Quick Basic Sewing Lesson
Posted on 2008 under basic sewing lesson, sew dresses | 21 Comments25 Aug
I was talking with my best friend of many, many years the other day. We were discussing how to sew dresses and she was telling me how cold she gets at night and how she needed a new flannel women’s nightgown. She was having trouble finding one in the stores she liked and thought she might sew one. But since she hadn’t sewn in years, she asked me to give her a little refresher course. So, I thought I’d post a quick basic sewing lesson here.
Measurements and Pattern Sizes
For sewing women’s dressing gowns, you probably do not have to worry too much about the fit, except in the shoulder and sleeve area. If you normally do not have a problem with the fit there, I would recommend just getting the size pattern that closest meets your bust measurement. Measure yourself accurately but keep in mind that not all patterns measurements are fitted for the same body shape. If your measurements are in between two pattern sizes, always get the bigger size. Most patterns today are multiple sizes in one pattern, which makes adjusting to your size much easier.
Choosing the Fabric
On the back of the pattern it will give you fabric suggestions that will work best with that pattern style. It is important to use the appropriate type of fabric so that it hangs and stays put in the right places. For women’s nightgowns, you want a soft fabric that will hang loosely. If you used a stiff or hard fabric like linen or denim for this project, you probably would not be very comfortable.
When considering the type of fabric you are using for any project, you need to be aware of what will happen to it once the project is finished and the item is cleaned. Be aware of fabrics that will shrink when washed and do yourself a favor and wash it before cutting. This, of course, does not apply to dry clean only fabrics. Some fabrics shrink more than others and in different ways. Which is why pre-washing the fabric, when necessary, will help your projects continue to fit properly even after they are cleaned.
Cutting the Pieces Out
Fabric is made up of fibers woven lengthwise (from cut end to cut end) and crosswise (from selvage to selvage). The bias is at a 45 degree angle across the grain and has the most stretch in any fabric. When laying out your pattern pieces, make sure you line them up according to the directions in the pattern. In most cases you will use the lengthwise grain of the fabric. When lining up the lengthwise grain, use the arrows on the pattern. Measure from the tip of one end of the arrow to the selvage or the fold and make sure that the measurement is the same when you measure from the opposite end of the arrow. The grain that your pattern is cut will determine how your finished item will hang on you. For instance, a bias cut skirt will hang much different than a straight cut skirt will.
Sewing it together
Once you have your pieces cut out, pay attention to the markings on each pattern piece. Patterns are basically like puzzle pieces and need to matched together properly in order to fit well. In some cases some pieces will need to be gathered or eased in place and notches and dots need to be matched up to ensure the right pieces are put in the right places. The other information on the pattern pieces that is important is the seam and hem size. Getting the right size seams and the pieces put together properly will mean your flannel women’s nightgown will fit and hangs properly
There you go, a quick easy basic sewing lesson for those who haven’t picked up a needle and thread lately. Enjoy.
by free avatars, on August 11 2010 @ 4:02 pm
Bookmarking now thanks, found you through Google.
by Sheilah Alkire, on November 11 2010 @ 9:49 am
Hi! I found your blog on Yahoo.It’s really well written and it helped me a lot. Continue the good work!
by tweet-attacks, on November 22 2010 @ 3:13 pm
Hi I like ur web-site very much tweeted it thanx
by free microsoft word, on November 24 2010 @ 3:24 pm
nice work indeed. Subscribing to your feeds
by Early Learning, on November 28 2010 @ 8:38 pm
I wanted to thank you for this interesting I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your web site to look at the latest stuff you post.
by chicago by owner, on June 4 2011 @ 10:00 am
Hey man, was just browsing through the internet looking for some information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. Bookmarked this page, will come back for more. You, my friend, ROCK!!!
by Hye Dines, on June 5 2011 @ 4:12 am
Substantially, the article is in reality the freshest on that noteworthy topic. I concur with your conclusions and also can eagerly look forward to your forthcoming updates. Saying thanks will certainly not just be sufficient, for the amazing lucidity in your writing. I definitely will ideal away grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any updates. Fabulous work and much success in your business endeavors!
by 2203076, on June 10 2011 @ 6:07 pm
2203076 beers on the wall.
by liberty reserve, on June 11 2011 @ 7:41 am
you content near including a short bit many than fitting your articles? I will, what you say is significant and all. Still ideate if you side whatsoever images or videos to employ your posts more, “pop”! Your communication is excellent but with pics and videos, this could sure be one of the incomparable in its ground. Awful !
by Virgin Indian Remy Hair Extensions Weave, on June 11 2011 @ 1:12 pm
IF YOU ARE SPENDING $40 AN OUNCE ON INDIAN HAIR YOU ARE CRAZY
by generic amoxil online, on June 11 2011 @ 6:02 pm
The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it’ll do even better in those areas, but for now it’s a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod’s strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.
by akciğer kanseri belirtileri, on June 12 2011 @ 12:36 am
After research a couple of of the blog posts in your website now, and I really like your approach of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website record and can be checking back soon. Pls try my web page as effectively and let me know what you think.
by Virgin Indian Remi Human Hair Extensions Weave, on June 12 2011 @ 1:39 pm
IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL TO SELL HAIR FOR AS CHEAP AS WE ARE SELLING IT
by Morgan, on June 12 2011 @ 4:47 pm
I really liked reading your post!. Quallity content. With such a valuable blog i believe you deserve to be ranking even higher in the search engines
by modular homes floor plans, on June 13 2011 @ 7:29 am
You can increase your blog visitors by having a fan page on facebook.
by Repair Pool Plaster, on June 13 2011 @ 7:52 am
You can increase your blog visitors by having a fan page on facebook.
by Rachelle Rullan, on June 18 2011 @ 11:56 pm
This blog appears to recieve a great deal of visitors. How do you get traffic to it? It offers a nice unique twist on things. I guess having something real or substantial to post about is the most important thing.
by cliquez ici, on June 23 2011 @ 6:09 am
Hey! Great post! Please inform us when I could see a follow up!
by montre gps, on June 23 2011 @ 9:07 am
Hi there! Good stuff, please do inform me when you post something like this!
by self protection, on June 23 2011 @ 9:31 am
Would love to always get updated great site ! .
by montre femme guess, on June 23 2011 @ 5:56 pm
Hey there! Good post! Please do inform us when I shall see a follow up!