Materials
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[edit] Summary
In this class, we'll discuss the materials you'll need to buy, as well as the pattern and fabric for the garment you'll make. We'll also determine what pattern size you'll need, and learn to do a straight stitch and zig-zag stitch.
[edit] Materials (Notions)
- Scissors (8" Dressmaker Shears and 4" scissors for trimming)
- Pins
- Pin cushion
- Tape Measure
- Tracing Paper
- Tracing Wheel
- Chalk marking pencil
- Sewing Gauge
- Seam Ripper
- Hand sewing needles (Sharps)
- Pattern
- Fabric
- Notions required for the pattern (probably elastic - non-roll is best - and matching thread)
[edit] Pattern
Recommended: Skirt with an elastic waistband. (No zippers or buttons!)
Alternate options: Pajama pants (or normal pants) with an elastic waistband, or a poncho with no zippers or buttons. Ask me if you have other ideas!
McCall's and Butterick, and See & Sew are good patterns for beginners. Simplicity, Vogue, and Burda are some other choices. These patterns may be slightly more confusing for a beginner.
[edit] Pattern Size
Waist: Find your waistline by bending to the side. Your waistline is where the skin creases. Use your tape measure to measure your waistline.
Hip: Measure the fullest part of your hip, 7" to 9" below your waistline.
Use these two measurements to pick your size. (Usually one pattern includes at least three sizes, so your waist and hip measurements may match more than one size on the chart. ) I find that the sizes tend to run a little big, so you may want to estimate down. Usually a pattern comes with at least three sizes, so you just need an approximate idea of what size you are.
[edit] Sample chart for Simplicity, McCall's, Vogue, and Butterick patterns
Women
| Size | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
| Waist(in.) | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26.5 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 37 | 39 |
| Hip | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 |
Men
| Size | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 |
| Waist(in.) | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 39 | 42 | 44 |
| Hip | 31 | 33 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 | 45 | 47 | 49 |
[edit] Fabric
Recommended: Cotton or cotton blend.
Do NOT buy: Stretchy or slinky materials, knits or silk, rayon, etc. Also, don't buy anything with stripes or plaid!
How much fabric do I buy?
Fabric usually comes in two widths: 45" and 60". A pattern usually has several different variations on the same garment, and each variation is labeled with a letter. Choose your letter, the width of your fabric, and your size, and look on the back of your pattern. The chart there will tell you how much fabric you need.
[edit] Homework
Buy a pattern, enough fabric, and and everything on the materials list for next class. Also, don't forget to buy any notions the pattern calls for (in this case, probably elastic and thread.)
Separate out the pattern pieces by cutting around each piece, leaving a wide margin wherever possible. Do NOT cut on the line!
Lay out your pattern pieces according to the notes in Class Two and the instructions on your pattern. Pin the pieces down, but DO NOT CUT the material.
Bring your material and laid-out pattern to class to be checked. Put your remaining pattern pieces (the ones you haven't used) into a large manila envelope (8x10 works well), and staple the pattern envelope to the outside.
