😀What are the preparation steps you have learnt to spend the most time on, to make your sewing life easier?😀 If you want a guide to help you along your sewing journey, join me at www.vintagesewingschool.com/
i think taking the right measurements is the key , i also like basting stitch,it makes the process more easier" i don't always feel to do so" 😅. i need an advice what should i do when i feel excited through a project ,i always end up with a bad result because of my hurry 🙂??
i assemble the item and pretend to flip in in and out like it would be as a regular garment. i've clowned myself putting a sleeve on inside out before but its easier to catch before sewing than serge it on wrong and ruin it.
Basting and trying on before sewing (my grandma *engraved* that in my brain), stop when I'm tired, and make sure that I have the correct needle on the machine. That saved me soooo much time and headaches. Oh, and leave everything out of the reach of my cat, who seems very keen on doing her manicure on my fabrics ^^
Hehe. My cat have a knack for only choosing to lay on fabric I'm planing to sew gifts from (And these days boiled cotton for face masks). Keep telling him I do not want everything "decorated" with his hairs, but he doesn't care at all :-P
How to pin correctly was a revelation to me. No longer do I end up with one side being longer than the other. Another valuable lesson is stop when you feel tired. I’ve made so many mistakes by carrying on when I should have left it until I felt fresh again. Also to slow down. It’s not a race. Enjoy the process, take your time. I’d rather put something half finished on the mannequin than have to go back the next day and redo the last hour I spent rushing the project.
I have a saying for those people who think sewing is so easy (especially when they want something hemmed, or think you can just whip things up) " Those who don't sew, don't know"
That's so true for every craft. From cake decorating to knitting, I've had people ask me to "whip up" something for them and then gape at the price I quote. They have no idea how long things take and how costly materials are. But it's ignorance, not malice (no matter how annoying I find it lol).
I hate when friends or family just want you to do their mending and alterations because "it's your hobby so you will enjoy it". Well, no. Sewing and upcycling new garments is my hobby. That is the fun thing for me. I hate mending and alterations even on my own clothes, it feels like a chore and not fun or creative. The difference between mending and sewing is the same difference between mowing the lawn vs gardening.
A longtime house painter, I can surely say it's the same with painting! Do good and thorough prep and the paint tasks are more enjoyable and efficient. Those who don't know volunteer to help you paint walls. What, you want to steal my candy? No way! How about instead you kneel down and sand those baseboards? 🤪😆
I literally force myself to read everything on the pattern beforehand. I don’t really enjoy this most information is lost before I start sewing and thus I reread the pattern when constructing. But as a result, I always find something that will alter my plans. I find slight variations for construction, or alternative zipper instructions, or no instructions for closers or seam finishing. I find these hidden in plan sight, but usually at the end of steps or between. With this information I usually rethink some part of my project. Note when you find these hidden gems highlight them on your pattern.
My instructions exactly Read ALL instructions before you start. NEVER ASSUME> and then go. But I have to admit I have found a few better ways than what they provide... OFTEN.
one of the basic tips, is SLOW DOWN and enjoy the journey. It's not a race to get to the end of that seam or portion of the garment. Unless of course you're wearing it tonight! Lol.
I remember buying patterns in the 80s that have printed right there on the pattern cover that it's a 2 hour dress/top/pants. I call BS on that! I think they started the timer after you've pinned the first seam and you are "ready to start your sewing machine" and the gun goes! Seriously though, I have sewn a dress in a day to wear that night and have found out later, the hard way, that I may have missed taking out a pin here and there. Ouch!
Absolutely true. I always wanted a team to do the preparation so I could just do the sewing. However, we have to learn to love the preparation and consider it as part of the joy of getting a perfect result.
My sewing teacher at school used to say to us '99% common sense, 1% skill' - I never forgot it, and although not really the same as what you're saying, there are similarities! I've definitely learnt as I grow older that it's SO worth the prep and definitely worth the pressing (I never used to press anything at school, much to the frustration of my teacher!).
Oh I like that saying!! Something I always say to students is that "everything in sewing should make sence", if it's doesn't, it means you need to back track and figure out why! What went wrong so you can do better nect time! 😀 Again, very similar!
@@Evelyn__Wood Yes! The amount of times I read over and over what I'm meant to do, or trying to figure out which part of what pattern goes where etc, It is a big puzzle a lot of the time! I think what I enjoy most about it, especially following a well drafted pattern, is that if you follow it step by step to the letter, you can't get it wrong. It's so fulfilling to finish a piece like that!
The lesson you posted on pinning was a game changer for me. Also, you taught me I could use chalk to trace around the pattern and then cut which made it so much easier for me to take off the pattern and then cut along my lines.
My sister just said to me how weird it was that the second shirt she is sewing this fall is taking her so little time but she is using the pattern she already spend six hours to make sure it fits nicely plus whatever time she used for actually sewing the first shirt. It just is a massive amount of work but the results were amazing!
Thanks Evelyn! Your tips enhance our sewing experience! I have found by gathering/ordering/thrifting all supplies ahead of time and placing in a bin/tray and NOT beginning a project until I have everything I need streamlines the building process, and being careful not to engage in “analysis paralysis.” Sometimes we over-think it...
I use large zippered bags to make “kits” for my projects. Fabric, pattern, thread, buttons, zippers and all trims go in. When I’m ready to sew, I don’t have to worry about needing something partway through. Saves lots of frustration.
Something I’ve found helpful in preparation is watching your videos on terminology, simple tips and tools to have. When I’m sewing, I hear Evelyn in my head guiding or reminding me of those things. 😆
Having bought a sewing machine so I could make masks when this pandemic started, taking it easy when I sew helps me. For the record, I am not a sewer-I much prefer knitting-I find watching your videos very helpful and I have learned a lot about the process even if I don’t intend to make a garment.
there are other thing you can do with a sewing machine, not just garments ;) i can knit basic stitches, but i get really bored/tired doing it... u.u and knitted stuff is just so comfy in winter....
I bought my first sewing machine Oct 2022. I dived right in by watching youtube videos BEFORE I bought a pattern or any supplies. I learned the basics, how my machine worked, maintenance, threading a machine needle. Followed by how to prepare fabric BEFORE cutting. What scissors to use ... all of the prep work! Yes, I press all before I sew. My friends and family are amazed when I show the great results and are surprised when I reveal that I started sewing only a few months ago. Yes, prep and reading instructions is a big part of my success as a newbie sewist. Thank you Evelyn for being part of my success. ❤❤❤
Thank the goddess I learned this in high school. Now I hear this and I'm like duh! If I had learned it later in life I would have probably felt cheated. I'm sure it's why my friends who want to learn how to sew don't actually take the time to learn. They probably look at instructions and give up before they really begin. Also, anyone who knows I sew is automatically thinks I want to teach them or fix garments for them. I'm like 'no, I retaught myself after many years by watching Evelyn and other online content.' They think it's all fun & games. I tell them it's a lot of work & why. That usually shuts them up. Yes I'm protective of my time & my sewing time.
I feel like at least 20% of sewing for me as a beginner is deciding which fabric I wanna use for a project. Right now, I'm mainly sewing drawstring bags and I have mainly fabric from the Thrift store or just old fabric from my mom, but I still sometimes hesitate using some of those fabrics, even scraps, cause as a Beginner I think "Well, what if I wanna use this fabric for another project or I mess it up with my sewing machine and Ruin the fabric?" For Example, I found this Alice In Wonderland fabric at the thrift store and I know I wanna use it for something special, but I'm not sure what that is gonna be.
Cutting anxiety is a very real thing! I think everyone suffers from it. So even once you get past the “what if I could use this fabric better?” anxiety, there will always still be cutting anxiety right there. What if I mess up cutting this very expensive fashion fabric that I can’t get any more of?
It's true that this anxiety never goes away, but I'm telling you to go for it! Make a toile if you're worried about the cut, sew up a swatch to test it with the machine, but if you are swooning over a fabric, use it up! I've been sewing for 12+ years and I can't tell you how many piles of nice fabric I found that I was "saving for something nicer" that never came. One does not ever cross that "You made it!" threshold that makes you a fearless sewist. Using these special favourite fabrics, I've gotten more and more excited and happy about the things I've made, even when they were not perfect. It might work for you too! Also, as you gain experience, you will get better at picking the right project for your fabric according to its colour and pattern, but also to its weight, drape and composition. Be brave and good luck!
I have been sewing for 43 years and the last few weeks I've been sewing my daughter's formal dress. I've spent about $230 on fabric etc for this dress and I was still nervous cutting and sewing it. I'm on the last stretch, sewing the hem by hand. I was less nervous sewing my wedding dress 30+ years ago.
The irony of listening to this video while ironing my five panel fired skirt that is now all sewed together and needed pressing before I tackle seam finishing.
What a lovely bit of encouragement! I find that if I don’t have a clean workroom with only those things necessary on surfaces, I either rush or avoid tasks. Taking a day to clean the workroom makes everything easier!
Absolutely true. The prep work is the most important and most time consuming. Same idea applies to anything where there is an expected outcome, such as, cooking, painting, building, and of course sewing. I began sewing at age 12 and it took a few years of experience to settle down and realize that the precision of the prep work will determine the outcome of the project. Forty years later, each project is approached with laser focus on what is needed to prepare for the prep work and methodical planning to achieve the best results.
I was also 12 when my Mum taught me to sew. My first project was an outfit to wear to my brother's wedding. A four gore skirt with zipper, waistband, button and buttonhole. I had to hand stitch the waistband down and hand stitch the hem. The top was quite flowy (it was the 70s) and had a zig zag hemline, again hand stitched and the neckline had thin ties to make a bow. Thinking back, my Mum really threw me in at the deep end! Did I mention that all this was done on a Singer straight sewer so no zig zag for seam finishing. I had to turn each raw edge under and sew them like a little hem. I've been sewing for 43 years but am now learning new ways of doing things from Evelyn.
Most important preparation for me is making sure the pattern fit me in the right way. So much easier to alter the pattern than the finished garment. When I am altering things, and not sewing from scratch, planning, measuring and deciding things, takes the most time. I give myself lots of thinking time so I can come up with the best way to make what I want out of the starting garment that gives the projects more limitations than starting with a untouched length of fabric.
Sewing and all its associated "extras" have always been my ZEN! Time simply flies! One sure fire-way for me to make a disaster of it - forgetting to eat; I can get real foggy-headed if I haven't had lunch by 3pm. Another is distractions; wait until the kids are at school and hubby at work - they always had a knack for coming in at some point in time and derail my train. I still have a skull and crossbones pic on my door with the rule of no entering unless bearing gift of coffee if that door is shut. The escapism is that real. I rarely shut that door anymore; my arthritic hands have taught me to pace myself with an hour or two at the most before breaking for something else (like family time, housework, weeding, cooking dinner, Shopping, etc).
I tend to do everything in batches- it’s too difficult to do everything one by one due to being disabled. So I prepare in batches- pin what seams can be immediately sewn, sew all of those seams, then press all of those seams. Then do another batch. Working in batches seems to be the best way for me to sew. Constantly wheeling my chair between my sewing desk and cutting table (where my portable ironing board is set up at the perfect height to press from my chair), is really taxing. Even though the tables are set at 90 degree angles to make things as easy as possible, it does still use up some spoons, which takes away from time I can spend sewing. I also try to plan my prep, because that is usually the most physically difficult for me to do. Things like cutting out are very hard- and sometimes impossible if the pieces are so large they have to be fine on the floor. In which case I have to enlist my 13yo daughter and hope she feels like being accurate- though I usually give as much room between pieces as possible and just get her to roughly cut out, and then it comes up into the table for me to finish doing precisely. I just can’t get down on the floor- not without a lot of pain, and then being stuck there, at any rate. And I try to do a fair amount of hand sewing in each project. Partly because I prefer the look, especially when it comes to finishes, partly because I genuinely enjoy hand sewing, and partly because it doesn’t use up the same amount of spoons as the sewing machine (much as I love my Gertrude, and she does at least have a start/stop button and a speed slider, which does make things much easier for me). I can only sew for 10-15 minutes max on the machine, on a good day. But I can take my hand sewing and sit outside in my chair for an hour, and I can even do most hand sewing in bed. So even though hand stitching is slower, my projects go faster with it simply because I can do so much more of it. And I’ve now become so used to always having something to stitch that I feel very strange if my hands are idle. One solution is to always have more than one project on the go, so I alway have something to hand sew. That seems to work best.
Same here! I’m also disabled and as beginner at sewing I’ve just been giving myself a looong timeline for projects and just relying only on hand sewing at times when I have the energy to work. I’m just making sure I check the instructions a bunch of times lol
@@anietamccracken2182 you might find a video by Retro Claude very helpful. I can't link it here because UA-cam doesn't like comments with links, but if you search up Retro Claude and disability you should be able to find it. She's another disabled sewist, and has some great tips on sewing as a disabled person.
Thank you for e encouraging Monday mending. I recently lost eight and my pants were falling down. So far i have mended 2 shorts, 3 pairs pants, 2 skirts, and 3 belts. Thank you.
Great video again, thank you! When I discovered the importance of pinning.. omg... As you said, we all want to wing it at the machine so I thought pinning was unnecessary and for beginners, but just a few hours ago I put in the sleeves of a dress in like no time thanks to the thorough pinning I did. This was a very important video!
For me it's more like Don't forget to vacuum before laying out the fabric. I don't have a table large enough, and who knows what's on the floor that I can't see.
AHHHH Love this video so much. Over the course of my sewing journey, I've grown to LOVE the preparation process. It feels almost meditative to me and (because I mostly make garments for myself) the preparation bits feel like an exercise in self-care! So much so that when I wear the garment, I remember the hours of pressing, pinning and toiles and remember to see myself and those around me with the same gentleness and care that I've given to the fabric on my body. My personal fav preparation bit is pressing and I do it constantly. Pressing at every stage (patterns, post-pre-wash, seams... etc) remind me to check in on the progress of the whole project and get excited about what's coming, what's been done, and what we've learned.
When you get to a part that’s difficult to sew with your machine, hand baste first. Pressing (correctly which is not the same as ironing) as I finish each seam probably made the biggest difference in making my garments look professional and beautiful.
I listened to this video while I ironed the pattern pieces for the dress mock-up I am making. I think my biggest tip is that if I'm gritting my teeth or thinking, I have to finish this or that before I can rest, then I am past due for a break, and I need to stop and stretch and make a cup of tea and breathe. Whenever I start to feel that pressure, it's a reminder to pause. If I am not in love with what I'm doing, if I'm not in my body while I'm doing it, then I'm not putting my love into what I'm making, and I am missing the magic of creating ❤️ thanks, as always, for your videos. I really appreciate you walking us through technique and process. I appreciate how you help me think through structure and construction and how to actually practice and experiment with the raw materials. Anyway, I just really appreciate you so much!
I have just spent 3hrs putting a pdf pattern together and cutting out annoyingly, slippery fabric to realise, I hadn't washed the fabric... arggghhh. Thankfully, Aunty Google told me Modal is unlikely to shrink... fingers crossed. Anyway, my best prep (apart from prewashing) has to be hand basting, especially when sewing annoyingly, slippery fabrics.
@@Evelyn__Wood I always hand baste, I truly despise dealing with pins at the machine. If I'm not impaling my fingers, I'm dropping them or knocking over the pin tray... hand basting saves me so much angst.
@@jirup I'm the same, I prefer to baste, I run over a pin, it broke and flew upto my face and stuck in my top lip, since then I've based all the time, I like how it holds the material.
When I am going to put in a zipper, I use wash-away basting tape. It's a thin, sticky film that washes away. I get a smoother result using this instead of pinning in the zipper. If I run out of the tape, or the fabric is not washable, I hand baste the zipper in before sewing. I do a lot of hand basting and always, always press as you go.
All that prep is so true but I am an instant gratification type person!!! But at 69 I might try your style, I love your vintage 👚 in background. I want to try it!!!!
I love your videos. Most things you tell I know already but sometimes its a great reminder to listen to it again. And sometimes its good to be reassured thats normal that some things need their time (and even if I'm slower then others in marking etc. taking my time and doing all that preparation work will show!) Thank you!
I spend the majority of my prep work doing pattern alterations, especially full bust adjustments. I started sewing again during COVID so You Tube has been so helpful. I always make a “mock up”. I have about 3 bolts of muslin right now. It takes about 3wks now for me to work on pattern alterations due to working and learning to understand what I’m doing. I’ve drafted my own pattern for pockets, because “pockets are everything” and its so easy to do.
I just learned from you that taking your time with preparation is Key to sewing and having a better-finished product, because it says 1 hour as you said is just the sewing part. thank you so much for giving me this time to understand sewing better.
Thank you for spending so much "prep" time to plan these topics for discussion. In your videos, you explain things so thoroughly and so well. It's like you are sharing your secrets to your sisters based on your experiences. I so appreciate your time, knowledge and energy that you've spent with your great collection of videos.
When I first started sewing, I would impatiently rush the prep stages and go right into sewing. But now I actually prefer the prep stages. Pinning, ironing, measuring, and altering patterns are so engaging and active. Sometime I get bored sitting at the machine simply doing a straight stitch.
Hello, Evelyn, yet another wonderfully informative video, thank you for everything you do for us. One of my favourite preps is to iron the pattern itself and then transfer it onto paper to make a second pattern which is the one I use. That way the original is kept safe and intact. Of course, all the preparation steps are important but that is one I particularly enjoy doing, unlike some of the others!!!!! They all make it worthwhile, though. Many thanks once again xx
@@Evelyn__Wood I'm the same now. I recently made a couple of skirts for my granddaughter. She is ten years old but wears 13-14 years clothes as she is already about 5' 1" tall and, of course, still growing at an alarming rate (her dad is 6' 5")! Making them from a paper copy of the pattern was so much easier and they look really good on her. The paper I used doesn't tear as easily, it's better to handle and there are a good few more skirts in it before it wears out. Doing a transfer doesn't take long and it's so worth it. All your lessons and tips have been a massive help to me and although I still have a lot to learn, you have made me a better seamstress than I ever thought I could be. I think my granddaughter is going to need a few made to measure garments as she gets older and you've given me the confidence to give things a try. I'm so glad I've found you :)
Marking all the seam allowances, testing the fabric for the right needle and thread, basting zippers and sleeves. ironing and pressing as I go along is a must.
BASTING! I do that always, now, on any tricky seam. I'm also learning more Couture techniques, which involve insane levels of hand-work but produce beautiful results. But I do prep all my fabrics, always, right down to basting edges together before washing to ensure good grainlines.
I usually do the prep in one session after I've done a mock-up and got that part right. I overlock all the seams that can be done prior to construction if that is my chosen method for garment. I have learnt to spend a lot of tine on my garment before I get to sew it. My sewing has improved enormously and I've just completed my first coat and it was in plaid. Now that had some prep!
Congrats on the coat! I stay away from fabric designs that need matching. I know the extra time involved and I just do not have the patience anymore for that so I avoid like the plague.
Ah, this explains why I stopped sewing garments, and went to crocheting and other crafts, FAR LESS preparation work for these other crafts, than garment making, and more instant results, LOL! But now that I've been watching all of your videos on how to do all of this preparation, and knowing now HOW MUCH time it takes, makes me understand this so much better. For me, learning to sew as a kid meant valuable and enjoyable time spent with my Grandma. I feel her presence while at my sewing machine. Whereas crocheting is something I love to do that is easily portable and can be done while chatting with my kids, or sitting alone. But THANK YOU, THANK YOU for helping me understand the art of sewing so much better, and for your PASSION that inspires me to get back to my love of sewing.
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Thank you! You are a gifted teacher! Spend the two minutes now to avoid the 2 hours of "undoing" later. I have SO many examples! It is really helpful when students understand ALL that is involved at the get go.
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The thing I resisted, and paid mightily for is : Press as you go. I was dealing with cramped space, blown fuses, limited time, some laziness, but mostly a lack of realizing that pressing is a step that is essential if you plan to take pride in what you produce. It was not until I was working in a professional shop with space, and workflow, and mighty steam irons, that I finally SAW the impact of a step I had routinely bypassed for way too many projects.Live and learn. I offer that an interesting video topic would be "You never stop learning" Cheers and Thank you. Stay Safe.
Amen! After getting back into sewing after a 30 year hiatus, I have tried to unlearn bad habits, appreciate the importance of certain steps (I always ironed as I went), and have learned new habits and skills. I never took the time to iron my pattern and fabric before cutting - game changer! Basting is not something I'd skip, but my new favorite notion is Wonder Tape, not to mention the amazing presser feet that make stitching easier. Just last week I told my daughter that sewing is like painting - the 80%/20% amount of prep time vs. the actual sewing/painting time.
My aunt told me once (and I believe she was told this by her grandmother) that a good knitter is a happy ripper. It's true of sewing as well. It's true of most things.
This is sooo true and as an intermediate sewer I know the more prep I do the beater the final result. I’m making a summer dress, I’ve spent the past two days putting the paper pattern together, reading the instructions, watching a sew along , making a Muslin to test the fit, making the alterations on the pattern pieces (which involved lowering the bust dart, taking in the sides, shortening every piece), prewashing the fabric and ironing it... I try and do this mindfully and do slow sewing nowadays.
@@afiiik1 no they weren’t. On reading the instructions, which I was unable to do before purchasing, the pattern was designed to be sewn using the lightening stitch on a sewing machine. I had wanted to construct the garment on a serger but a 5mm seam allowance on a knit fabric is simply not wide enough, even for a 3 thread overlock stitch on the narrowest setting. I’ve tried it.
@@celiahaddon4087 that's true, I usually use a 7mm seam allowance on a serger.... That's why I prefer patterns with no seam allowance, you just add as much as you need.... And colour blocking is so much easier 😁
Pre-wash, pre-iron, and iron after every seam has improved my outcome immensely. Also, cutting precisely makes a huge difference with sewing straight even lines
Oh definetly!! I always need the iron set up and ready to go, it's one less obstacle in the way for me! And pressing is crucial for good sewing! I think you will see a great difference by having one on hand 😀
@@Evelyn__Wood The endless struggle between wanting everything neat, organised, and out of the way and also wanting everything within hands reach for when I need it
So true. The actual construction (sewing) of the garment is the quick bit. I spend a lot more time drafting or copying the pattern, washing and ironing the fabric, setting out and cutting the pattern pieces. Sometimes,I will sew half a dozen garments in one day, because I spent the last three days cutting out the pieces, then overlocking and ironing the major pieces, ready to be sewn together at a later date.
Every time I change my bobbin, thread, needle, stitch length or stitch pattern, turn on the machine, etc. I sew a bit on a piece of scrap fabric first before my garment. That way, any problems end up on the tester and not on my garment.
That's so true, been there done all that. I learned the hard way years ago, lol Thank you for making these videos. Wish I had this to look at years ago 😁😁😁
1000% endorse the online Vintage Sewing School. Evelyn has really tutored me to become a more confident seamstress. Love her videos and she is very engaged with the students by answering questions or just offering an encouraging word or two. I have learned to become a bit more independent from instructions. Yes, I do read but occasionally the order of sewing a pattern makes little sense because I am better at understanding garment construction. I am now drafting my own patterns as I get an excellent fit. But that differs from garment construction so Evelyn’s tutorials are indispensable.
I love this video. Feels like many people rush through their projects and the seam ripper is their best friend. I prepare alot (!) and rarely use my seam ripper. Preparation pays of in the end.
Getting a rotary cutter and mat, because I can't cut fabric worth a damn with scissors 🤦 and I only have chunks of time when kids go to bed a night so accepting and respecting the preparation processes (preparing and reading pdf patterns, prewashing fabric and ironing, cutting, pinning, you tubing any processes im unfamiliar with) deserves an evening or two of it's own has made it feel less laborious and enjoyable and is where alot of my learning has happened in reality that's drastically improved the quality of my projects 😊
I'm more of a quilter... I spend a lot of time drawing out designs, and am a pinner. I'm amazed at how often the drawing process helps me expose the errors in the concept in my mind, just little omissions and misconceptions. Also I plan out the sewing/piecing sequence and tag and mark things so that I will end up with all the hair I start out with! Thanks for you fun videos.
I've been sewing for about 30 years. I'm no expert. But in the last few year with the introduction of social media I've learnt that preparation is just as or even more important than sewing in some areas. I spend time making my markings, stay stitching and even in some instances I actually tack pieces together and also reading through the pattern, anything I don't understand Iook up. Also I iron my seams after each step. Just spending time prepping, for me my garments look much better. Another fab video from you.
I have been going mad over attaching a collar for a coat I’m making. I have never made a jacket before. I must have attempted to attach this collar about 8 times! This is a mock up thank god!!! I hate taking the time to do a mock up but it is definitely worth it. I finally understood how the collar was sewn when I realized the dart was part of the seam and not attached to a seam. I have never used this technique before. It drove me mad. The collar was joined to the neckline and the seam continued until the end of a dart. My material was stretching out. I was able to make it work , but knew it still wasn’t the best it was intended to be. I continued until I was happy with the result. It is defiantly not perfect but I think I did a good job for my first time using this technique. I could have said, “ Eh , its good enough “: Perseverance is key. I would not have learned our I hadn’t tried. I can say that now but don’t ask me how I felt while doing it. LOL!!!!! Thank you for everything Evelyn. Have a great New Year
I'm also a self taught sewer, and at times I've scolded myself for 'stupid mistakes'. But in reality they are not stupid, your videos are really helping me realize that. You are an awesome teacher💛 Btw can you do a video showcasing your sewing machine (or have you one already?) I'd be interested to learn about your 'working partner'😊
I didn't want to write anything as you are getting A LOT of comments anyways, but a week later I am still SO GRATEFUL for the last video! I have been sewing for years (with some success :-) ) and sometimes sewing drives me nuts and your video kind of helped me to understand - -- that's why it takes me so long to put everything together - yes, A LOT of ironing +, sometimes I have to copy the pattern if the original one is not in a good shape (being 70+ years old), pining, transfer stitches, basting ... other stitches... ALSO: I used to "wing it" - when using patterns - barely reading instructions, but, thanks to your other video, I give instructions more attention! Like somebody wrote here - "I force myself" to do it. Just today - I could have missed a dart that was NOT on the pattern at all, but mentioned in the instructions (what?!). THANK YOU!
Hand basting curved seams instead of trying to pin them properly! Pins move and I always end up extremely frustrated, but when I hand baste it I make sure everything is matching up perfectly so sewing it on the machine is a breeze. I also hand baste instead of pin for any slippery fabrics especially those that don't hold a crease well because it may feel like it takes longer but everything matches up in the end and there's no unpicking.
Thank you for sharing this! Set-in sleeves always trip me up because of how cumbersome they can be, especially with delicate and slippery fabrics. I'm going to try your tip on a shirt I'm sewing this weekend!
Admittedly, I still don't do the practice run before hand, but that's because I still do everything by hand! When I do eventually get a sewing machine I know I will have to! I do find pinning quite satisfactory, because it really feels and looks like your getting somewhere and makes it look that bit closer to a finished garment! You looked adorable again! Love the dress/pinafore!😇
Prep is everything, and it is at least for me the best part of sewing. From getting my old sewing machines ready, selecting projects, etc. When my sewing season is in full swing it's not for the faint of heart to see my man cave. Ironing boards, pre washed material and cut out patterns hung like sausage, pins, scissors, patterns and cloth on the cutting table, people who sew are ok with it, new sewers have that look.
Loved all of these! One important thing for me is making sure I have 'trued' the fabric. In other words, I have found the true grain line (or bias if that's what i need) so that those arrows on the pattern can be pinned properly. Many dressmakers "eyeball" this, but you take a risk of your pattern piece not laying or draping properly. It only takes one pair of trousers or a sleeve that pulls or tugs, and you will learn - especially with woven fabrics!
I am so happy I stumbled over your channel! It is educational, inspiring and entertaining, all at once! I am a complete novice at sewing, and have really found your videos on technique incredibly helpful. And while your preferred vintage period is a little earlier than mine, I still find lots of inspiration in your refashioning, as you are so mindful of style and fitting. Thank you so much for all the effort you put into these productions, both the garments and the videos 😍
This is a great video Evelyn! I love you and I'm so grateful for your content. I'm learning to sew and starting a clothing label at the same time 😊 you have helped me along so much!
I am challenging myself to measure better and then work on grading patterns to avoid some of the disappointments you mention. I spent a day last weekend tracing patterns, then another day this weekend cutting fabric. Now I have 10 projects bagged up and ready to sew. I only found out about task batching recently and I think it means I practice each skill set more intensely - which might help me remember things too. I defo think it's made me not rush all the "not actually sewing" tasks! So far I am enjoying the preparation now.
I really appreciate this video. I noticed I don’t spend as much time actually sewing and, being relatively new to sewing, I assumed I must be doing something wrong. Thanks for clearing that up. It really helped boost my self confidence. 😮💨
Taking my time through every step and doing a thorough job of choosing the fabric, ironing, pinning, pressing. As soon as you start to rush a step, that is when I find I make errors. If I am not sure on how to proceed next, I stop and walk away. Then I come back with a refreshed view of the project. I drill the 3 P’s as I call them into my middle school sewing students at the start of every term. Preparation, pressing and pinning. I tell them if they focus on those 3 things they will have a project they are happy with.
I think if you skimp on the 70% prep, you only add more time to the 5% un-sewing time. It really does not end up saving time. I hate un-sewing so I'd much rather do the preparation.
After having to rip a seam and resew, I am very careful. It's not a question of if I'll have to rip a seam again. It's a question of when. I measure twice and look before I sew. I also love sewing on fabric that has been ironed before and and after cutting the pattern. Thank you for your websites. If you were in the US, I'd join one of your classes. You do a very good job in your videos AND you spent some money on a microphone which makes listening to your videos a joy. I wish more UA-camrs would invest in microphones instead of telling someone to buy better speakers. Thank you.
The prep is sooooo boring, but so worth it. I have started using those wonder clips on some fabrics I use coz pins mark it. Yesterday I used my sewing machine for the first time in a while, my needle broke 4 times grrrrrrr. Simple solution I should have prepped the machine, was the cotton tension. I felt so satisfied after my sewing session. The only thing is I will have to practice more on how much pressure I put on the peddle coz I was going way too fast. Love your channel.
Evelyn, I have been working on my first jacket. I have been wanting to make one for sometime now. I have a bolt of wool I would like to use but have been so afraid to use it. I realized that I will never be one hundred percent confident to cut into my fabric and just needed to dive in. I decided to write this post after hearing the tips and steps we should take and never skip or rush. I have to say I have been able to follow the majority of them without hesitation. The collar on this jacket has been driving me absolutely crazy!!!! I have unpicked the collar probably eight times. I need to mention that this is a mock up using a lightweight, interfaced denim and not wool. I’m not sure if that is a good choice . The pattern suggests I use denim or wool for the final garment so I think I’m okay. I almost gave up on this collar until I realized that this dart would actually be seen as a seam!!!!! I have never used this technique before. It drove me mad! I tried to sew the dart and then finish the seam at the top of the dart. Wrong.. The collar attached to the neckline and the seam continued until the end of the dart. I still had trouble sewing this because my material began to stretch. I thought “ We’ll this is not the way it was intended to be but, I think it will be okay. I knew in the back of my mind this would cause me trouble. I decided to try again and I’m now happy. It is another reason why we need to do a mock up and to take our time or we will never get the results we want. Wish me luck!! I can finally move on……
cutting actually on the grain/crossgrain where it called for it -- made folding and ironing over small seam allowances and such so much easier! taking the little bit of time to find out where the grain was and make sure things were cut parallel to the grain properly would have made a big difference if i'd done it earlier lol, instead of spending probably 40% of my time trying to iron and pin flat little folds that just wanted to twist on me.
At the start of a project, in fact even before I gather my materials, I tidy my sewing room. I’m not naturally tidy but I don’t have the mental headspace I need if my room is messy
I wish that you had been my home EC teacher back in the 80s. She was nothing like you, saying do this and do that. There was no explanation or reasoning. Being a taller girl, 181cm, I have always had to make much of my clothing just to get sleeves and leg lengths long enough.
For my daughter’s senior formal (prom) dress I set aside 4 weeks and did NOTHING ELSE including cooking and cleaning. The first thing I did was read the pattern thoroughly and measure my daughter, then adjust my mannequin. I paced myself and finished at 4pm each day so that I could think clearly without being tired. The pattern was Vogue plus difficile. The bodice had boning and five layers. I’d never sewn anything as difficult. Then I got to a spot in the pattern which didn’t make sense. I find sewing involves a lot of lateral thinking. But here I had found a mistake in the pattern instructions. If I sewed as they said, I would end up with a piece back to front. I re-read it 20 times and then followed my common sense, ignoring the instructions. The dress was a triumph and everyone wanted to know where my daughter had bought it. All evening long she proudly said, “My mum made it.” And Vogue never replied to my email pointing out the mistake in their pattern instructions. For me lateral thinking before cutting or sewing is the most important advice I can give.
Thanks for the reminder. A couple years ago when I started sewing again, I promised myself that I would do it right and take the time to prepare, undo and redo, and follow directions. It made a huge difference and even though it's more work, it makes sewing projects much more enjoyable. Great advice!
Took me until this year to realise that I shouldn't stress about how much time the preparation costs, but enjoy the process instead. 😅 (Been sewing for almost 10 years now.)
I have a large bust and absolutely detest doing a FBA on new patterns. So... when looking for new patterns I see if perhaps I can use the bodice of one of my old already adjusted patterns instead. Let's face it, there are only so many ways to cut a bodice. I'm certainly not opposed to "frankenstein" a pattern to get a unique new dress or top!
Definitely helps me to cit everything on the flat and use a rotary cutter. Even if I have to make a double of my pattern piece to use taped to the original when something was meant to be cut on the fold. Everything ends up so much more accurate than if I cut on the fold, and it minimises stretching and warping in delicate fabrics!
😀What are the preparation steps you have learnt to spend the most time on, to make your sewing life easier?😀
If you want a guide to help you along your sewing journey, join me at www.vintagesewingschool.com/
hey guys
Hi Chimmy! 😀
i think taking the right measurements is the key , i also like basting stitch,it makes the process more easier" i don't always feel to do so" 😅. i need an advice what should i do when i feel excited through a project ,i always end up with a bad result because of my hurry 🙂??
i assemble the item and pretend to flip in in and out like it would be as a regular garment. i've clowned myself putting a sleeve on inside out before but its easier to catch before sewing than serge it on wrong and ruin it.
Pre-wash the fabric!
Basting and trying on before sewing (my grandma *engraved* that in my brain), stop when I'm tired, and make sure that I have the correct needle on the machine. That saved me soooo much time and headaches. Oh, and leave everything out of the reach of my cat, who seems very keen on doing her manicure on my fabrics ^^
DEFINITELY!! Stop when you are TIRED!!
Wonderful!!!
My cat would become an outside cat. heehee
Hehe. My cat have a knack for only choosing to lay on fabric I'm planing to sew gifts from (And these days boiled cotton for face masks). Keep telling him I do not want everything "decorated" with his hairs, but he doesn't care at all :-P
How to pin correctly was a revelation to me. No longer do I end up with one side being longer than the other. Another valuable lesson is stop when you feel tired. I’ve made so many mistakes by carrying on when I should have left it until I felt fresh again. Also to slow down. It’s not a race. Enjoy the process, take your time. I’d rather put something half finished on the mannequin than have to go back the next day and redo the last hour I spent rushing the project.
Awesome fact.
I have a saying for those people who think sewing is so easy (especially when they want something hemmed, or think you can just whip things up)
" Those who don't sew, don't know"
😂😂 Anyone who thinks you can just 'whip something up' has obviously never sewn anything in their life, or likley not crafted anything I think!
@@Evelyn__Wood it's like when I go to use my embroidery machine and the design says 30 minutes to stitch, it's more like an hour...lol
😂😂😂 I always thought the 'one hour dress' would make a very comical video! 😂
That's so true for every craft. From cake decorating to knitting, I've had people ask me to "whip up" something for them and then gape at the price I quote. They have no idea how long things take and how costly materials are. But it's ignorance, not malice (no matter how annoying I find it lol).
I hate when friends or family just want you to do their mending and alterations because "it's your hobby so you will enjoy it". Well, no. Sewing and upcycling new garments is my hobby. That is the fun thing for me. I hate mending and alterations even on my own clothes, it feels like a chore and not fun or creative. The difference between mending and sewing is the same difference between mowing the lawn vs gardening.
As you sew, so shall you rip!😅
I love that one!! 😂😂
🙌👌😂
nice one haha
A longtime house painter, I can surely say it's the same with painting! Do good and thorough prep and the paint tasks are more enjoyable and efficient. Those who don't know volunteer to help you paint walls. What, you want to steal my candy? No way! How about instead you kneel down and sand those baseboards? 🤪😆
Oh I bet painting it terrible without preparation! 🤣
I literally force myself to read everything on the pattern beforehand. I don’t really enjoy this most information is lost before I start sewing and thus I reread the pattern when constructing. But as a result, I always find something that will alter my plans. I find slight variations for construction, or alternative zipper instructions, or no instructions for closers or seam finishing. I find these hidden in plan sight, but usually at the end of steps or between. With this information I usually rethink some part of my project. Note when you find these hidden gems highlight them on your pattern.
Great tip about highlighting! I’ll do that. Thank you.
My instructions exactly Read ALL instructions before you start. NEVER ASSUME> and then go. But I have to admit I have found a few better ways than what they provide... OFTEN.
one of the basic tips, is SLOW DOWN and enjoy the journey. It's not a race to get to the end of that seam or portion of the garment. Unless of course you're wearing it tonight! Lol.
And were have all tried to sew a dress to wear that night! 🤣🤣
I remember buying patterns in the 80s that have printed right there on the pattern cover that it's a 2 hour dress/top/pants. I call BS on that! I think they started the timer after you've pinned the first seam and you are "ready to start your sewing machine" and the gun goes! Seriously though, I have sewn a dress in a day to wear that night and have found out later, the hard way, that I may have missed taking out a pin here and there. Ouch!
Absolutely true. I always wanted a team to do the preparation so I could just do the sewing. However, we have to learn to love the preparation and consider it as part of the joy of getting a perfect result.
😂😂😂 And soneone to sew on all buttons too! 🤣 But yes, crafting garments with your hands is all about the process of making it!
🙌 exactly how I've felt
Definitely ironing and clipping curves!💗💗
My sewing teacher at school used to say to us '99% common sense, 1% skill' - I never forgot it, and although not really the same as what you're saying, there are similarities! I've definitely learnt as I grow older that it's SO worth the prep and definitely worth the pressing (I never used to press anything at school, much to the frustration of my teacher!).
Oh I like that saying!! Something I always say to students is that "everything in sewing should make sence", if it's doesn't, it means you need to back track and figure out why! What went wrong so you can do better nect time! 😀 Again, very similar!
@@Evelyn__Wood Yes! The amount of times I read over and over what I'm meant to do, or trying to figure out which part of what pattern goes where etc, It is a big puzzle a lot of the time! I think what I enjoy most about it, especially following a well drafted pattern, is that if you follow it step by step to the letter, you can't get it wrong. It's so fulfilling to finish a piece like that!
Definitely!! Patterns are really just 3D puzzles pieces, all mathematically worked out to go together!
The lesson you posted on pinning was a game changer for me. Also, you taught me I could use chalk to trace around the pattern and then cut which made it so much easier for me to take off the pattern and then cut along my lines.
My sister just said to me how weird it was that the second shirt she is sewing this fall is taking her so little time but she is using the pattern she already spend six hours to make sure it fits nicely plus whatever time she used for actually sewing the first shirt. It just is a massive amount of work but the results were amazing!
Its encouraging knowing that I'm not only one who spends less time actually sewing than all the other pieces of getting ready to sew.
Thanks Evelyn! Your tips enhance our sewing experience! I have found by gathering/ordering/thrifting all supplies ahead of time and placing in a bin/tray and NOT beginning a project until I have everything I need streamlines the building process, and being careful not to engage in “analysis paralysis.” Sometimes we over-think it...
I use large zippered bags to make “kits” for my projects. Fabric, pattern, thread, buttons, zippers and all trims go in. When I’m ready to sew, I don’t have to worry about needing something partway through. Saves lots of frustration.
Something I’ve found helpful in preparation is watching your videos on terminology, simple tips and tools to have. When I’m sewing, I hear Evelyn in my head guiding or reminding me of those things. 😆
“I’ll just fix this at the machine” the amount of times I’ve said this and then immediately had to unpick and start over.
I know right! I learned the hard way!
Having bought a sewing machine so I could make masks when this pandemic started, taking it easy when I sew helps me. For the record, I am not a sewer-I much prefer knitting-I find watching your videos very helpful and I have learned a lot about the process even if I don’t intend to make a garment.
there are other thing you can do with a sewing machine, not just garments ;) i can knit basic stitches, but i get really bored/tired doing it... u.u and knitted stuff is just so comfy in winter....
I bought my first sewing machine Oct 2022. I dived right in by watching youtube videos BEFORE I bought a pattern or any supplies. I learned the basics, how my machine worked, maintenance, threading a machine needle. Followed by how to prepare fabric BEFORE cutting. What scissors to use ... all of the prep work! Yes, I press all before I sew. My friends and family are amazed when I show the great results and are surprised when I reveal that I started sewing only a few months ago. Yes, prep and reading instructions is a big part of my success as a newbie sewist. Thank you Evelyn for being part of my success. ❤❤❤
Thank the goddess I learned this in high school. Now I hear this and I'm like duh! If I had learned it later in life I would have probably felt cheated. I'm sure it's why my friends who want to learn how to sew don't actually take the time to learn. They probably look at instructions and give up before they really begin. Also, anyone who knows I sew is automatically thinks I want to teach them or fix garments for them. I'm like 'no, I retaught myself after many years by watching Evelyn and other online content.' They think it's all fun & games. I tell them it's a lot of work & why. That usually shuts them up. Yes I'm protective of my time & my sewing time.
I feel like at least 20% of sewing for me as a beginner is deciding which fabric I wanna use for a project. Right now, I'm mainly sewing drawstring bags and I have mainly fabric from the Thrift store or just old fabric from my mom, but I still sometimes hesitate using some of those fabrics, even scraps, cause as a Beginner I think "Well, what if I wanna use this fabric for another project or I mess it up with my sewing machine and Ruin the fabric?" For Example, I found this Alice In Wonderland fabric at the thrift store and I know I wanna use it for something special, but I'm not sure what that is gonna be.
😂 I'd like to give you reassurance, but I don't think that ever goes away! I still feel like that with my fabric! 🤣
Cutting anxiety is a very real thing! I think everyone suffers from it. So even once you get past the “what if I could use this fabric better?” anxiety, there will always still be cutting anxiety right there. What if I mess up cutting this very expensive fashion fabric that I can’t get any more of?
It's true that this anxiety never goes away, but I'm telling you to go for it! Make a toile if you're worried about the cut, sew up a swatch to test it with the machine, but if you are swooning over a fabric, use it up! I've been sewing for 12+ years and I can't tell you how many piles of nice fabric I found that I was "saving for something nicer" that never came. One does not ever cross that "You made it!" threshold that makes you a fearless sewist.
Using these special favourite fabrics, I've gotten more and more excited and happy about the things I've made, even when they were not perfect. It might work for you too! Also, as you gain experience, you will get better at picking the right project for your fabric according to its colour and pattern, but also to its weight, drape and composition.
Be brave and good luck!
Also, I have found that there will inevitably be other fabrics that will be as special. Enjoy working with what you love.
I have been sewing for 43 years and the last few weeks I've been sewing my daughter's formal dress. I've spent about $230 on fabric etc for this dress and I was still nervous cutting and sewing it. I'm on the last stretch, sewing the hem by hand. I was less nervous sewing my wedding dress 30+ years ago.
The irony of listening to this video while ironing my five panel fired skirt that is now all sewed together and needed pressing before I tackle seam finishing.
What a lovely bit of encouragement! I find that if I don’t have a clean workroom with only those things necessary on surfaces, I either rush or avoid tasks. Taking a day to clean the workroom makes everything easier!
Absolutely true. The prep work is the most important and most time consuming. Same idea applies to anything where there is an expected outcome, such as, cooking, painting, building, and of course sewing. I began sewing at age 12 and it took a few years of experience to settle down and realize that the precision of the prep work will determine the outcome of the project. Forty years later, each project is approached with laser focus on what is needed to prepare for the prep work and methodical planning to achieve the best results.
I was also 12 when my Mum taught me to sew. My first project was an outfit to wear to my brother's wedding. A four gore skirt with zipper, waistband, button and buttonhole. I had to hand stitch the waistband down and hand stitch the hem. The top was quite flowy (it was the 70s) and had a zig zag hemline, again hand stitched and the neckline had thin ties to make a bow. Thinking back, my Mum really threw me in at the deep end! Did I mention that all this was done on a Singer straight sewer so no zig zag for seam finishing. I had to turn each raw edge under and sew them like a little hem. I've been sewing for 43 years but am now learning new ways of doing things from Evelyn.
Most important preparation for me is making sure the pattern fit me in the right way. So much easier to alter the pattern than the finished garment.
When I am altering things, and not sewing from scratch, planning, measuring and deciding things, takes the most time. I give myself lots of thinking time so I can come up with the best way to make what I want out of the starting garment that gives the projects more limitations than starting with a untouched length of fabric.
Sewing and all its associated "extras" have always been my ZEN! Time simply flies! One sure fire-way for me to make a disaster of it - forgetting to eat; I can get real foggy-headed if I haven't had lunch by 3pm. Another is distractions; wait until the kids are at school and hubby at work - they always had a knack for coming in at some point in time and derail my train. I still have a skull and crossbones pic on my door with the rule of no entering unless bearing gift of coffee if that door is shut. The escapism is that real. I rarely shut that door anymore; my arthritic hands have taught me to pace myself with an hour or two at the most before breaking for something else (like family time, housework, weeding, cooking dinner, Shopping, etc).
I tend to do everything in batches- it’s too difficult to do everything one by one due to being disabled. So I prepare in batches- pin what seams can be immediately sewn, sew all of those seams, then press all of those seams. Then do another batch. Working in batches seems to be the best way for me to sew. Constantly wheeling my chair between my sewing desk and cutting table (where my portable ironing board is set up at the perfect height to press from my chair), is really taxing. Even though the tables are set at 90 degree angles to make things as easy as possible, it does still use up some spoons, which takes away from time I can spend sewing.
I also try to plan my prep, because that is usually the most physically difficult for me to do. Things like cutting out are very hard- and sometimes impossible if the pieces are so large they have to be fine on the floor. In which case I have to enlist my 13yo daughter and hope she feels like being accurate- though I usually give as much room between pieces as possible and just get her to roughly cut out, and then it comes up into the table for me to finish doing precisely. I just can’t get down on the floor- not without a lot of pain, and then being stuck there, at any rate.
And I try to do a fair amount of hand sewing in each project. Partly because I prefer the look, especially when it comes to finishes, partly because I genuinely enjoy hand sewing, and partly because it doesn’t use up the same amount of spoons as the sewing machine (much as I love my Gertrude, and she does at least have a start/stop button and a speed slider, which does make things much easier for me). I can only sew for 10-15 minutes max on the machine, on a good day. But I can take my hand sewing and sit outside in my chair for an hour, and I can even do most hand sewing in bed. So even though hand stitching is slower, my projects go faster with it simply because I can do so much more of it. And I’ve now become so used to always having something to stitch that I feel very strange if my hands are idle. One solution is to always have more than one project on the go, so I alway have something to hand sew. That seems to work best.
Same here! I’m also disabled and as beginner at sewing I’ve just been giving myself a looong timeline for projects and just relying only on hand sewing at times when I have the energy to work. I’m just making sure I check the instructions a bunch of times lol
Only when you have to sew across a seam does it have to be pressed immediately.
Recently, like within the last two months, became a wheelchair user. Your comments are super helpful and affirming. Thank you so much!
@@anietamccracken2182 you might find a video by Retro Claude very helpful. I can't link it here because UA-cam doesn't like comments with links, but if you search up Retro Claude and disability you should be able to find it. She's another disabled sewist, and has some great tips on sewing as a disabled person.
Thank you for e encouraging Monday mending. I recently lost eight and my pants were falling down. So far i have mended 2 shorts, 3 pairs pants, 2 skirts, and 3 belts. Thank you.
Great video again, thank you! When I discovered the importance of pinning.. omg... As you said, we all want to wing it at the machine so I thought pinning was unnecessary and for beginners, but just a few hours ago I put in the sleeves of a dress in like no time thanks to the thorough pinning I did. This was a very important video!
I love watching students 'get' the pinning thing the most! I think it's so satisfying as they instantly see improved sewing!
For me, imagining what a wonderful garment I am going to make is worth all the effort I put into it.
Essential preparation they don't tell you about: cleaning the dining room table ~extra well~ before cutting so you don't iron grease into your fabric!
🙌😂
For me it's more like Don't forget to vacuum before laying out the fabric. I don't have a table large enough, and who knows what's on the floor that I can't see.
Oh yes, this is the most important of all for me!!
AHHHH Love this video so much. Over the course of my sewing journey, I've grown to LOVE the preparation process. It feels almost meditative to me and (because I mostly make garments for myself) the preparation bits feel like an exercise in self-care! So much so that when I wear the garment, I remember the hours of pressing, pinning and toiles and remember to see myself and those around me with the same gentleness and care that I've given to the fabric on my body.
My personal fav preparation bit is pressing and I do it constantly. Pressing at every stage (patterns, post-pre-wash, seams... etc) remind me to check in on the progress of the whole project and get excited about what's coming, what's been done, and what we've learned.
I agree
And i love your beautiful description 😍
When you get to a part that’s difficult to sew with your machine, hand baste first. Pressing (correctly which is not the same as ironing) as I finish each seam probably made the biggest difference in making my garments look professional and beautiful.
I still hand baste zippers in before sewing. And I've been sewing for 43 years.
That is very good advice!
I listened to this video while I ironed the pattern pieces for the dress mock-up I am making. I think my biggest tip is that if I'm gritting my teeth or thinking, I have to finish this or that before I can rest, then I am past due for a break, and I need to stop and stretch and make a cup of tea and breathe. Whenever I start to feel that pressure, it's a reminder to pause. If I am not in love with what I'm doing, if I'm not in my body while I'm doing it, then I'm not putting my love into what I'm making, and I am missing the magic of creating ❤️ thanks, as always, for your videos. I really appreciate you walking us through technique and process. I appreciate how you help me think through structure and construction and how to actually practice and experiment with the raw materials. Anyway, I just really appreciate you so much!
Basting and undersewing were complete eye openers for me!
I have just spent 3hrs putting a pdf pattern together and cutting out annoyingly, slippery fabric to realise, I hadn't washed the fabric... arggghhh. Thankfully, Aunty Google told me Modal is unlikely to shrink... fingers crossed. Anyway, my best prep (apart from prewashing) has to be hand basting, especially when sewing annoyingly, slippery fabrics.
Oh phew!! You should be ok! And hand basting yes!! I don't do this enough!
@@Evelyn__Wood I always hand baste, I truly despise dealing with pins at the machine. If I'm not impaling my fingers, I'm dropping them or knocking over the pin tray... hand basting saves me so much angst.
@@jirup I'm the same, I prefer to baste, I run over a pin, it broke and flew upto my face and stuck in my top lip, since then I've based all the time, I like how it holds the material.
When I am going to put in a zipper, I use wash-away basting tape. It's a thin, sticky film that washes away. I get a smoother result using this instead of pinning in the zipper. If I run out of the tape, or the fabric is not washable, I hand baste the zipper in before sewing. I do a lot of hand basting and always, always press as you go.
All that prep is so true but I am an instant gratification type person!!! But at 69 I might try your style, I love your vintage 👚 in background. I want to try it!!!!
Plus I am so excited about vintage these days!
😆 It's true, there are different styles of sewing and we all have our own! As long as yoy get the results you want, then it's working for you! ❤
I love your videos. Most things you tell I know already but sometimes its a great reminder to listen to it again. And sometimes its good to be reassured thats normal that some things need their time (and even if I'm slower then others in marking etc. taking my time and doing all that preparation work will show!)
Thank you!
I spend the majority of my prep work doing pattern alterations, especially full bust adjustments. I started sewing again during COVID so You Tube has been so helpful. I always make a “mock up”. I have about 3 bolts of muslin right now. It takes about 3wks now for me to work on pattern alterations due to working and learning to understand what I’m doing. I’ve drafted my own pattern for pockets, because “pockets are everything” and its so easy to do.
I just learned from you that taking your time with preparation is Key to sewing and having a better-finished product, because it says 1 hour as you said is just the sewing part. thank you so much for giving me this time to understand sewing better.
It applies to everything! Whatever you're making, make sure you're well prepared before you start! Excellent advice Evelyn!
Thank you for spending so much "prep" time to plan these topics for discussion. In your videos, you explain things so thoroughly and so well. It's like you are sharing your secrets to your sisters based on your experiences. I so appreciate your time, knowledge and energy that you've spent with your great collection of videos.
I wish that someone told me that sewing clothes is easier than I thought.
When I first started sewing, I would impatiently rush the prep stages and go right into sewing. But now I actually prefer the prep stages. Pinning, ironing, measuring, and altering patterns are so engaging and active. Sometime I get bored sitting at the machine simply doing a straight stitch.
Hello, Evelyn, yet another wonderfully informative video, thank you for everything you do for us. One of my favourite preps is to iron the pattern itself and then transfer it onto paper to make a second pattern which is the one I use. That way the original is kept safe and intact. Of course, all the preparation steps are important but that is one I particularly enjoy doing, unlike some of the others!!!!! They all make it worthwhile, though. Many thanks once again xx
Annie thanks for watching! And I agree!! I just can't use a tissue pattern anymore either! It makes such a difference!
@@Evelyn__Wood I'm the same now. I recently made a couple of skirts for my granddaughter. She is ten years old but wears 13-14 years clothes as she is already about 5' 1" tall and, of course, still growing at an alarming rate (her dad is 6' 5")! Making them from a paper copy of the pattern was so much easier and they look really good on her. The paper I used doesn't tear as easily, it's better to handle and there are a good few more skirts in it before it wears out. Doing a transfer doesn't take long and it's so worth it. All your lessons and tips have been a massive help to me and although I still have a lot to learn, you have made me a better seamstress than I ever thought I could be. I think my granddaughter is going to need a few made to measure garments as she gets older and you've given me the confidence to give things a try. I'm so glad I've found you :)
Marking all the seam allowances, testing the fabric for the right needle and thread, basting zippers and sleeves. ironing and pressing as I go along is a must.
BASTING! I do that always, now, on any tricky seam. I'm also learning more Couture techniques, which involve insane levels of hand-work but produce beautiful results. But I do prep all my fabrics, always, right down to basting edges together before washing to ensure good grainlines.
I usually do the prep in one session after I've done a mock-up and got that part right. I overlock all the seams that can be done prior to construction if that is my chosen method for garment. I have learnt to spend a lot of tine on my garment before I get to sew it. My sewing has improved enormously and I've just completed my first coat and it was in plaid. Now that had some prep!
Congrats on the coat! I stay away from fabric designs that need matching. I know the extra time involved and I just do not have the patience anymore for that so I avoid like the plague.
Thanks for this video! I’m a beginner and it’s so useful to get this kind of information ☺️! Your videos are so helpful!
Ah, this explains why I stopped sewing garments, and went to crocheting and other crafts, FAR LESS preparation work for these other crafts, than garment making, and more instant results, LOL! But now that I've been watching all of your videos on how to do all of this preparation, and knowing now HOW MUCH time it takes, makes me understand this so much better. For me, learning to sew as a kid meant valuable and enjoyable time spent with my Grandma. I feel her presence while at my sewing machine. Whereas crocheting is something I love to do that is easily portable and can be done while chatting with my kids, or sitting alone. But THANK YOU, THANK YOU for helping me understand the art of sewing so much better, and for your PASSION that inspires me to get back to my love of sewing.
Thank you! You are a gifted teacher! Spend the two minutes now to avoid the 2 hours of "undoing" later. I have SO many examples! It is really helpful when students understand ALL that is involved at the get go.
The thing I resisted, and paid mightily for is : Press as you go. I was dealing with cramped space, blown fuses, limited time, some laziness, but mostly a lack of realizing that pressing is a step that is essential if you plan to take pride in what you produce. It was not until I was working in a professional shop with space, and workflow, and mighty steam irons, that I finally SAW the impact of a step I had routinely bypassed for way too many projects.Live and learn.
I offer that an interesting video topic would be "You never stop learning"
Cheers and Thank you. Stay Safe.
Amen! After getting back into sewing after a 30 year hiatus, I have tried to unlearn bad habits, appreciate the importance of certain steps (I always ironed as I went), and have learned new habits and skills. I never took the time to iron my pattern and fabric before cutting - game changer! Basting is not something I'd skip, but my new favorite notion is Wonder Tape, not to mention the amazing presser feet that make stitching easier. Just last week I told my daughter that sewing is like painting - the 80%/20% amount of prep time vs. the actual sewing/painting time.
My aunt told me once (and I believe she was told this by her grandmother) that a good knitter is a happy ripper. It's true of sewing as well. It's true of most things.
This is sooo true and as an intermediate sewer I know the more prep I do the beater the final result. I’m making a summer dress, I’ve spent the past two days putting the paper pattern together, reading the instructions, watching a sew along , making a Muslin to test the fit, making the alterations on the pattern pieces (which involved lowering the bust dart, taking in the sides, shortening every piece), prewashing the fabric and ironing it... I try and do this mindfully and do slow sewing nowadays.
Shout-out to writing if and how much of seam allowance is included in the pattern 😂 preferably in red sharpie...🙈
The most obvious as possible! 😂😂😂
You’re so right. I get so frustrated with patterns that I’ve bought (sealed) only to discover on opening that the seam allowance is 5mm. WHAT?...
@@celiahaddon4087 they're probably meant for a serger 🤔
@@afiiik1 no they weren’t. On reading the instructions, which I was unable to do before purchasing, the pattern was designed to be sewn using the lightening stitch on a sewing machine. I had wanted to construct the garment on a serger but a 5mm seam allowance on a knit fabric is simply not wide enough, even for a 3 thread overlock stitch on the narrowest setting. I’ve tried it.
@@celiahaddon4087 that's true, I usually use a 7mm seam allowance on a serger.... That's why I prefer patterns with no seam allowance, you just add as much as you need.... And colour blocking is so much easier 😁
Pre-wash, pre-iron, and iron after every seam has improved my outcome immensely. Also, cutting precisely makes a huge difference with sewing straight even lines
I really need to get an iron for myself instead of waiting for when I can steal my mom's cause 90% of the time I just don't want to bother with it
Oh definetly!! I always need the iron set up and ready to go, it's one less obstacle in the way for me! And pressing is crucial for good sewing! I think you will see a great difference by having one on hand 😀
@@Evelyn__Wood The endless struggle between wanting everything neat, organised, and out of the way and also wanting everything within hands reach for when I need it
You can flatten seams with a bone folder or a point turner... a good standby when an iron isn't handy or heat is undesirable.
😂😂😂
Yes even a cheap one will do.
So true. The actual construction (sewing) of the garment is the quick bit. I spend a lot more time drafting or copying the pattern, washing and ironing the fabric, setting out and cutting the pattern pieces. Sometimes,I will sew half a dozen garments in one day, because I spent the last three days cutting out the pieces, then overlocking and ironing the major pieces, ready to be sewn together at a later date.
Every time I change my bobbin, thread, needle, stitch length or stitch pattern, turn on the machine, etc. I sew a bit on a piece of scrap fabric first before my garment. That way, any problems end up on the tester and not on my garment.
I sew by hand, and I love it. But I have to learn to enjoy the prep work too. Thank you for reminding me of why I need to iron!!
That's so true, been there done all that. I learned the hard way years ago, lol Thank you for making these videos. Wish I had this to look at years ago 😁😁😁
1000% endorse the online Vintage Sewing School. Evelyn has really tutored me to become a more confident seamstress. Love her videos and she is very engaged with the students by answering questions or just offering an encouraging word or two.
I have learned to become a bit more independent from instructions. Yes, I do read but occasionally the order of sewing a pattern makes little sense because I am better at understanding garment construction. I am now drafting my own patterns as I get an excellent fit. But that differs from garment construction so Evelyn’s tutorials are indispensable.
I love this video. Feels like many people rush through their projects and the seam ripper is their best friend. I prepare alot (!) and rarely use my seam ripper. Preparation pays of in the end.
You are so right preparation, is the key to a good fitted garment. Love your videos 💕
Getting a rotary cutter and mat, because I can't cut fabric worth a damn with scissors 🤦 and I only have chunks of time when kids go to bed a night so accepting and respecting the preparation processes (preparing and reading pdf patterns, prewashing fabric and ironing, cutting, pinning, you tubing any processes im unfamiliar with) deserves an evening or two of it's own has made it feel less laborious and enjoyable and is where alot of my learning has happened in reality that's drastically improved the quality of my projects 😊
I'm more of a quilter... I spend a lot of time drawing out designs, and am a pinner. I'm amazed at how often the drawing process helps me expose the errors in the concept in my mind, just little omissions and misconceptions. Also I plan out the sewing/piecing sequence and tag and mark things so that I will end up with all the hair I start out with! Thanks for you fun videos.
Thanks for watching! I agree on the design planning, I bet it has saved you many a quilting disaster!
I've been sewing for about 30 years. I'm no expert. But in the last few year with the introduction of social media I've learnt that preparation is just as or even more important than sewing in some areas. I spend time making my markings, stay stitching and even in some instances I actually tack pieces together and also reading through the pattern, anything I don't understand Iook up. Also I iron my seams after each step. Just spending time prepping, for me my garments look much better. Another fab video from you.
I learned that, because I am very petite, a muslin is required nearly everyu time. I wanted to avoid this, but it's sooo worth it!!!
I have been going mad over attaching a collar for a coat I’m making. I have never made a jacket before. I must have attempted to attach this collar about 8 times! This is a mock up thank god!!! I hate taking the time to do a mock up but it is definitely worth it. I finally understood how the collar was sewn when I realized the dart was part of the seam and not attached to a seam. I have never used this technique before. It drove me mad. The collar was joined to the neckline and the seam continued until the end of a dart. My material was stretching out. I was able to make it work , but knew it still wasn’t the best it was intended to be. I continued until I was happy with the result. It is defiantly not perfect but I think I did a good job for my first time using this technique. I could have said, “ Eh , its good enough “: Perseverance is key. I would not have learned our I hadn’t tried. I can say that now but don’t ask me how I felt while doing it. LOL!!!!! Thank you for everything Evelyn. Have a great New Year
I'm also a self taught sewer, and at times I've scolded myself for 'stupid mistakes'. But in reality they are not stupid, your videos are really helping me realize that. You are an awesome teacher💛 Btw can you do a video showcasing your sewing machine (or have you one already?) I'd be interested to learn about your 'working partner'😊
I didn't want to write anything as you are getting A LOT of comments anyways, but a week later I am still SO GRATEFUL for the last video! I have been sewing for years (with some success :-) ) and sometimes sewing drives me nuts and your video kind of helped me to understand - -- that's why it takes me so long to put everything together - yes, A LOT of ironing +, sometimes I have to copy the pattern if the original one is not in a good shape (being 70+ years old), pining, transfer stitches, basting ... other stitches... ALSO: I used to "wing it" - when using patterns - barely reading instructions, but, thanks to your other video, I give instructions more attention! Like somebody wrote here - "I force myself" to do it. Just today - I could have missed a dart that was NOT on the pattern at all, but mentioned in the instructions (what?!). THANK YOU!
Hand basting curved seams instead of trying to pin them properly! Pins move and I always end up extremely frustrated, but when I hand baste it I make sure everything is matching up perfectly so sewing it on the machine is a breeze. I also hand baste instead of pin for any slippery fabrics especially those that don't hold a crease well because it may feel like it takes longer but everything matches up in the end and there's no unpicking.
Thank you for sharing this! Set-in sleeves always trip me up because of how cumbersome they can be, especially with delicate and slippery fabrics. I'm going to try your tip on a shirt I'm sewing this weekend!
Admittedly, I still don't do the practice run before hand, but that's because I still do everything by hand! When I do eventually get a sewing machine I know I will have to! I do find pinning quite satisfactory, because it really feels and looks like your getting somewhere and makes it look that bit closer to a finished garment! You looked adorable again! Love the dress/pinafore!😇
I moved house and now I use the kitchen island as my cutting table. This feels so much better for my back as cutting on the floor.
Prep is everything, and it is at least for me the best part of sewing. From getting my old sewing machines ready, selecting projects, etc. When my sewing season is in full swing it's not for the faint of heart to see my man cave. Ironing boards, pre washed material and cut out patterns hung like sausage, pins, scissors, patterns and cloth on the cutting table, people who sew are ok with it, new sewers have that look.
Seam allowance measuring and cutting exactly is the most important help for me. .
I learned this the hard way 🤣 the ironing is what frustrate me the most even if it does make the sewing easier.
Loved all of these! One important thing for me is making sure I have 'trued' the fabric. In other words, I have found the true grain line (or bias if that's what i need) so that those arrows on the pattern can be pinned properly. Many dressmakers "eyeball" this, but you take a risk of your pattern piece not laying or draping properly. It only takes one pair of trousers or a sleeve that pulls or tugs, and you will learn - especially with woven fabrics!
I am so happy I stumbled over your channel! It is educational, inspiring and entertaining, all at once! I am a complete novice at sewing, and have really found your videos on technique incredibly helpful. And while your preferred vintage period is a little earlier than mine, I still find lots of inspiration in your refashioning, as you are so mindful of style and fitting. Thank you so much for all the effort you put into these productions, both the garments and the videos 😍
This is a great video Evelyn! I love you and I'm so grateful for your content. I'm learning to sew and starting a clothing label at the same time 😊 you have helped me along so much!
Hi Evelyn, you might enjoy The Last Homely House vlog today as Kate is going through a suitcase full of beautiful vintage linens 😍
I am challenging myself to measure better and then work on grading patterns to avoid some of the disappointments you mention. I spent a day last weekend tracing patterns, then another day this weekend cutting fabric. Now I have 10 projects bagged up and ready to sew. I only found out about task batching recently and I think it means I practice each skill set more intensely - which might help me remember things too. I defo think it's made me not rush all the "not actually sewing" tasks! So far I am enjoying the preparation now.
I really appreciate this video. I noticed I don’t spend as much time actually sewing and, being relatively new to sewing, I assumed I must be doing something wrong. Thanks for clearing that up. It really helped boost my self confidence. 😮💨
Taking my time through every step and doing a thorough job of choosing the fabric, ironing, pinning, pressing. As soon as you start to rush a step, that is when I find I make errors. If I am not sure on how to proceed next, I stop and walk away. Then I come back with a refreshed view of the project.
I drill the 3 P’s as I call them into my middle school sewing students at the start of every term. Preparation, pressing and pinning. I tell them if they focus on those 3 things they will have a project they are happy with.
💯 correct. As soon as I took the prep part seriously my work improved dramatically
I think if you skimp on the 70% prep, you only add more time to the
5% un-sewing time. It really does not end up saving time. I hate un-sewing so I'd much rather do the preparation.
Yes!!! All that prep makes the sewing part easy, and the un-sewing far less!
After having to rip a seam and resew, I am very careful. It's not a question of if I'll have to rip a seam again. It's a question of when. I measure twice and look before I sew. I also love sewing on fabric that has been ironed before and and after cutting the pattern. Thank you for your websites. If you were in the US, I'd join one of your classes. You do a very good job in your videos AND you spent some money on a microphone which makes listening to your videos a joy. I wish more UA-camrs would invest in microphones instead of telling someone to buy better speakers. Thank you.
I think that ironing and fitting take most time
I've learned not ro be on a hurry and take breaks❤
The prep is sooooo boring, but so worth it. I have started using those wonder clips on some fabrics I use coz pins mark it. Yesterday I used my sewing machine for the first time in a while, my needle broke 4 times grrrrrrr. Simple solution I should have prepped the machine, was the cotton tension. I felt so satisfied after my sewing session. The only thing is I will have to practice more on how much pressure I put on the peddle coz I was going way too fast. Love your channel.
Evelyn, I have been working on my first jacket. I have been wanting to make one for sometime now. I have a bolt of wool I would like to use but have been so afraid to use it. I realized that I will never be one hundred percent confident to cut into my fabric and just needed to dive in. I decided to write this post after hearing the tips and steps we should take and never skip or rush. I have to say I have been able to follow the majority of them without hesitation. The collar on this jacket has been driving me absolutely crazy!!!! I have unpicked the collar probably eight times. I need to mention that this is a mock up using a lightweight, interfaced denim and not wool. I’m not sure if that is a good choice . The pattern suggests I use denim or wool for the final garment so I think I’m okay. I almost gave up on this collar until I realized that this dart would actually be seen as a seam!!!!! I have never used this technique before. It drove me mad! I tried to sew the dart and then finish the seam at the top of the dart. Wrong.. The collar attached to the neckline and the seam continued until the end of the dart. I still had trouble sewing this because my material began to stretch. I thought “ We’ll this is not the way it was intended to be but, I think it will be okay. I knew in the back of my mind this would cause me trouble. I decided to try again and I’m now happy. It is another reason why we need to do a mock up and to take our time or we will never get the results we want. Wish me luck!! I can finally move on……
cutting actually on the grain/crossgrain where it called for it -- made folding and ironing over small seam allowances and such so much easier! taking the little bit of time to find out where the grain was and make sure things were cut parallel to the grain properly would have made a big difference if i'd done it earlier lol, instead of spending probably 40% of my time trying to iron and pin flat little folds that just wanted to twist on me.
At the start of a project, in fact even before I gather my materials, I tidy my sewing room. I’m not naturally tidy but I don’t have the mental headspace I need if my room is messy
I wish that you had been my home EC teacher back in the 80s. She was nothing like you, saying do this and do that. There was no explanation or reasoning. Being a taller girl, 181cm, I have always had to make much of my clothing just to get sleeves and leg lengths long enough.
Ironing the pattern pieces. Sometime they are so wrinkled you can't get an accurate cut.
I always iron my patterns, even when I fold them up to put them back in the packet.
For my daughter’s senior formal (prom) dress I set aside 4 weeks and did NOTHING ELSE including cooking and cleaning. The first thing I did was read the pattern thoroughly and measure my daughter, then adjust my mannequin. I paced myself and finished at 4pm each day so that I could think clearly without being tired. The pattern was Vogue plus difficile. The bodice had boning and five layers. I’d never sewn anything as difficult. Then I got to a spot in the pattern which didn’t make sense. I find sewing involves a lot of lateral thinking. But here I had found a mistake in the pattern instructions. If I sewed as they said, I would end up with a piece back to front. I re-read it 20 times and then followed my common sense, ignoring the instructions. The dress was a triumph and everyone wanted to know where my daughter had bought it. All evening long she proudly said, “My mum made it.” And Vogue never replied to my email pointing out the mistake in their pattern instructions. For me lateral thinking before cutting or sewing is the most important advice I can give.
Thanks for the reminder. A couple years ago when I started sewing again, I promised myself that I would do it right and take the time to prepare, undo and redo, and follow directions. It made a huge difference and even though it's more work, it makes sewing projects much more enjoyable. Great advice!
Took me until this year to realise that I shouldn't stress about how much time the preparation costs, but enjoy the process instead. 😅 (Been sewing for almost 10 years now.)
I have a large bust and absolutely detest doing a FBA on new patterns. So... when looking for new patterns I see if perhaps I can use the bodice of one of my old already adjusted patterns instead. Let's face it, there are only so many ways to cut a bodice. I'm certainly not opposed to "frankenstein" a pattern to get a unique new dress or top!
Definitely helps me to cit everything on the flat and use a rotary cutter. Even if I have to make a double of my pattern piece to use taped to the original when something was meant to be cut on the fold. Everything ends up so much more accurate than if I cut on the fold, and it minimises stretching and warping in delicate fabrics!
Oops. Cut on the flat not cit!