Dressmaking Guide

Dressmakers

2013-09-15T18:31:00.002-07:00

Dressmakers work with patterns and free-hand to cut, sew, design and repair dresses and other similar garments. They must have excellent cutting and sewing technique and be able to provide detailed embellishments. Dressmakers may fulfil individual customer orders or large commercial size orders.

Quick summary

Starting salary: $30,500 P/A
Senior salary: $62,000 P/A
Average salary: $45,000 P/A
* Wages will vary according to your level of skill, experience and employer
Employment level:11,800 as of November 2011 (compared to 12,100 as of November 2000)
Average weekly hours:Average weekly hours worked for full time Dressmakers is 40.2 hours
Employment by region: The top three regions for employment as a Dressmaker include:
VIC: 39.6%
NSW: 29.3%
WA: 15.1%

Employment trends
Employment for Dressmakers has grown at a rate of 5.2% over the past 5 years, however is expected to decline over the next 5 years.

Employment growth
Total employment growth over the past 5 years for male and female, employed part-time and full-time is 900

Gender (including full time and part time)
The percentage of males and females working full time and part time are:

Male Full Time: 15.8%
Male Part Time: 2.5%
Female Full Time: 35.9%
Female Part Time: 45.9%

Other relevant information

Duties and tasks

Assemble separate dress pieces by pinning or arranging them together
Consult with customers to decide on appropriate style, material, additions and quantity
Create or modify patterns working with designs, samples and sketches; cut fabric and lining to fit pattern specifications
Fit dresses and other garments on clients and make note for necessary repairs or alterations
Iron or steam dresses or garments for customers to pick-up
Machine and hand-sew garment sections and accessories such as buttons, hooks, zippers, etc.
Provide price estimates of orders and process payment

Skills required

Artistic abilities
Expertise as a seamstress
Problem solving skills
Strong attention to details
Time management

Working conditions

Dressmakers typically work Monday to Fridays, but may need to work long hours and weekends in order to finish orders on time. They usually work in a sewing room or factory environment with sewing machines and other dressmaking tools.

Professional associations / Industry information

The Council of Textile & Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA)
The Council of Textile & Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) has been successfully representing Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) industries since the 1940s
http://www.tfia.com.au

Related jobs and job titles

Clothing Patternmaker
Clothing and Soft Furnishing Production Worker
Clothing, Fabric and Textile Factory Hand
Fashion Coordinator
Seamstress
Tailor

source open.edu.au

Guide to Dressmaking – 8 Helpful Hints

2013-09-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

Making your own clothes can be a little bit intimidating if you have never done it before. With a bit of practice though it can be incredibly rewarding! Sewing your own clothes can also save you money, provide an opportunity for creative expression, allow you to make clothes that fit you properly and it can be a lot of fun! Here are some simple tips to help you out. Some are specific to sewing clothes and some are applicable for a range of sewing projects. I hope you find them helpful!

1- Take your time. Fact: Making your own clothes takes patience. If you accept this fact and allow yourself plenty of time to complete a project you’re much more likely to enjoy the process than if you try to make something in a hurry. For example, don’t start making something in the morning that you intend to wear that very evening – it will most likely end in tears! (Yes, I am speaking from experience here…) You can’t always anticipate challenges you might face and I know that I am much more likely to make mistakes if I’m rushing something. Just take it one step at a time, take regular breaks for cups of tea and enjoy the process of watching your garment come together.

2- Always read the instructions thoroughly. It’s a good idea to read through the instructions completely before commencing your project to familiarise your self with the processes being used. But keep in mind that if some bits seem a bit confusing, they might make more sense as you start making the garment. If there are any terms used that you don’t understand, see if your pattern (or book) has a glossary section, or if all else fails, try a google search. It’s important to follow the instructions closely as most processes need to happen in a particular order so that your garment will come together properly, so don’t race ahead!

3- Sew a toile first. A toile (from the French word for cloth) is a test garment sewn in an inexpensive fabric to determine the fit and whether any changes need to be made. Use calico (unbleached cotton) or any other cheap fabric you can find. Just try to use a fabric that has a similar weight and handle to the fabric you intend to use for your final garment. This way you will get a better idea of how the garment will sit. When making a toile you don’t need to worry about finishing details like overlocking raw edges or adding buttons. You’re just making the raw bones of the garment to determine the fit. Try on your toile and note any areas that are too tight so you can add to the pattern in those sections and pin in areas that are too loose so you can take them in. Transfer any adjustments to your pattern before cutting it out in your good fabric. As far as I know, a toile is called a muslin in America. (American readers please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong!)

4- Make sure you have everything you need. It’s so frustrating to be happily sewing a new dress only to realise half way through that you don’t have a zip or the correct interfacing. Make sure you have enough fabric and all the other notions you need to finish your project. It’s also important to use a fabric that’s appropriate for the pattern you are using. Your pattern should specify the recommended fabric type or list a few examples of suitable fabrics. I really can’t overstate how important this is, particularly if your knowledge of fabrics and their properties is limited. If you use the wrong type of fabric, you might face needless challenges and end up disappointed with your garment. For example if you’re making something that recommends a stretch fabric, but you use a non-stretchy woven fabric, you might find if won’t fit and you won’t be able to pull the garment on.

5- Test your interfacing. Always test your interfacing by ironing a small piece to a section of fabric to see how it effects the fabric. Allow it to cool properly before handling it. How does it feel? Has it bubbled? Has it made the fabric too stiff? Or not stiff enough?

6- Prewash your fabric and interfacing. Some fabrics (especially cotton and viscose) shrink when washed so you always want to make sure it’s done its shrinking before you sew it up. Depending on my fabric and how much there is, I’ll either hand wash it in warm water and rinse in cold, or chuck it in the washing machine on a short, gentle, warm wash, cold rinse cycle. I use only a small amount of a gentle detergent. The change of temperature from a warm wash to a cold rinse helps bring about any shrinkage. Washing by hand also allows you to see it any colour runs from your fabric. I usually overlock the raw edges first so the fabrics don’t fray while being washed. It’s not uncommon for fabrics to contain chemicals such as formaldehyde (which is nasty stuff) – yet another good reason to prewash your fabrics before sewing them. The only fabrics I wouldn’t prewash are those that are dry clean only, such as silk dupion, which if washed, will lose it’s lovely crispness. When making something out of dry clean only fabrics, remember that the finished garment will be dry clean only. Once your fabric is dry, iron out the creases and fold it neatly until you’re ready to use it. I like to hand wash interfacings too because once (when I was quite new to making my own clothes) I made myself a casual jacket and when I washed it, the interfacing of the lapels shrunk, causing the fabric to bubble. I learned my lesson and now I always prewash my interfacings, hand washing them with warm water and rinsing in cool. Just make sure you don’t attempt to iron out any creases in your fusible interfacing or you’ll end up in a sticky mess!

7- Trim and press as you go. To create a well finished garment, you need to pay attention to all the details at each stage of the sewing process. This means finishing off seams properly, trimming loose threads and ironing each seam as you go. It only takes a little bit of extra effort and will give a far more professional look to your finished garment.

8- It’s okay to make mistakes. It really is, I promise. Everyone else makes mistakes, so don’t be discouraged if sometimes you do, too. I don’t know what I’d do without my trusty quick unpick! When you make a mistake, take a deep breath, unpick it and try again. If a mistake is making you all frazzled and stressed it might be a good idea to have a cup of tea and a bit of a break. Come back to it later with a fresh perspective and give it another go!

source angelaosborn.com.au

Tips When Taking Measurements Before Dressmaking

2013-04-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

Taking measurements before dressmaking is an art and a science because you need to combine dedication, time, and accuracy to get the job done. Note that measuring the body is more than just measuring the hip, bust, and waist in inches. Measurements for clothing should be more detailed especially if you aim to come out with a custom-fitted outfit. You have to aim to keep the accuracy at all costs. It can be tedious and costly re-doing a dress from scratch just because you messed up in measurements.

Before making any dress, you need to first take the necessary body measurements of the person who will wear the outfit. If you are making your own dress, you need to take your own measurements. If you are dressmaking for another person, you need to schedule a session so you can take the necessary and important body measurements.

You should include the necessary measurement tools in your dressmaking kit. The basic tool for measuring sizes is a tape measure. You can use a nylon or plastic tape measure for the purpose. Use the English standard measurement (i.e. inches).

Before proceeding to measure anyone, be sure the person is not wearing bulky outfit. Advise the person to come wearing well-fitted undergarments. This is because oversized underwear may drastically affect the accuracy of measurements. For women, bras should fit well, and for men, boxers and other loose underwear should not be worn when in the session.

Make the person to be measured stand correctly and in good body posture. He or she should stand proudly, with eyes gazing straight ahead and both arms very relaxed at either side. The back should be ideally straight and shoulders in a relaxed state. Some people do not naturally stand this proud, but advise the person you are measuring to observe correct and proud standing for the sake of getting accurate and ideal body measurements. There is a need to take a good position base.

When finally measuring, take note that the job does not end in measuring the bust, the waist, and the hips. Other body areas should also be measured correctly. There can be differences in procedures when measuring men and women, but there are general body areas to scale.

• To measure the chest, put the tape measure under the person’s arms. Wrap the tape measure around the area, specifically to the fullest bust line part.

• To measure the waist line, put the measuring tape at the person’s belly button. Let the tool fall naturally. The area where it fell is the waist line, the measurement you should take.

• Measure the fullest part of the person’s hip.

• To measure the arm length, place the tape measure at the top of the arm in the armpit area extending until the wrist. Bend the arm without taking off the tape. Take the measurement as the arm length.

• Take back length measurement after determining the length from the base of the neck until the waistline.

• Measure the length from hip to heel to get the accurate leg measurement.
In taking measurements before dressmaking, it is a standard practice to measure the areas thrice in one session. There might be differences resulting from changes in positions and starting points of measurements.

There is a need to do so to ensure measurement accuracy.

What Do I Need: Dressmaking Equipments

2013-04-16T19:17:00.002-07:00

A lot of Americans nowadays, are turning to their skills and talents for additional income. In the present financial situation, people are not just relying on their day jobs to get through, some would even do some part-time work or additional projects which they could do in their homes. Just like dressmaking.

Dressmaking used to be just a skill which is best applied for family clothes repairs and easy sewing. But currently, these skilled and talented people are turning their skills into something profitable.

If you are planning to start a dressmaking business, what kind of equipment do you need?

• Sewing machine- Of course! You are not really planning to sew everything by hand, right? Sewing machines are no longer just for straight stitches. The modern sewing machine comes in with different functions. It can sew hems, seams, zigzag stitching, buttonholes and a lot features.

Sewing machines usually range from $300 to $6000, depends on the model, brand and functions. Is you are just starting, then you can buy a second hand sewing machine.

Just make sure that it is still in good quality. If you are using your sewing machine regularly, then have someone professional check on it yearly. This would be necessary, specially if you would be using your sewing machine heavily and frequently or if dressmaking is your livelihood.

• Tape measure – They are available in different lengths, you can just have the standard 60 inches long. It can be in paper or plastic, so you can just pick one. Aside from measuring customers, tape measures are also used to measure fabric.

• Dressmaker shears and paper scissors- The dressmaker shears or scissors is completely for fabric only. Do not use them for paper or thread. They have edges that are ideal for cutting any kind of fabric, whether it is leather. It is really important to keep the condition of the blades and edges of the shears, so put them inside the plastic sheath after using.

Paper scissors are also needed especially for cutting out patterns and threads. They should be in the same size as the dressmaker shears. You can just buy the regular scissors.

• Pins and needles – There are mixed packs of needles with different sizes, you would need them specially if you would be putting some hand-made detail on the clothes or if it requires you to hand-sew. Dressmaker pins are also important to keep the fabric in place before sewing. Any blunt, rusty or bent needles and pins should be thrown away immediately. They could cause some damage to the fabric.

• Pencil, rulers and tailor’s chalk – Pencils and rulers are important for making paper patterns. While the tailor chalk would be helping you to mark the parts of the fabric that needs to be sewn or cut.

• Iron and iron board - These would come handy when you will be displaying items or selling out products.

• Dress form- Some would say this is necessary and some would say that you could start a dressmaking business without one of these. Actually, these could help us make adjustments on clothes and see how it fits. This would give us a general idea how the clothes we made would look when it is put on.

What Are The Tools Needed For Dressmaking?

2013-04-16T19:10:00.004-07:00

Seasoned dressmakers would agree that to be able to become successful in dressmaking, it is very important to have various sewing tools. This is because these tools would ensure not just the quality of work but also the convenience and accuracy the sewer or the tailor needs.

When choosing tools to be used for dressmaking, don't get overwhelmed with brands or prices. Don't be fooled that all tools for sewing that are expensive have always the highest quality. If you are knowledgeable enough, you can buy tools that are cheap but can meet high standards.

A rundown on sewing tools for dressmaking

For people who have just started their journey to sewing or dressmaking in particular, knowledge on sewing basics as well as the tools needed to make the activity easier and more convenient is a must. Here is a rundown of the most basic sewing and dressmaking tools needed:

1. A set of quality needles. If you are just starting to in dressmaking, the most basic tool that you need for sewing is a set of good needles. Whether you are sewing by hand or by machine, needles play a very important role because they are the ones responsible for stitching pieces of fabric together.

When you buy needles for sewing, always make sure that they are sharp enough to ensure that you will not have difficulty in stitching everything together. Sharp needles also veer you away from difficulties in the sewing process but also ensure that your fabric will not have any frays or snags.

2. High quality pairs of scissors. Another important tool is the scissor or shear because it is responsible for cutting, trimming, or clipping the fabric. Expert sewers suggest that a four or five-inched tailor point scissors or embroidery type of scissors are ideal for all of your sewing needs. Different types of shears such as pinking shears with zigzag blades used to avoid the fabric from fraying and dressmaker shears with bent-handles used to flatten the fabric while cutting are also considered as essential sewing tools.

3. Enough supply of marking tools. Next important set of tools for sewing is marking items such as the tailor's chalk, water-erasable pen, and water disappearing pen. These are very significant because they are used to mark the fabric before it gets cut for sewing. Being a wax based marker, a tailor's chalk—which comes in various colors—is a must for every sewer because it can provide markings that are not easily wiped out.

Seasoned sewers say that white colors chalks should only be used when making garments while the other colors can be used in various items. The water-erasable marking pens or water disappearing pens, on the other hand, are ideal to ensure that no trace of marking is present on the fabric of the clothing or any item being sewn.

4. Reliable sets of pins. Pins are also very important sewing tools because they hold pieces of fabric temporarily. Most sewers use pins to see the initial outcome of the item they are sewing. Pins are very important in any sewing project because these lessen the room for any mistakes before the final sewing. Make sure that you choose needles that are stainless steel and with fine points to achieve best results.

Other tools needed for dressmaking should include tape measure, needle threader, fabric glue, basting tape, bodkin, weights, soap, rotary cutter, seam gauge, thimble pads, flexible ruler, hump jumper, thimble, tracing paper, thread clippers, magnetic pin cushion, and yardstick.

Why Patterns And Measurements Are Important In Dressmaking?

2013-04-16T19:05:00.002-07:00

In dressmaking, a pattern is very important because it gives you the initial outline of the dress or any item you are trying to create. Aside from providing you the outline, patterns also give you an idea how much fabric you should use and the ideal kind of the fabric for the project.

Dressmakers who have been in this industry for so long would agree that in order to get the right patterns for dressmaking, the tailor must first decide what kind of item he or she wishes to make and then the list of measurements needed. Compared to tablemats or curtains, patterns are more valuable when it comes to clothing or dressmaking because the "wearability" of the clothes will basically depend on the patterns chosen.
Where to find patterns for dressmaking

A specific pattern that will be used for dressmaking will greatly depend on who is going to wear it. Nowadays, since more and more people are into sewing and dressmaking, there are so many sources of patterns available. They come in various types and designs which aids comfort when sewing for clothes.

These patterns are available from almost all craft stores or specialty stores meant for dressmaking. You can get it from craft stores or specialty dressmaking stores where you bought the materials like fabric, thread, and the like for your project. Aside from buying these patterns at stores, you can also get it from various magazines that feature basic sewing or in online sewing sites.

The right way to measure

When it comes to patterns in dressmaking, it is best to always consider the standard measurements used by the dressmaking industry to be able to get accurate results. It is always advisable to make use of the measurement charts that can be found in various pattern books because these are based on the standard measurements used by almost all tailors.

The major considerations when it comes to dressmaking patterns are the accurate measurements of the person's bust/chest, waist, hips, and back length for blouses and tops and the measurements of the crotch area, butt area, and leg length for skirts and pants.

Remember, when taking measurements from these key body parts, always make sure that they are taken with undergarments on using a tape measure that is held just enough to get the correct size and adjustments. It is always best if two people will work on taking these measurements so lesser errors will be committed. If you are the one who is taking the measurements, ask the person to stand up in his or her usual posture to get accurate clothing measurements.

If you are taking bust or chest measurements, make sure that you place the tape measure around the person's body—just across the chest or breasts—and slide it under his or her arms across the back. For the waist, always get the person's natural waistline by placing a string around the waist before using the tape measure. While the measurement of the hips is usually taken below the waist, the back length's measurement is taken from the bone that is most prominent in the back of the person's neck.

Once you get all the measurements correctly, you can proceed to using the right pattern for the person who will wear the clothes and you may proceed to the dressmaking process. To make sure that you won’t have any problems in losing the measurements that are very important for patterns, make sure that you always keep a spare copy.

You can do this by photo copying the listed measurements or by simply copying the measurements in the logbook.

Early Introduction To Dressmaking

2012-06-26T01:55:00.000-07:00

Dressmaking can be a wonderful bonding activity for parents and children because it nurtures creativity and resourcefulness in both parties. Unfortunately, most children are not into dressmaking because the parents themselves do not encourage them to indulge in the craft.

If taught early, dressmaking could bring so many advantages to children. Aside from encouraging them to be creative, dressmaking also teaches these kids skills such as drawing. It also inspires them to make their own creations and will make them more aware about the independence they can get from this wonderful activity.

Teaching children the beauty of dressmaking

If you are a parent who is into dressmaking and would like your child to join you while you're doing the craft, you must first show him or her the beauty of dressmaking. You can do this by slowly introducing the child into the craft starting with the dressmaking tools, patterns that can be used, different designs, color scheme and selection, types of fabric, and accessories that can be used in sewing clothes, bags, and other items.
When you're teaching a child to sew, make sure that you explain the purpose and advantages of sewing. Explain how she or he can benefit from it and what are the different creations the child can produce. You can also let the child watch you when you sew to tickle his or her curiosity and try the craft by himself. When you are demonstrating the craft, make sure that you are confident with your work, and are ready to answer all the questions the child might have.

Effective strategies to get kids started on dressmaking

No matter how you look forward to having your child join you while you are dressmaking, parents must never force the kids to do what they don’t want to do. So, to spare you from the pains of forcing a child to get into dressmaking, you must access assess the child's personality first by observing him or her and by asking the child questions about his or her interest in sewing briefly. Here are other effective strategies to get kids into sewing and dressmaking:

1. Gauge the maturity of the child. Expert sewers would agree that the basic trait that the child to be able to enjoy dressmaking is his or her maturity level. This is because when the child is mature enough, he or she will develop the importance of finishing what was started. Maturity level can also develop dedication and discipline in your child because he or she already understands the pros and cons of what he or she is doing.

2. Measure the child's interest in dressmaking. Aside from maturity, you should also gauge the child's interest towards the craft. If you see him or her observing what you are doing while sewing and you feel the child's excitement about the outcome of the item, then you should give the child a simple sewing project.

3. Start simple. When teaching a child to sew, start with simple projects such as a handkerchief, tablemat, or a simple blouse. Start with the basic patterns so the child will be familiar with different patterns available. Also, choose designs and colors that are bright and happy to stimulate your child's positive attitude.

4. Teach basic sewing techniques. In teaching kids to sew for dressmaking, introduce him or her hand sewing first. When you see that the child has mastered sewing by hand, you can introduce him or her to using the sewing machine with your guidance.

Dressmaking For Children

2012-06-25T01:51:00.000-07:00

For parents, dressmaking can be a wonderful stress buster and a rewarding experience especially if they get to sew the clothes of their own children. Aside from the fulfilling experience that you are doing for somebody you love, dressmaking for children can also help you save some money because you don’t have to buy ready-to-wear garments that cost a lot.

Aside from being an economical activity, dressmaking for kids can also help you to be more creative and resourceful because the craft itself would encourage you to come up with designs without having to spend so much money.

Dressmaking for children does not really require outstanding needlework skills. All you have to do is to learn the basics of sewing and come up with your own style, designs, and ideas. You also need to be creative and patient when doing this because you will have to consider a lot when it comes to kids' clothing.

Getting started

If you are planning to sew the clothes of your kids, the major consideration that you have to pay attention to is the time. If you were a full time mother or father, then time would not be a problem for you. But for working parents, this activity would require outstanding time management skills to finish a certain sewing project.

Once you have fixed your schedule, another consideration would be the acquisition of sewing tools. Since you will be sewing just for your kids, basic sewing tools such as sewing machine, needles, threads, serger, and shears are needed. If you are planning to sew an entire wardrobe for your kids, make sure that you invest in good sewing tools because they will make the work easier and hassle-free for you.

Dressmaking for children can be fun as well as economical. You do not have to be an expert to make a satisfactory child's garment. After all, any sewing "mistakes" you make will not be around very long, since children outgrow their clothes so quickly. If you are a beginner, choose simple patterns. Save the harder ones for later.

Once you have all the tools that you need, consider the type of fabrics, designs, patterns, and colors that you will use for the child. In choosing fabrics, make sure that they are strong and flexible enough to endure everyday use. Opt for cotton fabrics or cotton variations with polyester because they are soft, comfortable, and easy to work on.

When it comes to patterns, always base them on the child's body measurements so you can make the necessary adjustments. Also, opt for printed designs and bright colors to stimulate your child's enthusiasm and cheerfulness. For boys, colors such as red, blue, green, and brown are recommended. For girls, soft and bright colors such as yellow, pink, orange, and violet are ideal.

To ensure that children will really like the clothes you will do for them, get their suggestions and approval before finally proceeding to the sewing proper. You can spend some time asking them what color they would want, the design they prefer as well as the characters they might want to add.

If you have spare time, you can ask them to do simple sketches of the clothes that they want and make a pattern out of these sketches. Aside from enhancing their creativity, you are also encouraging the child to gain independence as well as teaching him or her to make decisions on his or her own.

Dressmaking Fundamentals For Beginners

2012-06-24T01:46:00.000-07:00

Dressmaking is a skill not everyone has. But anyone can learn it. If you want to try out the activity so you can make your own clothes, you should first learn about the basics. You may be surprised that learning how to make your own dress is not as difficult as you think it is. Before doing it, you should first take enough motivation and determination to learn. Condition your mind by thinking about the advantages, perks, and savings you can generate if you know how to make your own clothes.

There are several important ideas you need to get to know before you get started. Dressmaking is not as hard as you think it is, but no one says it is easy. For beginners, learning how to make a dress and getting started can really be challenging. Here are several tips and tricks that can surely be of help to you. But before going into procedures, prepare your sewing machine as well as necessary materials like thread, Muslin cloth, pins, and pens.

• Prepare to facilitate clothing measurements. Use a fiberglass or linen tape for accuracy. Basically, you need to measure your bust, waist, and hips. Measure the fullest parts. Allot a couple of inches more to every measurement to achieve a comfortable fit and give yourself or the wearer freedom for several body movements.

• Make the pattern. You can buy ready-made standard patterns or you can make use of your creativity by putting together your own. The dress pattern should be done as if it is the real dress you are making. This serves as the actual guide you will follow when you proceed to making the dress.

• Once the pattern is successfully done, start pinning it to the fabric. Remember to pin it properly because the pattern will serve as the guide when you cut the fabric for making the dress.

• Press the dress after you completed making it. As a tip, press the dress on the fabric’s interior side. This is to avoid creating any burn mark on your new dress.

As additional tips, make sure you are using sharp scissors especially when cutting the fabrics. You surely do not want to mess up as you cut the fabric according to the shape of your pattern. Prepare threads in different colors. Make sure the color of the thread you will use matches the color of the fabric. You may use pens in outlining the cuts from patterns or you could opt to just pin the patterns to the cloth, then proceed to cutting. As a beginner, you should first go with the basics. When you are already familiar and comfortable with the procedures, start applying your creative ideas and designs.

Dressmaking is a skill that can bring about cost savings, potential income, and added personal pleasure. To some people, making dresses can be a stress-relieving habit. To others, it can be bread and butter, a source of living.

Imagine yourself setting your own fashion label when making clothes. After mastering these fundamentals, you can continue making dresses until the activity comes naturally and easily on you. By the time you get accustomed and very familiar with the skill, you can start creating rare and challenging designs. Be a good, patient, and determined beginner.

Dressmaking 101

2012-06-23T01:38:00.000-07:00

According to surveys, there are about 22 million Americans doing some sewing at home. Last 2007, there are about 31,500 Americans who actually make a profit out of dressmaking. But is dressmaking just for dresses?

Dressmakers also provide tailoring services, pattern making and basic alterations. It is not only important to provide good needle skills, but it is also important to get some good fashion sense, as well. This is why most dressmakers would not only study basic sewing techniques, but would take up fashion and design classes.

The dressmaking industry could be competitive. Not only dressmakers would have to compete with dressmakers like themselves, they would have to share market with the rest of the clothing retail companies. So, it is important to understand the latest fashion trends and also understand what kind of clothes work for different body types.

For some dressmakers training would be by getting hands-on experience. Apprenticeship or internship is something some dressmakers would rather have than training. This would give the actual experience of dealing with customers and day-to-day challenges dressmakers handle.

The first records of dressmaker first appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1803. Early dressmakers would be employed by women who do not have dressmakers at home. Most of the fashion ideas would come from the big cities like Paris or London. Early dressmakers would have training by means of apprenticeship. Dressmaking, during that period, requires a lot of fittings. They would also have a trial garment which is referred to as “muslin”.

If you are just starting to learn dressmaking, then start with simple and easy projects. Then gradually increase the difficulty of the projects that you are making. There are beginner patterns which you can follow. Dressmakers do not only follow patterns, they could also make their own patterns or custom-made clothes for different kind of customers, like the disabled, historical costumes, and those who have a different kind of fashion sense.

Dressmaking and sewing have a lot of benefits. The good thing is you would not always be wearing clothes that most of the population wear. You could make your own clothes based on what color and pattern best work for your body. You do not have to rely what’s on the store’s clothing racks.

Aside from your wardrobe, it could also be the same for your home decorations and furnishings. You would be able to make your own curtain, throw pillows, tablecloths and other things. The good thing is the things you have sewn could actually be better since you could pay more attention to its detail and could meet your standards and needs. Aside from that, you do not have to go to dressmakers, or even worse throw your clothes, just for repairs and alterations.

Many dressmakers and hobbyist would say that sewing has a calming and relaxing effect. They also attest that it can even boost their confidence and sense of accomplishment especially if people would comment on how great their products are. Creative outlets, whether it is music, literature or fashion, can be both enjoyable and challenging.

Although dressmaking and sewing comes with a price, that is equipment and maintenance, it still beats the long-term benefits you would have. Think about the money that you have spent on clothes that do not show who you really are and flatter your figure.

Dress-Making And Tomorrow’s Clothes

2012-06-22T01:37:00.003-07:00

How does one dress up in the future? Will dress-making still be around? What will our clothes be made of? What will be the look of clothes in the future?

Given the dizzying pace of technological innovations all around, it is not easy to get the right answers to our questions. However, the future looks pretty exciting in every sense of the word. At the very least, in the sartorial sense, there is promise that we shall all be comfortable, that we will all look good, and that we will all be happy with our choices.

Or, at least on paper.

Age of agriculture

It took thousands of years for our past civilization to be able to make threads and weaving these materials into cloth. Around that time, our ancestors also discovered needles to do the stitching. They had been wearing animal furs and skins and plant parts as clothes for a much longer time than needed. Maybe, it was because hunting and food gathering took up much of their time and effort.

The Renaissance brought some sophistication to making clothes because artisans began to specialize in the craft. Still, everything was done manually. These were not only error-prone but also excruciatingly slow.

When the Industrial Revolution came, there were some surprising technological leaps and advances. Modernization machines like the cotton gin introduced by Whitney to cotton farming, the sewing machine needle by Otis, the zipper, the snap-on buttons --- these and more made the manufacturing process faster and better than before.

Computerization

The advent of the Digital Age or the coming of computers in the 20th century revolutionized everything on the planet. These included all kinds of industries, production processes, manufacturing, education, science, technology, medicine, and many others. From then on, progress and new things happened fast.

One of the biggest beneficiaries to this technological revolution is the dress-making industry. Just like all the other industries that had long been dormant for years in terms of innovations and discoveries, the clothing industry never had it so good since then.

The computer age ushered in some technological advances that were unthinkable before. These are all in the areas critical to mass production’s goal of less manual handling, better percentage in accuracy, and faster speed. All of these are geared towards the ultimate goal of lower manufacturing cost possible.

One future idea

There are several proposals regarding future clothes on the drawing board. Some had been in development for years. All of them, however, are still waiting for the manufacturing economics to be resolved (lower cost of materials and labor, some technicalities, etc.) before they can be implemented.

One example is the talk of a prototype of new clothes that are touted to be disposable. After use, these worn clothes will then be sent to the recycling plant to be processed into some other new products or into new clothes again.

The main idea is to bring the manufacturing costs of these clothes lower than the costs of laundry, repair and storage. Ideally, it should be cheaper to buy new clothes compared against the sum spent on laundry, repair, ironing and storage of traditionally-made clothes.

Our future clothes, scientists say, shall have automatic temperature control (special fabrics), sweat and odor disposal systems embedded into the material, as well as some kind of anti-bacterial additives incorporated in their manufacture. And these are just for starters.

Some questions remain, however.

What happens to that wedding dress you kept for sentimental reasons?
What about that dowdy-looking but lucky tennis shirt you hate to throw out?
Will you get rid of that favorite sweater someone special gave you on your birthday?

Will all of these be made of disposable materials, too, to be discarded right after use?

Stay tuned for more of tomorrow’s news on dress-making.

Dressmaking And Fashion

2012-06-07T00:42:00.002-07:00

Will clothes and dress-makers still be around in the future?
Exactly how high should a skirt be?
Is red the ultimate power color of all time?
When will bell-bottomed pants be back?
Why wear clothes?

According to experts, the original purpose of clothing was primarily functional. Garments were used to help protect us from the rain, the sun, the cold wind, and other unwanted elements in the environment.

Later, such cultural aspects as modesty and religious practices were added to the original list of reasons why we wear clothes. Specific rules were then included on how to wear these clothes, how they should look, and the things they signify.

The idea of fashion came in relatively recent as compared to all the other reasons. However, it is just as important as the others. It may take some persuasion for us to accept the fact that such a simple act as dressing up has something significant at all.

Fashion, for all the original shallow connotations we knew of it, actually covers the combined social, artistic and political trends of the times. Fashion, in effect, is the unofficial barometer of the people’s likes and dislikes, mores, and popular ethics.

Some fashion trends, however, defy logic when viewed against today’s perspectives. Sociologists and historians in the future will have their hands full for a long time when they shall be putting things in their proper historical places.

For a quick scan, let us check what happened in fashion in the last 100 years.

A rundown on 20th century fashion

The beginning of the 1900s saw the corset, a 19th century fashion hold-over, slowly abandoned. Women’s skirts still trailed on the floor but the gowns were narrower. Paris became he arbiter of style.

In 1920, fashion entered modern times. Clothes became comfortable because hemlines rose to the knees, perfect for dancing the Charleston. Knickers and drawers were out and panties were in. Clothes now used zippers, hook-and-eyes, snaps, and buttons for fasteners.

From 1930 to 1945, shoulder pads strangely became the rage. The hemlines, raised a decade earlier, were now lowered. Nylon was used in the making of stockings, although there was a temporary shortage for sometime because of the war.

In 1945 up to 1960, the couturiers ruled. Dior introduced the New Look. Balenciaga presented the high-waisted dresses. Givenchy made mix and matched separates. Balmain cornered the market for luxurious clothes, while Chanel invented the braided suit with gold chains and shiny costume jewelry.

In 1964, Mary Quant invented the mini-skirt and shocked the world. Hemlines kept on rising with micro-minis. Hippies took the scene with bell-bottom jeans and tie-dye shirts. Women loved Jackie Kennedy’s signature pillbox hats.

In the 70s, bell-bottoms still ruled. There were additions, however. Polyester, rayon and jersey dresses and shirts became popular. There were now three different skirt lengths to choose from: maxis (ankle-length) midis (mid-calf) and the original minis. Then, there were the hot pants, a shorter version of regular shorts.

The 80s had Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein in the scene. The street urchin look was popularized by Madonna. Leg warmers seen in “Flash Dance” became the rage even for non-dancers.

Shoulder pads made a splashing comeback courtesy of the TV shows “Dallas” and “Dynasty”. Tattooing and body-piercing began. Men and women wanted acid-washed jeans as well as Michael Jackson jackets.

When the 90s came around, retro clothing took off. It was the decade of supermodels. Whatever Kate or Naomi or Cindy wore, the women wanted them. Princess Diana, not a model, also inspired many with her dresses.

When 2000 rolled in, it was the turn of the music scene “look”. Heavy metal, hip hop, low-rise jeans, spiked hair - these fashion markers were most popular.

Fashion cycles

Fashion trends are like seasons, leaving and returning in cycles. Only that they go away when no one is looking and come back when least expected. There are no formulas, nothing cast in stone as far as fashion is concerned.

For fashionistas, don’t throw out your old clothes. They may look funny now, but you’ll definitely strut in them sometime in the future when they are back in fashion.

On second thought, you can do the strutting right now. Somebody has got to jump-start things.

Dressmaking - The Economics And Politics

2012-06-07T00:39:00.001-07:00

First, consider these quirky facts on dress-making and the wearing of clothes.

In ancient China, only the emperor could wear yellow. It was the assigned imperial colors and nobody was entitled to use it except the highest royalty.

In the old island kingdom of Hawaii, only the chieftain had the right to wear feather cloaks, a clothing accessory that was hallowed to them.

Ancient temple priests had to wear specific garbs while doing their priestly duties, with the pain of death imposed on those who broke them. Today, not everyone can be assigned to sew priestly apparel, but once they are, standard forms and patterns must be thoroughly followed to the last lines.

In ancient Rome, only the senators of the republic could wear purple. Aside from the hallowed status, this came with some bragging rights because purple dye at that time was the most expensive and was not available to everyone.

Most of today’s women in the U.S. and Europe still wear white wedding dresses. This is because of the widespread belief that white symbolizes purity, and every woman wants to project that trait.

Sikhs in India wear turbans, one sample of a strict religious requirement.

Different Arab nationalities have different head scarves specific to their countries. The manufacture of these scarves follows exact specifications that are very important to them, sacred even.

Politics, religion, and traditions

Evidently, politics and other socio-cultural aspects play a very significant part in the making and wearing of clothes, including the accessories that go with it. One can see from the examples above that these practices transcend time and place. Some are still in practice today.

As societies and other groupings begun to coalesce and develop, hierarchical rankings developed as well. Royalties, priests, ordinary citizens and others took to their assigned roles in their respective groups.

One effective way people were classified and organized would be by their clothing.

Countries have their own national costumes for their people. Armies have uniforms. The rankings of soldiers and officers are noted by insignias and other markings. Religious groups have their priests, rabbis, and elders sporting special clothes.

Economics and status symbols

Today, the social status of a person or group can sometimes be classified, too, by their capacity to acquire very expensive clothes and other luxurious items not available to everybody. These personal goods are limited only to these people with enough wealth to buy them.

Clothes make the man, so goes a tired old saying. To most people, this still holds true. They see beautiful clothes worn by beautiful movie stars and models, and even by plain celebrities. Helped by non-stop media barrage, the ordinary guy’s desire of owning and wearing these clothes themselves becomes obsession. Everyone wants to look like the current hot movie star or celebrity.

Astute dress-makers (name couturiers, big clothing companies) come into the picture by making these kinds of clothes available to every man and woman. Mass production of these expensive-looking clothes at a much lower cost becomes the solution to everyone’s yearning of owning them.

One very simple way of increasing value for these low-cost products is the prominent display of the clothes-maker’s brand name logo on the merchandise itself. The difference in value becomes the profit margin for the designer-manufacturer. These items may be clothes, bags, or any accessory considered hot at the moment.

In effect, the dress-maker’s logo defines the status of a person’s place in society. Stranger still, most people put such a high premium on these little signs. They display them whenever possible for other people to see.

Who’s that on your shirt’s label?

Dress-Making: A Short Chronology

2012-06-07T00:34:00.001-07:00

Wearing clothes
It was around 650,000 years ago when our ancestors covered their bodies with animal fur and skin as well as barks and leaves of trees. The main purpose was simply to protect the fragile human body against the rain, the sun, wind, and the cold.

These primitive clothes were either tied up or wrapped around the bodies as people went foraging for food.

Needles and threads

Some 19,000 years ago, evidence of needles made of bones and ivory were found. Around 6,000 years ago, woven textiles (linen) were found in Egypt as well as evidence of silk culture in China 5,000 years ago.

This marked the early beginning of dress-making.

Silk road
This was the series of ancient trade routes between China and countries in Asia Minor. The trading between them played a significant role in the development of civilization in China, India, Mesopotamia, Egypt, including Rome.

Classic clothes
In Greece, clothes were simple lengths of wool or linen secured at the shoulders with sashes used as belts. Peplos was a loose ankle-length robe worn by women while chlamys was knee-length robes worn by the men. Both were covered with a loose cloak called himation.

The toga in Rome was an unsewn length of cloth draped on the body over a simple tunic.
This tunic is held together at the shoulders and at the sides.

Medieval Europe
By this time, there had been improvements on the quality of clothes. The Byzantines dressed themselves with richly patterned, embroidered cloths draped over a tunica, the replacement of the toga.

Early medieval Europeans either took to the short tunics with leggings of the invading population (Franks, Anglo-Saxons, and Visigoths) or to the longer Roman tunics.

Cotton and silk as well as dyed linen were popular alongside the old wool.

Later Middle Ages
Cultural historians agree that the 14th century signaled the beginnings of European fashion. People now used lacings and buttons. Expensive silk and woven brocades were imported from Italy.

It was also the time for the beginning of tailoring. Straight and draped garments were now replaced by curved seams that followed the contours of the human body.

The Renaissance
More people wore complex clothes following the fashion lead of the elites. Variations in the form and design of clothes adapted in various countries were now showing their differences.

Modern Europe
The early part of the 16th century had the influence of the formal Spanish dress. The century also saw the rise of the ruff (ruffles) and the popularity of needle lace.

Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution mechanized the manufacturing processes using steam power. The sewing machine was invented in the 19th century, while the synthetic fiber, rayon, was discovered in the 20th. They were all part of the long Industrial Revolution.

In this era, textiles were not only manufactured in factories, they were exported to unlikely places. The transportation system was revolutionized and had progressed immensely. Goods became cheaper.

Fashion and the future
After World War II, there was no stopping the dress-makers all over the fashion capitals of the world (Paris, Rome, New York, and London) from flourishing in their industry.

Fashion trends become media events and followers of fashion lapped them up. Models became superstars. Whatever Kate, Naomi, Cindy, and Linda wore, everybody wanted to wear them, too.

Nowadays, the manufacture of the other pieces of the modern apparel is taken over by the dress-makers. Shoes and bags, kerchiefs and purses, perfume and jewelry and other beauty-related products are now merchandised aggressively.

Types Of Irons For Dress

2012-05-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

While buying irons, it is very important to keep in mind the capacity of clothes and the frequency of ironing that is to be done. There is no point in spending money on features and options that are not to be used at all. There are various types of irons in the markets now.

The dry model is the simple and probably the easiest way to iron clothes. This does not require water and simply has to be plugged to the electricity and used after setting the desired temperature.

The spray/steam model is the second type. This gives more efficient ironing than the dry model, as this uses water. As the hot temperature passes through the water in the iron tank, it produces hot steam which escapes from tiny holes given in the base of the iron, and this is used in pressing the clothes.
The steam output can be controlled by choosing the type of fabric that is to be pressed, in the machine. For example, if a pure cotton shirt is to be ironed, then the fabric type can be set to "cotton" in the machine, and so the steam that comes out would be of greater pressure, so as to iron the shirt efficiently. The more the wattage of the iron, the greater would be the steam pressure.

The third type is called the Steam/spray/shot method. In this, the steam that comes out of the holes is shot with high pressure onto the cloth to be ironed. This is more useful in ironing thick clothes as the steam is of greater strength and so can iron thicker clothes better. The fourth type is the steam generator iron that provides a continuous steam flow into the clothes, thus reducing the time to iron and also does a very good job, easily.

The sole bases of the irons also come in various shapes and sizes, makes and models.Four famous base plates are common, the first one being the aluminium model. This is the basic model that easily wears out, over time. The second type is the coated nonstick type, that does not get dirt or anything else stuck on it, hence easy to clean and also effective.

The third type is the Stainless steel type, which is very tough and also gives a smoother finish, thus easing the ironing process and also gets heated fast, thus reducing the time taken to iron. Also ceramic models are available that has a nonstick surface which is also durable and distributes heat evenly all over the plate.

Having so many types and models of irons, it is only easy to make the right decision, at the same time being cost effective as well. Doing a bit of research and diligent thinking can do a lot of good, while buying such electrical products.

Dressmaking As A Viable Business Venture

2012-05-16T03:16:00.001-07:00

Did you know that aside from being a wonderful and rewarding pastime activity, dressmaking could be a profitable business for you even if you are at home? This is because it can enable you to get customers that have various sewing needs for their clothes, homes, offices, and other areas that need to be addressed.

For those who are just beginning or those who have plans of doing so in the future, tools and accessories would be so important to be successful. These important tools for starters in dressmaking include sewing machines, dressmaking materials and resources such as books, magazines, DVDs, and CDs, cutting tables, dressmaking and pinking shears, irons and ironing boards, rotary cutter sets, various sewing kits, and different kinds of sergers would be a great help. This is because these tools and references can give you an idea where to start and how to start with your dressmaking process.

Once you are confident that you can handle not just your own dressmaking needs but of others as well, you can now start advertising your very own dressmaking services. Compared before where people who are into dressmaking business have difficult time managing their business due to lack of efficient tools, sewers today are lucky because the modern technology offers a lot more advanced tools and gadgets they can use to make sewing easier, faster, and more convenient.

How to start growing a home dress making business

Dressmaking is indeed one of those industries that can offer almost limitless opportunities. As long as you don’t run dry out with ideas and creativity, you can find your place in this ever-growing industry. If you are planning to start a dressmaking business, one of the most important things to consider is the uniqueness of the needlework and services you'll be offering.

Since there are so many dressmaking businesses today that specialize on different types of clothing, having a unique concept for your business will increase the chances of its success. To achieve this, explore the different possibilities of the type of dressmaking you specialize on.

You can opt for "custom dressmaking" if you love making clothes for individuals who have different needs and demands using patterns, "custom designer" if you have mastered enough skills in designing different styles of clothing, " dressmaking for weddings" if you have an eye for creating the gowns and accessories needed for the bridal events, " dressmaking for the home" if you are fond of making decorations for home like curtains, pillow cases, tablemats and the like, "sewing crafts" if you specialize in creating different crafts such as toys, bags, and the like, "alterations" if you are into clothes repair, and "sewing for pets" if you love creating clothing and other accessories for animals.

After coming up with a great concept, it's now time to consider the basics of dressmaking as a start up business such as costing for the materials and tools you'll need, pricing for the services you'll offer, calculating your potential earnings or sewing income, and your strategies to get as many paying customers as possible.

These considerations are very important because you can use these as a guide in determining the success of your dressmaking business. Make sure that you think of all the considerations very well before you finally engage in a business such dressmaking.

Considerations When Buying Sewing Machines For Dressmaking

2012-05-15T23:28:00.004-07:00

Individuals who have been in the dressmaking industry for so long would agree that the sewing machine is one’s biggest investment when it comes to the tools needed. Since the machine will do most of the work, its price would range from one hundred dollars or higher depending on the quality of the sewing machine that will be used for dressmaking.

Since it would cost one that much money, an informed decision is very important before buying a sewing machine to ensure that he or she would waste a single cent in something that cannot really be used for a long time. In the market today, there are so many sewing machines available. Many of which come in cheaper prices and durable compared to more expensive ones. For this reasons alone why it is very important to be familiarized with everything about sewing machines suitable for dress making through a simple research before finally purchasing a unit.

Buying guidelines

The very basic thing to do before buying a sewing machine for dressmaking is to be familiarized with everything about it. One could do this by attending a simple sewing class online, reading various sewing references and asking veteran sewers. If a person is knowledgeable about the parts of sewing machine, he or she will never go wrong when buying one.

To be able to get a good quality sewing machine for dress making, it is best to choose a trustworthy dealer. Since sewing machines are expensive, always make sure that it is bought from a dealer that has good reputation. Although there are reliable online dealers that offer good quality sewing machines, it is best to opt for local dealers so one can inspect the unit first before paying for it.

A person can find reliable dealers through the recommendation of the sewers that he or she knows, taking public sewing classes, or visiting a sewing forum and ask for a list of trustworthy dealers. Once a dealer has been chosen, it is best to inquire about warranty and return policies.

For dress making, sewing machines are great investments because these are expensive. In fact, people that own these or even those who are planning to buy a single unit should be well aware of the things that need to be done in order to maintain its function. Knowing what and what shouldn’t be done in using a sewing machine will not only ensure efficient sewing but also worth of the product in the long run.

Aside from knowing the proper maintenance and caring for sewing machine, another consideration before buying one is the budget. Although there are so many types of sewing machines out there, one may not have the luxury of choosing the most expensive or branded ones due to budget constraint. To avoid frustration over something that a person cannot buy, always consider your spending limits in choosing a sewing machine.

What you can do is to do a short list of units that can fit the budget at hand and choose which is the best among them. Once there is a short list, one can now eliminate the options depending on the price, the quality and the preference of the buyer.

Other considerations would be the design of the sewing machine because this will affect the overall performance of the eaquipment when used for dress making.

Sewing Equipment for Dressmaking

2012-05-11T07:54:00.001-07:00

Dressmaking Equipment

It is as necessary that a home dressmaker has the proper tools to work with as a carpenter.

Without them one is handicapped in various ways and is liable to find the work a discouraging task.

In these days of advancement and progress, even the Home woman is learning that there is a limit to endurance, and home life and duties should be made a pleasure and all work done in a business-like way.

This, one of the home studies and economic feature of the housewife's accomplishments, sewing, has been much of a task because of lack of knowledge on the subject, also lack of equipment.

The sewing workshop is as necessary to the worker as the kitchen is to the cook. Surgeons, doctors, and nurses make equipment the first consideration. Yet we take a pair of old dull shears and cut uneven edges in good material and get along as best we can, which is all wrong.

Let us have everything necessary to turn out good work in our home dressmaking parlors, so that our work will not look homemade:

Dress form
Skirt gauge
Shears (9 or 10 inches long).
Paper of needles (No. 7).
Basting cotton (No. 60).
Skirt rule 48 inches long, bought at a tailors' supply house.
Tape line.
Pins, with good points.
Emery bag.
Tracing wheel.
Tailors' chalk.
Beeswax.
Tailors' punch, bought at hardware store or tailors' supply house (for buttonholes).
Tailors' cushions (2 sizes).
Press cloth.
Sponge.
Whisk broom.
Two pressing irons (12 pounds and 6 pounds).
Sewing table. Sewing machine.

There Is Nothing Like Having a Custom Made Outfit Made by a Professional Dressmaker

2012-05-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

An outfit that is a bit out of the ordinary is needed when special events, like weddings or formal occasions, are coming up and ready to wear may not be the answer. It may be a better alternative to have something custom-made using a professional dressmaking service. To get the best from the experience it is important to give the dressmaker sufficient time to do their job properly and to be prepared for an initial consultation and several fittings. Many get booked up well in advance, particularly if they do a lot of bridal wear.

While using a professional dressmaker is more expensive than buying ready to wear, it is important to have a maximum budget in mind and to be honest about it. This will give the dressmaker the information they need to advise properly about what can be achieved within the limit and ensure there are no misunderstandings later.

The dressmaker is likely to ask for a deposit before beginning work and this is something to be prepared for.

Allow plenty of time - at least an hour - for the first consultation. This is not a situation for making a hasty decision. If you have any ideas of styles and colours that you like it is worth taking pictures to the first meeting, but not to buy any fabric, not only because the dressmaker may be able to source the right material and colour more affordably but also because they are experienced and will be able to advise on the best type of fabric to use to achieve the look that is wanted. Taking fabric swatches is fine, however, as it will add to the information the dressmaker needs and they will be able to advise whether a particular textile will work for the design or not.

In the absence of any clear idea of what the client wants the dressmaker will be able to show them pattern books from which to build a picture of the eventual outfit.

Advice on underwear, support and accessories is part of the services offered by a professional dressmaking service. Also if the client has been trying to lose weight they should be at their ideal weight at the time of the first fitting. Major changes to measurements throughout the process will add to both fitting time and the cost of subsequent alterations to the outfit.

Having established the basics of the outfit's style and material the dressmaker will need to be able to carry out fittings properly and it is important that clients turn up with the shoes they plan to wear and wearing the underwear that will be appropriate to the garment.

Having a special outfit made is a collaboration between client and professional expertise of the dressmaker and the guidance above will help make it a positive experience for all involved.

Types of Dress Making Fabric

2012-05-11T07:28:00.002-07:00

Now of course part of getting ready to make a dress is choosing the right fabric. The best type, design, and colour scheme to suit the particular style of dress that you plan on making. For instance if you're looking for an elegant flowing effect, you may want to choose silk.

At the same time though do be aware that fine silk can be a bit difficult to work with. Not only that, but high quality silk also be quite costly. What this means, is that mistakes while you're working with this particular fabric can be expensive, so keep that in mind if you're a beginner.

Now cotton on the other hand, is a great all around fabric to work with in dress making. Not only is it one of the easiest to work with but it comes in just so many grades, types, and designs. Cotton also dyes well which is one more thing to consider if you want to try your hand at creating your own abstract fabric designs.

Now as stated above, there are several grades of cotton fabric and up at the top of the list is Egyptian cotton. So then just what is it that makes cotton from Egypt so coveted, and special? It's because it has longer fibres than domestically grown cotton.

Long fibres mean thinner thread can be made from it, and thinner threads mean higher thread-count. Simply put, with Egyptian cotton weavers are able to make cotton fabric that has more threads per square inch in the weave, and is also sheerer. It's thinner.

Now there are several types of synthetic fabrics and before you pass them over for being too synthetic, you should take one thing into account. That is that some of the newer synthetics are hard difficult to distinguish from natural materials. Also they do have their fair share of positive attributes.

To start off with synthetics tend to be more affordable, and that comes in real handy if you're a beginner. They're also low maintenance and perhaps after putting in all the work in it takes to make a dress you just might appreciate that. So many of them also have such a nice drape too, they flow on the body well which is so important with a dress.

There is also any number of natural and synthetic blends, and there's a lot to say about them as well. For instance, a wool nylon blend allows you to have all the positives of a wool fabric, without so much of the scratchiness. Also cotton synthetic blends give you the natural airy feeling of cotton, without the wrinkles.

So in the end, the bottom line is that there is just a whole lot more to choosing the right fabric for dress making than simply choosing what looks right for you. Each type of cloth has its own positives and negatives to consider, and they all should be taken into account before you decide.

Basic Guidelines To Use When Getting Dress Measurements

2011-07-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some basic guidelines to use when getting these measurements. Always have a second pair of hands to achieve the best measurements. If you are still unclear about how to take your own measurements, you can always have it professionally done for you.

Height: Stand on the floor in bare feet with your back against the wall. Look straight ahead. Chalk a tiny line on the wall level with the top of the head. Measure from the floor to this mark.

Bust: Measure at fullest part of bust.

Waist: tie a piece of string around your natural waist. Measure the string without removing it. Leave the string there for other measurements.

Hips: Place the tape around the fullest part of the figure. This is usually about 9 inches below the waist for misses and women’s, and 7 inches below the waist for miss petite, half size, junior petite, and young junior/teen.

Back – neck to waist: Find the bone that sticks out at the nap of the neck and measure from this point down to the middle of the waistline.

Shoulder width: Clasp hands together at the front of the waist line. With arms slightly forward and raised, measure across the back from shoulder point to shoulder point.

Back width – armhole to armhole: Measure across the back at the shoulder blade level. Start and finish where the normal armhole seams lie.

Shoulder length – right and left: Measure from the base of the neck to the point of the shoulder on each side. The two measurements may be slightly different,

Front bodice – center front, right, and left: (Center)Measure from the neckline straight down to the waistline. Right and left) Measure from the shoulder seam placement to the waistline on each side, over the bust.

Side bodice – right and left: Stand up straight with hands resting on hips and measure each side from one inch below the armpit down to the waistline. There may be a slight difference on each side in measurement.

Chest – above bust and on bust at front: (Above) Measure around at underarm level above the bust. (Bust at Front) Measure from underarm seam to underarm seam over the bust. If this measurement is 2 inches or more then the back width, your pattern may have to be altered to allow more room.

Chest – diaphragm: Take this measurement around the rib cage, halfway between the waist and the fullest part of the bust.

Shoulder to elbow: Bend your arm and measure from the point of the shoulder to the point of the elbow.

Sleeve length: Bend the arm slightly and measure from the point of the shoulder to the wrist including the bend. It is also helpful to measure 1 inch from below the underarm seam to the wrist with the arm straight.

Wrist: Measure the wrist over the wrist bone.

Neck to hem: Measure form the nape of the neck to the required hem level of dress. Hold the tape in at the waist while measuring.

Waist to hem: Holding tape measure in at waist, measure to the required hem level.

Choosing A Pattern

2011-06-29T05:07:00.000-07:00

Because everyone’s figure varies, you must know your figure type and all of its faults. This will make it easier for you to choose a flattering style of dress for you whether it is by an already made pattern, or one you design on your own.

Choosing a pattern can be fun especially if you have already done your homework and know what is in and what will never go out, such as the little black dress. You can find a wide variety of dress patterns online or at your local fabric store. When you have the dress design in mind, pattern books can offer an interesting amount of variations of the particular basic design.

The skirt part of a dress may appeal to you more on one pattern then the next and the bodice may appeal to you more or sleeve style, neck line, etc. You can take these different aspects of a dress, incorporate them into one, and create your own design/pattern. When looking at a variety of patterns, keep a pencil and some paper handy to jot down pattern numbers and ideas to make it easier for you when you are ready to commit. Often times, out of date pattern books can be picked up at fabric stores for a very little price if not free. This is a great way to start a library of different ideas.

Dressmaking patterns are full of various figure types. Figure types are grouped according to height and proportion and based off two main measurements –height, and neck to waist length. Choose your pattern(s) to suit your figure type. Too find your figure type stand in front of a mirror in just your under garments that would typically be worn under your dress. Take your measurements of bust, waist, and hips. Get someone to help you take your measurements of height and neck to waist length.

Neck to waist length should be taken from your backside for best fitting bodice. Compare these measurements with that of a size chart. For example, if your bust measured 36 inches, waist 27 inches, and hips measured 38 inches you would be looking at a dress size of woman’s 14. Choose your pattern sizes accordingly. When your measurements fall between two categorized sizes, always choose the larger size of the two. That leaves you room for making alterations to make your garment fit you perfectly.

Dressmaking - Creating A New Fashion Trend

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Fashion is something that will always be changing, innovative, and exciting. Making your statement or impact on the fashion industry can be rewarding and profitable if you have the creativity to keep fashion new and exciting. You can be a part of creating a new fashion trend by designing and creating your own fashionably exciting dress.

In dressmaking, the biggest obstacle to over come is creating a dress that is perfect for you. No two figures are exactly alike, so by making your own clothing, you have the advantage over shopping from the rack in knowing that the clothing you are wearing was made just for you and your body shape. You achieve the perfect fit that is most flattering for you.

Dressmaking is not as hard as some make it out to be. You can design a dress perfect for you by either studying already designed patterns and altering them to fit your body style, or you can create your own dress from using what you know works for you. Once you have a design in mind, the rest is a breeze.

You can copy an already popular style on the market, study fashion magazines with the latest fads, or create a scrapbook of several different styles of dresses you love and incorporate different aspects of each into a design of your own creation. However, you come up with your dress design; making it yourself will be the most rewarding thing you do when it comes to your fashion wardrobe.