I use old t shirts for Jersey muslin. I totally agree that making a muslin saves money and your confidence! I remember the first time I made a dress after I had made a number of muslin, it fit perfectly and I was delighted with the result.
Taking the time to do all the "boring stuff" is my favorite part of the process now! When I was a kid learning to sew I hated it but now the whole process of testing things out and making adjustments is so exciting to me, I don't know what it is
good tip on the muslin - I have a half done toile of a dress that I stopped working on because I determined that the pattern was too tricky for my current skill level. will bust out that pattern again in the future once I have some more simple garments completed! thanks for the tip on a fitting reference book, poking around disconnected fitting resources online has been overwhelming you're a gem 💎
Hi Nikki. Thanks for tips. Sewing clothes for myself over last eight years has been an evolution of understanding in many respects: sizing, style, lifestyle, color, and patterns. I started measuring existing clothes in my wardrobe that I like to compare with pattern measurements to get an idea of fit before cutting out pattern pieces or making any initial adjustments. I also recognized that my lifestyle does not accommodate some very cute patterns and fabrics I see others on social media sites create; I don’t have occasions or places to wear certain styles. But sometimes you need to just experiment for the learning. 😊
This is great. I'm definitely Team Toile but got soooo discouraged when three muslins didn't get a good fit on a pair of pants. Nice to hear that this can be part of the process. I actually concluded that I needed one size for my front and the next size up for the backb piece and then my brain exploded. This must be manageable...I just needed to roll up my sleeves and figure out how to true all the seams. Anyway, great video! Thanks!
When I started to sew 8 years ago, using a commercial pattern, I made a muslin and the back crotch was too short. I used the foil technique to actually see my curves, then added a waistband instead of making the waistband that’s built into the pattern, and scooped the crotch curve where I saw my ass ( which people tell me I don’t have) is lower. My next muslin fit perrrrfect!
When making toiles I was taught to use the basting stich on the machine that way if I need to adjust any part of it, it’s easy to pull the stitching out. Regarding gathered skirts I always make toiles of these as well because sometimes the width of fabric recommended for my size is unflattering & therefore I have to adjust the skirt etc until it looks right on me & to check the lengths & proportions esp it it’s a tiered skirt. Basically I make the entire garment including pockets to ensure they’re placed where I want them & to ensure they don’t add bulk in all the wrong places. The only thing I don’t do is finish the seams as you mention. Great video thank you ❤
What do you do with the muslins after you make them? Do you keep them for future reference in case you want to make the pattern again? How do you store them if you do?
I use old t shirts for Jersey muslin. I totally agree that making a muslin saves money and your confidence! I remember the first time I made a dress after I had made a number of muslin, it fit perfectly and I was delighted with the result.
I also use old bed sheets from family and friends who want to throw them away, they are like gold to me 😂
Taking the time to do all the "boring stuff" is my favorite part of the process now! When I was a kid learning to sew I hated it but now the whole process of testing things out and making adjustments is so exciting to me, I don't know what it is
good tip on the muslin - I have a half done toile of a dress that I stopped working on because I determined that the pattern was too tricky for my current skill level. will bust out that pattern again in the future once I have some more simple garments completed!
thanks for the tip on a fitting reference book, poking around disconnected fitting resources online has been overwhelming
you're a gem 💎
Hi Nikki. Thanks for tips. Sewing clothes for myself over last eight years has been an evolution of understanding in many respects: sizing, style, lifestyle, color, and patterns. I started measuring existing clothes in my wardrobe that I like to compare with pattern measurements to get an idea of fit before cutting out pattern pieces or making any initial adjustments. I also recognized that my lifestyle does not accommodate some very cute patterns and fabrics I see others on social media sites create; I don’t have occasions or places to wear certain styles. But sometimes you need to just experiment for the learning. 😊
This is great. I'm definitely Team Toile but got soooo discouraged when three muslins didn't get a good fit on a pair of pants. Nice to hear that this can be part of the process. I actually concluded that I needed one size for my front and the next size up for the backb piece and then my brain exploded. This must be manageable...I just needed to roll up my sleeves and figure out how to true all the seams. Anyway, great video! Thanks!
My old vogue sewing book says to make a Muslim of the torso which is the hardest part to fit. Skirts are next then sleeves last since those are easy
When I started to sew 8 years ago, using a commercial pattern, I made a muslin and the back crotch was too short. I used the foil technique to actually see my curves, then added a waistband instead of making the waistband that’s built into the pattern, and scooped the crotch curve where I saw my ass ( which people tell me I don’t have) is lower. My next muslin fit perrrrfect!
That’s awesome! I always make the waistband differently than the pattern too 🙌🏻
In what way do you change the waist band, Nikki?
Taking time to hand baste helps me a ton
I agree, we want instant gratification. This video was encouraging.
When making toiles I was taught to use the basting stich on the machine that way if I need to adjust any part of it, it’s easy to pull the stitching out. Regarding gathered skirts I always make toiles of these as well because sometimes the width of fabric recommended for my size is unflattering & therefore I have to adjust the skirt etc until it looks right on me & to check the lengths & proportions esp it it’s a tiered skirt. Basically I make the entire garment including pockets to ensure they’re placed where I want them & to ensure they don’t add bulk in all the wrong places. The only thing I don’t do is finish the seams as you mention. Great video thank you ❤
I baste all my pieces to see if it fits also!
Hi from Texas. Awesome information. Thank you.
Thanks for the tips!
What do you do with the muslins after you make them? Do you keep them for future reference in case you want to make the pattern again? How do you store them if you do?
Now after I make the muslin and it fits do I rip all the seams and use that as my pattern??
You can, or you can transfer the changes to the pattern pieces 👍🏻