Guide to Getting Started with Sewing Patterns

Are sewing patterns done by size or is it one size fits all?

 

Dressmaking Patterns often cover a wide range of sizes. The size range will be referenced in the pattern description so make sure your size is covered in the pattern you are buying. We now have a “curves” category, which has all our patterns tailored for ladies with curves all in one place. Again, make sure you read the pattern description to ensure your size will be covered in each particular pattern.

Some pattern companies will focus on patterns for ladies of specific shapes. For example, Cashmerette offer patterns solely aimed for ladies with bigger boobs. With so many pattern companies now out there, you will find it easier than ever to find something that works perfectly for you and your body.

 

How do I know what fabric to use and how much to buy?

 

Another benefit of working from a sewing pattern? It will provide key information such as how much fabric you need for your size and what fabric might work well. For those a bit newer to sewing this can make getting started that bit easier. It will give you the confidence boost you need to get under way and know you are on the right track.

At Higgs and Higgs  you can shop by the material type such as wool, boucle or cotton or by clothing type. So if you are looking for example for a coating fabric, you can find all fabrics appropriate for making your own coat in one place. Our handy dressmaking fabric page is an ideal place to navigate dressmaking fabric and patterns.

What is the difference between a PDF and printed sewing pattern?

 

You might see that patterns are often available as PDFs or as printed sewing patterns. PDF patterns are files with all you need to print everything out yourself. Printed sewing patterns will normally come in envelopes and as well as your guidelines / instruction manual you will also get the pattern tissue / template sheet to work from.

 

I’m a beginner sewer, how much experience do I need to make up a clothing item from a dress pattern?

 

Most sewing patterns will give an indication of what level of experience you will need to complete the garment. But if a pattern says beginner, what exactly does that mean? It essentially means you need little to no experience and will keep things really simple. So it’s a great way to get started.

The fabric you choose to work with will also play a part in how difficult the project will be. Fabrics with stretch for example, like jersey fabric, are a little bit trickier to work with. If you are new to sewing it might be better working with a fabric with 0% stretch.

 

Do I need a sewing machine to make a clothing item from a dressmaking pattern?

 

A sewing machine will definitely help and will make your life a lot easier. However, a needle and thread will also do the trick. If you don’t want to invest in a sewing machine straight away and will be stitching by hand try choosing an item like shorts or a top, which will use less fabric and therefore need a little less stitching.