Sewing your own clothes allows you to create a unique look that matches your style. You can save a lot of money by making your own clothes, rather than buying designer fashions. Learning to sew can be difficult, so start with something simple. Move on to more difficult projects as your skills improve.
Things You'll Need:
- Sewing Machine
- Straight Pins
- Scissors
- Thread
- Fabric Pen
- Pattern
- Ironing Board
- Sewing Needles
- Tape Measure
- Fabric
- Seam Ripper
- Iron
Gather the tools you will need to sew your own clothes. Purchase scissors, hand-sewing needles, straight pins, a seam ripper and a tape measure. You will also need a sewing machine and machine-sewing needles.
Measure the body of the man who will be wearing the clothes you are making with a tape measure. Ask for help if you need to measure yourself. You will need different measurements for different patterns. Take basic measurements, such as chest, neck circumference, inseam, arm length, waist and hips.
Choose a clothing pattern according to your skill level. Look for the terms "easy" or "quick" on the front of the pattern packaging if you are a beginner. Sewing a poncho or boxer shorts is easy for men who are learning to sew. Take other measurements as necessary according to specific pattern instructions.
Pick out the fabric you want to use for your sewing project. Choose a nonwoven fabric in a solid color or that has a random pattern. Matching up patterns can be difficult and you will want to wait until you are more experienced. Determine how much fabric to purchase according to the pattern instructions and body measurements.
Purchase thread for your sewing machine and hand-sewing needles. Follow pattern instructions for your thread choice. Determine if you need elastic, buttons, zippers, embellishments or other fasteners for your clothing.
Choose fabric that is preshrunk or preshrink your fabric by washing it according to instructions. Preshrink lining and interfacing fabric, too. Iron the fabric so you do not cut or sew distorted patterns.
Open the pattern and organize the pattern pieces according to the instructions. Cut out the pattern pieces you need without cutting directly on the solid line. Iron the patterns with a low setting to remove any wrinkles.
Place the patterns on the fabric according to the instructions. Pin the patterns in place. Cut the fabric according to the patterns. Use a fabric pen to transfer any markings for buttons, pockets or other additions to your clothing. Remove the pins.
Set up your sewing machine on a sturdy desk or sewing table. Thread your sewing machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sew your clothing.
Writer Bio
Based in South Florida, Beth Swanson has been writing professionally since 2005. Her articles have been published in the magazines “Kiwi," “Natural Home,” “Clean Eating,” “Palm Beacher," the “Miami New Times” and several other publications. Swanson earned a Master of Arts degree in integrated marketing communication from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
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