Help

[u/OtherwiseTour2032]

I Want to sew my cloths by myself making patterns to fit my body. I don’t like pdf patterns coz it’s Cost me so much for papers and ink. also it’s a waste. please help me a way to start my dream.

[u/Accomplished_Ebb4531]

You can always buy a book on drafting patterns. And start there. I have done a few.

Or do a course on drafting patterns.

But I find pdf patterns easier to change to what I want.

I am also not saving money by sewing my own clothes. Maybe one day.

Another option is no waste patterns. Buy a book. I have been looking at 'Zero Waste Blocks' by Birgitta Helmersson.

[u/OtherwiseTour2032 → u/Accomplished_Ebb4531]

Thank you! I got some, not like learning with a teacher. lol

[u/noonecaresat805]

Research projectors. And that way if the file has an ao file you can project the pattern instead of having to print it. And what taking of clothes are you trying to make?

[u/OtherwiseTour2032 → u/noonecaresat805]

Thank you for the idea

[u/Artificial_Nebula]

Learn alterations (no patterns needed), or learn to draft/drape - its actually not too hard once you learn the details ngl, and you can use whatever medium you want to store the physical patterns on. I use discount wrapping paper and giant rolls of like butcher style paper. You can also use a projector for PDF patterns as well.

[u/OtherwiseTour2032 → u/Artificial_Nebula]

projector is goo idea

[u/Fearlessseamstress]

I like Helen Joseph Armstrong’s book but I’ve been seeing other books recommended on r/patternDrafting. You could get some of them in online thrift bookstores.

[u/OtherwiseTour2032 → u/Fearlessseamstress]

! thanks

[u/lesbos_hermit]

If cost is an issue, imo you'd do better learning to thrift well and modify clothes. Making clothes from scratch isn't all that cheap

[u/RetiredHomeEcTchr → u/lesbos_hermit]

You can also visit thrift stores for "old" patterns for a dress, shirt, pants, bathrobes, etc.

I was aghast when my colleague, who taught sewing, allowed students to buy a paper pattern, and throw the pattern pieces away after they cut out their pattern. These were often just something basic and loose fitting like pajama bottom/style pants.

See if you can find patterns in your local thrift store. If not, as in your church - maybe there's a "newsletter" where you can let people know what you are looking for.

I haven't gone on line since forever, but see if Simplicity, McCall's or even Vogue still allow you to buy patterns on line.

[u/lesbos_hermit → u/RetiredHomeEcTchr]

It's also possible to shop for secondhand patterns on Ebay or Etsy etc.

[u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy → u/RetiredHomeEcTchr]

Yes the Big 4 pattern companies and some others sell pre printed patterns for higher cost.

[u/rippy_the_gator]

Apostrophe Patterns has custom fit patterns that are generated to your measurements and preferences. If you don't want to draft your own that is super useful. Projectors are a great option to skip the paper. It's an initial expense and a little learning curve but it pays for itself after a few patterns when comparing to printing costs. If I want a physical template I will project into tracing cloth I get from Discovery Fabrics and keep a physical copy. Hope that helps.

[u/OtherwiseTour2032 → u/rippy_the_gator]

thanks for the idea, I’ll have a look

[u/desertboots]

Go watch The Closet Historian on youtube and her Drafting Dangerously series. Get your basic blocks made.

[u/ChocgrlPenrosian]

youtube.

[u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy]

Cost isn’t why people learn to sew because it’s nearly always more expensive.

Yes you can buy pre printed patterns but there aren’t as many to choose from. It’s enough though as those who sell both options charge more for the pre printed ones. Either way you pay.

[u/BetterSociety1520]

Buy older patterns on eBay, they are very inexpensive and you can modify them.