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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Saydee
Date: 05-11-2004, 07:27 PM (1 of 11)
| I was wondering if anyone makes their own patterns from their own messurements and from that main draft designs their own patterns. Never buying a commercial pattern. |
User: Saydee
Member since: 05-07-2004 Total posts: 68 
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From: MaryW
Date: 05-12-2004, 01:20 PM (2 of 11)
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I usually start with a commercial pattern, alter and go from there. I have never tried to make something for myself just from measurements. I have done it when the kids were babies.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: MartySews
Date: 05-13-2004, 07:02 PM (3 of 11)
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A lot of people I know like to draft their own patterns using a patternmaking software. There are several available on the market. One just prints out the pieces of the pattern on the computer and tape it together like a jigsaw puzzle. They tell me that they have to remember to add seam allowances, darts and such but love the fit. Haven't tried it yet but it's on my wish list. I am trying now to learn to draft patterns using the book "Make Your Own Sewing Patterns". Just try it and have fun. Happy Stitching! Marty It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: Aimee S
Date: 05-13-2004, 07:38 PM (4 of 11)
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I hand draw and I use computer software to draft patterns. I love my pattern software. It has the seam allowances already in it. I got mine at www.livingsoft.com They have a small pack to try it out. I also have the bonfit pattern system it is lage basic shapes that you have to manipulate to the sizes. This you have to add the seam allowance to Then there are some that is easier to do. I can take a master commercial pattern and do the altering on the pattern. It is only on ones that the computer pattern software does not have. The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488 
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From: valeriep
Date: 05-14-2004, 08:05 AM (5 of 11)
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Hello Saydee I am fortunate enough to have attended a good evening class for fashion design, and there i learnt to draft my own master patterns using my body mesurement. This was a wonderful course with a great teacher and enthusiatic students that wanted to share their ideas. i attended this course about 8 years ago in Manchester, England (and luckily my body shape has not changed so much). To-date is still have the patterns, toiles and notes which i can use to readjust measurements where needed, and create new design lines. ( the seam allowance is not included in the pattern). If require more experience maybe a good course would be the way to go - this helped me a lot. valeriep Always beready to be inspired
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User: valeriep
Member since: 04-29-2004 Total posts: 13 |
From: Saydee
Date: 05-14-2004, 07:19 PM (6 of 11)
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Thanks ladies for all the wonderful feedback. I have a draft done. I made the bodice up in calico and tweaked it, then I made a blouse and bingo it fits perfectly. I am so happy. I have a couple of commericial patterns I rather like so now I will use my draft to tweak them. 
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User: Saydee
Member since: 05-07-2004 Total posts: 68
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From: blackie
Date: 05-22-2004, 09:19 AM (7 of 11)
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I have made my own patterns but only painstakingly and for the simplest clothing items (mostly clothes for my babies). I have never had a class on garment making, much less pattern making... I am self-taught and it's slow going. I really don't know where to start! I live in a relatively small town and it seems the only classes around are quilting (which I also do but don't feel such a need for classes). Sorry to vent! What have other people done in my situation? see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: MartySews
Date: 05-22-2004, 09:37 AM (8 of 11)
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In the case where resources are limited, try your local public library for some books on pattern drafting. I bought some books after looking at some in the library - Donald McCunn's book "Make Your Own Sewing Patterns" is a good one. Be sure that you have a good fitting book like "Fit for Real People" so that you understand the concepts. Some of the older sewing books can be found at thrift stores or yard sales. Get some inexpensive fabric and practice, practice and more practice. Happy Stitching! Marty It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: gaylestrait
Date: 05-28-2004, 11:33 PM (9 of 11)
| i used to alter and make clothes when i was younger, never used a pattern, and to this day havent used a sewing machine either, i always seem to get the thread all screwed up! |
User: gaylestrait
Member since: 05-28-2004 Total posts: 3 |
From: MartySews
Date: 05-29-2004, 09:36 AM (10 of 11)
Gayle I'm impressed if you do all of your sewing by hand. I've used a sewing machine since the age of 11 and cannot imagine life without one. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: MaryW
Date: 05-29-2004, 03:30 PM (11 of 11)
gaylestrait, welcome to Sew Whats New.  I am too in awe of you, I couldn't imagine tackling anything without my machine, especially garments. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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