If you are looking for a hobby that is both useful and fun, then designing your own clothing is a great choice! Not only can you learn valuable skills like sewing and fashion design, but you have the opportunity to create unique pieces that can’t be bought in a store. Weather that’d. be starting a piece from scratch or adding a unique embroidery design, there are multiple ways in which you can customize your clothing.
While it certainly isn’t an easy task to learn, it can be very exciting to see your progress with the more experience you gain. You can start with simple accessories and work your way up to full-on outfits!
In this article, we are going to discuss some tips on how to start designing your own clothing so that you can know what steps to take. Sound interesting? Then keep on reading!
Pick up the necessary supplies
The very first step in designing your own clothing is to pick up all of the supplies you need. Depending on what sort of things you will be making, the list can be quite extensive, especially if you don’t have any previous experience.
You’ll need fabric scissors, thread, glue, needles, pins, and more before you even start! On top of this, you’ll want to have some type of storage system like a craft cupboard to keep everything organized. The last thing you want is a messy workspace! Check out this basic sewing supplies list to get started! Once you’ve ticked everything off that list, you can then continue to grow your collection once you’ve learned the basics.
Learn how to sew
Once you’ve gathered everything you need, it’s time to start learning how to sew! While you will obviously need a sewing machine, you might also consider investing in a serger machine to help with clean seams and finishes. Start off slowly with smaller projects until you gain more confidence.
Scrunchies, pencil cases, zipper pouches, and pillow covers are all great places to start. Once you’ve mastered those, you can then move on to actual clothing! Check out some patterns online to get started. Many of them are free, but you can also pay for more unique and intricate designs.
Experiment with different materials
Once you’ve gained some experience, it’s time to start getting a little creative! There are so many different materials out there, and each of them have unique properties. From silk, cotton, wool, leather, and synthetic materials, you can mix and match to create incredible designs that can’t be seen in any stores.
Just make sure you learn how to manipulate them first. Some materials can be very stubborn to work with and will take a little bit of practice! The last thing you want is to damage your sewing machine!
Try modifying thrifted clothes
Shopping at thrift stores is a great way to update your look, but you can make things even more interesting by using them as a base for your designs. By modifying thrifted clothes, you don’t need to spend so much money on material, and you can both add or take away from existing structures. You might even ask some of your family and friends to supply you with some things! You can turn an older men’s shirt into a stunning dress and an old dress into a beautiful blouse. All it takes is a keen eye and a bit of imagination!
Know what mistakes to avoid
Like most skillful hobbies, there are some common mistakes that can occur. By knowing what these are, you can do your best to avoid them and come up with solutions if something does go wrong. For example, it can be extremely beneficial to measure a couple of times before making a cut and to do a fitting before finalizing a look.
Other common sewing mistakes include using the wrong size needle, using incorrect fabric, using the improper tension on your machine, and ironing at incorrect temperatures. The more you learn, the easier it will get, but it can still be wise to do some research before you begin!
Practice makes perfect
Lastly, it’s important to remember that practice really does make perfect. You might find that some of the things you create aren’t going to be that great when you first start. However, it’s all about learning and developing your skills by trying again and again.
Start things slowly, make sure you show off your outfits, and remember to reward yourself when you’ve completed something! You won’t know how far you can go unless you keep on pushing forward!
And that’s it! These were some tips to help you start designing your own clothes! You’ll be a pro in no time and be on your way to creating your own fashion label. Just remember to keep on trying and don’t give up if things seem tough. You can do this!
“Sewing – It’s not just a craft, it’s therapy.”
Unknown
