DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
Bad Manners and Brimstone
HTML https://badmanners.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Hobbies
*****************************************************
#Post#: 48736--------------------------------------------------
Free sewing patterns?
By: Nikko-chan Date: March 16, 2020, 2:31 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Does anyone have any good places for free patterns for dresses?
1950's to 1960's vintage, if possible. Modern vintage is even
fine. I've sewn a costume for a con and now I want to start
sewing clothing. Any sewing essentials i need? I have needles,
pins etc. I use tiny sewing scissors that i have from a travel
kit but will probably get some regular scissors. Everything will
be hand sewn so I don't really have to worry about a machine.
Alternately: I've caught the sewing bug. Anyone know how to make
it stop?
#Post#: 48737--------------------------------------------------
Re: Free sewing patterns?
By: Aleko Date: March 16, 2020, 2:53 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Do you know that great old pattern company Folkwear?
HTML https://www.folkwear.com
.
I know you specified 'free', but the beauty of Folkwear's
patterns is that they are made of durable paper and routinely
include so many options and suggestions (and many of the
original pattern themselves lend themselves so well to
adaptation), that in my experience any one pattern can be used
to make several very different-looking garments: so that in the
long run they're very cheap.
Also, patterns in their 'Traditional' category in particular
tend to be relatively easy-fitting and have few if any curved
seams, so if you're new to clothesmaking and / or have nobody
competent to help you with fitting and adjusting a fitted
garment, although striking and unusual they're very easy to
make.
#Post#: 48738--------------------------------------------------
Re: Free sewing patterns?
By: Runningstar Date: March 16, 2020, 5:00 am
---------------------------------------------------------
I see a lot of older patterns in thrift stores, usually for less
than .99 cents.
As for supplies, you need pins, extra sewing machine needles,
scissors (cheap is ok by me - but they need to be nice and
sharp!), and chalk for marking the fabric. A seam ripper is
also a very necessary thing!
#Post#: 48745--------------------------------------------------
Re: Free sewing patterns?
By: oogyda Date: March 16, 2020, 8:25 am
---------------------------------------------------------
In your search, don't focus so much on vintage that you overlook
patterns that aren't necessarily a vintage look but the
structure is the same as it was in the 50's and 60's.
There are really only a few basic patterns. From those, it may
simply be a difference in neckline, collar, sleeve, etc. that
makes it different from another one. So reduce the style you
like to the actual structure of the garment and you can vintage
it up to your heart's content.
#Post#: 48748--------------------------------------------------
Re: Free sewing patterns?
By: Runningstar Date: March 16, 2020, 9:33 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Forgot to add a fabric measuring tape is nice to have. If not,
use a non-stretchable ribbon to measure and a ruler to see what
the measured ribbon is (be sure to measure bust/waist/hips - as
pattern sizes are very different from the sizes of store made
clothing you wear). If in between a size, go up and then if
needed tailor to fit afterwards/during the sewing.
The best advice - just like in carpentry, measure twice cut
once!
#Post#: 48750--------------------------------------------------
Re: Free sewing patterns?
By: TootsNYC Date: March 16, 2020, 10:39 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Even a grosgrain ribbon can stretch a little--I think you should
get a name-brand cloth/fiberglass tape measure.
A seam ripper, for sure.
You will want to be able to transfer pattern markings to
thefabric. You can do this with tailor's tacks (
HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g3jgib4ZRw
), or you can get a
tracing wheel (
HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3-IqXESBz4
)
and transfer paper (works just like carbon paper back in the
typewriter days).
I don't know sources for free patterns, unfort.
But you can make your own pattern from a piece of clothing you
have and like (and that fits). There are lots of YouTube videos
for how.
#Post#: 48802--------------------------------------------------
Re: Free sewing patterns?
By: Chez Miriam Date: March 17, 2020, 9:37 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Drat, Nikko-chan, I wish you'd posted this 6 months ago - I
threw a box of my mum's old paper patterns from the 50s to the
70s in the skip! They weren't in nice enough condition that I
felt I could give them to a charity shop, but they would have
been perfectly OK for a beginner to try out. :'(
One other thing to mention: 2020s women are very different
shapes and sizes [for the most part] to 1950/1960s women, so
unless you're fairly hour-glass shaped, a modern pattern may
work much better.
Hope you have great fun with your sewing!!
*****************************************************