=\"test on scrap \" class=\"wp-image-5417\" width=\"355\" height=\"236\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sewing-machine-925458_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sewing-machine-925458_640-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 355px) 100vw, 355px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>18. Round the twist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thequietneedle\/\" target=\"_blank\">The Quiet Needle<\/a> says: Need a sharp corner? Keep the needle down, lift the foot and rotate the fabric.  <br> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sew-681155_640.jpg\" alt=\"simple corner trick\" class=\"wp-image-5418\" width=\"368\" height=\"243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sew-681155_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sew-681155_640-300x198.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 368px) 100vw, 368px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>19. Cut, and take your time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Susan Young Sewing (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/susanyoungsewing.wordpress.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Susan Young Sewing<\/a> told us: As a former sample cutter my number one top tip is to cut out your project carefully and accurately. Take your time, measure carefully using your tape measure, check the grainline is parallel to the selvedges. Pin sufficiently and cut smoothly. If you\u2019ve cut out neatly you\u2019re off to a good start with your project so you\u2019ll know any discrepancies as you make it up probably aren\u2019t down to your cutting and could be the pattern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cutting-tool-3673057_640.jpg\" alt=\"take your time when cutting\" class=\"wp-image-5419\" width=\"372\" height=\"247\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cutting-tool-3673057_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/cutting-tool-3673057_640-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>20. Allow for your seam allowances<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Susan Young Sewing  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/susanyoungsewing\/\" target=\"_blank\">Susan Young Sewing <\/a>also told us: My second tip is to make sure you sew your seam allowances accurately, check what it is for each pattern and stick to it! With this in mind, you should be guaranteed success!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/seam-allowance-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"pay attention to seam allowance\" class=\"wp-image-5420\" width=\"392\" height=\"294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/seam-allowance.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/seam-allowance-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/seam-allowance-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 392px) 100vw, 392px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>21. Trace and tear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another fab tip from Karen at <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Quilter's Paradise (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.quiltersparadiseesc.com\" target=\"_blank\">Quilter&#8217;s Paradise<\/a>: When hand stitching sayings on wool applique or other fabric projects, trace the saying from the pattern onto Glad Press \u2018N Seal.&nbsp; Place this on top of the wool\/fabric you are stitching on and hand stitch over the saying.&nbsp; Once finished, rip off the Press \u2018N Seal to reveal your perfect hand-stitched work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/kantha-1566892_640.jpg\" alt=\"applique\" class=\"wp-image-5426\" width=\"342\" height=\"255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/kantha-1566892_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/kantha-1566892_640-300x224.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 342px) 100vw, 342px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>Time to get started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There you have it &#8211; a collection of hints and tips from real-life dressmakers. Now all you need to get started is to pick a project and get to it! Why not create your own custom fabric to make your beginners clothing project well and truly unique. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/fabric-swatch-pack\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"825\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Shop-Swatch-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10924\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Shop-Swatch-3.jpg 825w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Shop-Swatch-3-300x109.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Shop-Swatch-3-768x279.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ever fancied yourself a seamstress? Want to make your own clothes but aren&#8217;t sure where to begin? Well, we have scoured the internet for you and contacted some real-life dressmakers to ask them what the one thing that they wish they had known when they were starting out was. That&#8217;s right, we&#8217;ve searched high and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":5404,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Ever wanted to start making your own clothing but aren't sure where to start? Check out these top tips from real-life dressmakers!"},"categories":[2,3],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v16.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Beginner&#039;s Guide to Making Clothes: 21 Tips from Real Dressmakers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ever wanted to start making your own clothing but aren&#039;t sure where to start? Check out these top tips from real-life dressmakers!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/beginners-guide-to-making-clothes-top-tips-from-real-dressmakers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Beginner&#039;s Guide to Making Clothes: 21 Tips from Real Dressmakers\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Ever wanted to start making your own clothing but aren&#039;t sure where to start? Check out these top tips from real-life dressmakers!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/beginners-guide-to-making-clothes-top-tips-from-real-dressmakers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Contrado Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-12-11T07:01:35+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-08-17T09:34:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sewing-955333_1280.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"853\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Beca\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Contrado Blog\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/beginners-guide-to-making-clothes-top-tips-from-real-dressmakers\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sewing-955333_1280.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sewing-955333_1280.jpg\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":853,\"caption\":\"dressmakers tops tips\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/beginners-guide-to-making-clothes-top-tips-from-real-dressmakers\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/beginners-guide-to-making-clothes-top-tips-from-real-dressmakers\/\",\"name\":\"Beginner's Guide to Making Clothes: 21 Tips from Real Dressmakers\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/beginners-guide-to-making-clothes-top-tips-from-real-dressmakers\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2019-12-11T07:01:35+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-08-17T09:34:05+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/cbe86a63f08c6bc756bc5f94c2c94f70\"},\"description\":\"Ever wanted to start making your own clothing but aren't sure where to start? 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