These are great ideas, right down to stuffing the leftovers into a Pet Pillow stuff with scraps. Speaking of pets, after many years of trust I learned how to cut the hair on my son's dog. The darling was a part of the Pooh-Freeze (I know I am not spelling that right) family and had thick, soft curls. By the end of summer and winter, Shylo looked like a really fat sheep. I thought about how that hair might be recycled in the best way... After giving him a bath and blow dry, not worrying too much about the knots, I took the dog to the park, then cut off his longest layer, put that in a bag, and used the hair to build a small nest in the tree. It wasn't windy, but... the hair was gone the next day. The squirrels loved Shylo for a couple of years. Then my son grew up, and moved away taking his dog. Poor squirrels.
Your experience and trials are so refreshing. Confidence comes with encouragement. That I find in your great videos. You do share the savings to hacks that are valuable no matter the level you are. So I say ladies let's just build our confidence and sewing journey right here. Thanks
Bernadette - hi! Thank you so much for your lovely comments, I read another one just earlier today! You hit the nail on the head - confidence does come with encouragement, and a lot of times I just feel that some things are over complicated, when they should not be... Some things can be done simple :) and fun! and look pretty! :) Have fun sewing, as long as you are enjoying it - that is what matters, and I will see you here again :)
Really helpful tips. I really love when you use the white bias tape on your garment edges, like this too or the apron you made. Looks so crisp and finished.
If you already own the pattern, lay it out at home and do your own calculations for 45" and 60" widths. Then you aren't taking extra time at the cutting counter. I've started keeping a sewing notebook where I write various techniques and how to's. (I'm new at garment sewing). I also have a place to record my purchased patterns. I list fabric options, fabric requirements, notions etc. I do a quick line drawing for each. When I sew it up I record when and any additional changes I made. I even include a swatch. I also have a section where I record my fabric purchases. I include the type of fabric, washing instructions , length & width before washing, when I wash it I note the revised measurements. I also include what I paid for it and where I bought it. I even do a little colored pencil sketch of the fabric. The final section is my planning section. This is where I write my ideas down for matching those fabrics with patterns. I include a "wish list". I know it seems like a lot of work but it has really helped me stay organized! I check my notebook often and always take it to the fabric store with me. When buttons go on sale I can look through my patterns and see how many buttons I would need and what size. I can see what patterns are still waiting for fabric, you get the idea. I'm trying to be thoughtful about purchases. I love your sewing insights and really appreciate how inspiring you are. Thank you!❤️
Denise - you are doing a great job, very detailed - love it! I also kept a little notebook when I just first started, nowhere near as detailed, but kept notes about measurements and fabric, pattern notes! Enjoy sewing and thank you for sharing with us!
Linda Hoskin Lol! I have just started sewing for myself since schools shut down mid March due to the virus. I am a substitute teacher. So suddenly I have a lot of time on my hands! I sew every day, even if it's making a toile or redoing a sleeve. Keeping the notebook is just my way of managing my new learning. We all approach new skills differently and this is what works for me right now. I imagine as I gain experience and confidence I will rely on it less. ❤️
@@denisedorsey2889 Good for you! You're getting ready to take off! (Or as we said in the south, "fixin' to get ready".) I myself remember spending time arranging the best sewing area I could with my given space before really churning out my garments. Best of luck to you! And remember to always have fun with sewing.
Linda Hoskin Thank you! One of the things I've loved is discovering how supportive the sewing community is. While I don't always have fun (3rd time with that sleeve!) I'm so proud of myself when I figure something out or finish a garment. I quickly learned to walk away when I start making mistakes 😖 or they just multiply!
I really grown to love you vlog, I was taught, as you, to use sewing first and foremost to save money and fix clothes, so I really enjoy your perspective. I've seen many people promoting buying everything and spending a lot and I don't feel represented by that. So, cheers at a very well thought angle on the vlog industry.
Mayra, so so glad to read your comment - thank you! Yes, I feel you! That mentality of saving money is stuck with me, lol, but with the years I have also seen my progression between really being unreasonable and reasonable when it comes to saving money. Now I know - if I REALLY need something for a reason - I will get it, but just THAT thing, instead of 10 others; going shopping with the list also helps to prevent impulse purchases. I was impulsive when I first started sewing and bought a bunch of low quality fabric and now that fabric stash is sitting like a hard rock... Ugh! I wish social media would promote less impulsive sewing approach, especially when a lot of people think that sewing is so much better than fast fashion....well, not necessarily! Sorry, I poured my heart out here - thank you for your comment! It spoke to me!
I feel you on the old stash problem. I used to buy cheap fabric mainly because I didn’t know better. But i’ve bern trying to use it up in different home decor proyects, and also tryingnot to buy on impulse, which is very difficult!! Cheers on the saving money and doing cool stuff. I’ll keep on watching.
@@ThoughtfulCreativity Your heart spoke to me. Price of fabric must be compared to # of times a clothing article will be worn. Fabric@ $50 a yd is cheap if garment will be worn 10+ times. I find my fabric problems are having to purchase fabric on line. Not being able to feel the fabric, or see the color, etc. Has resulted in many useless fabric purchases. I wish online fabric stores would group non 100% cottons, in families of color or offer suggestions, and offer swatches at more reasonable prices, than a 3-4" square for $5. Fabric stores are a 6 hour round trip, so don't go very often. I enjoy your videos and am a fairly new subscriber.
I use or save all of my scraps or use them in the project. I like to make things with sleeve cuffs and collars which uses up some of the off-cuts. You can also use the off-cuts to make matching bows or other accessories for hats, skirts, pants, shoes, or anything else you'll be wearing. And for those larger awkward pieces, using them to add pockets is always a good idea.
You could make a hair scrunchie to match your outfit with a scrap or off cut. I have some ready to wear blouses that the sleeves are to short on me so I am going to cut them to elbow length and hem them and make matching scrunchies with the left over bits.
When making shirts and tops I fold the right and left edge to the center and get to cut on both sides on the fold. Perfectly using a meter of fabric this way.
Simone, I do that too for very basic tops and.... sometimes if I really need to work around some fabric cuts - just put a center back seam on the back bodice, RTW pieces are done this way all the time for the reason f saving fabric space... and sometimes that seam adds stability tot he garment, depending on the fabric.
This works especially well when trying to match stripes and motifs on side seams. I also move the fold way over sometimes so I can have the largest "leftover" piece I can get.
@@denisedorsey2889 I do this too. I found I can make a lovely peplum top with flutter sleeves from 1 yard of stretch velvet 60" wide. I can also make a pair of pants from 1 yard of 60" wide fleece. Advantages of being a petite medium.
I only recently learned to love sewing.. even though my mom and grandmother tried to get me to like it. I did learn some then, now I am always looking to learn more. When I make a pattern that calls for cutting on a fold I lay my pattern out and I re adjust the folds till I get the most out of the fabric.
Love, love uour tips! I have been inspired so much to make use of my scraps which I turn out into shorts, tanks, etc. for my 7-year old granddaughter. Thank you!!!! I appreciate you a lot. Keep the ideas coming.....
About pattern layout: when I was growing up, pattern companies suggested way too much fabric. My mom took an old sheet and marked common fabric width (37", 45", 54") lines on it. Then she laid the pattern pieces out in the most compact way she could manage, and measured how much yardage that took. THEN she went to buy only the amount of fabric she needed. You can do this with lines of tape or string on the floor too, and save fabric even if you cut on the fold. Especially if you will be shortening it!
Thank you for another great video. I love to use my scraps to make hair bows. They only take a small square of fabric & they turn out so cute. I like making them to match the baby dresses & stuff that I make. Have a great day!
Another advantage of cutting on the flat when using a large patterned fabric, is getting the layout of the printed pattern to suit what you are trying to achieve. Eg perfect symmetry of the pattern, avoiding awkward cuts in the printed pattern etc.
I’ve been making lots of baby stuff for my nephew, which is great for using scraps for toys, I over ordered a piece of loose tartan poly cotton fo some stockings, so I’ve made a waist coat and a dog Christmas coat for my assistance dog.
My tip may not work for everyone, but I make doll clothes out of my little fabric scraps. I have an American Girl Doll I dress up for fun, or I'll give the doll clothes I make to friend's kids. Depending on what fabric you use, and the fabric pattern, you dont always have to follow the grain line to a "T" with the doll clothes, as they dont need to fit the same way as our clothes do, so it's easier to fit the doll pattern into your leftover scraps.
Some great tips!! I especially like the idea to get an inexpensive fabric to make bias tape 🙂Thank you! Since I don’t like copying pattern pieces, I just refold the fabric to the width I need for those pieces and then layout and cut the rest flat!
Fab ideas...and also with the bias tape, if you use a specific fabric or 2, you are also co-ordinating your wardrobe....truly capsule! I've been looking out for a proper old-fashioned button shoulder pinafore dress pattern...I can't find one....but I think I might draft my own pattern thanks to you xx
Great tips. Why didn't I think some before? Thank you. Threads are also good for stuffing and even less to throw away. There even excist some patterns with no or nearly no waste at cutting when you type in Zero Waste Pattern on Pinterest.
I use tape on the floor for 45 wide, 60 wide and lay out the pattern on the floor. I can switch layouts till I find the right one without inconveniencing anyone, including myself. I'll make a drawing or take a phone photo when I'm done, with notes, to leave in the pattern envelope.
If I have wide fabric (54" or wider) I will sometimes fold one selvage in toward the center, just wide enough to cut the pattern piece that's meant to go on the fold. Then cut the other pieces out on the flat. And there is a way to cut bias tape without waste, if you're willing to mark the fabric properly.
i like where your coming from regarding saving on fabric. it took my husband 2 years to save up for a sewing machine for me. there was always something that busted and needed replacing or the boys needed new books for school ect... Now i find that fabric is so expensive so what do you do. i am trying to upcycle what i can. Thank you. x
You are amazing. You definitely capture the attention of your viewers. I have just discovered your channel and I am inspired. I have been preparing myself to sew my own tops and hopefully be able to extend to shift dresses (my fave). By the way, I love the top your are wearing in this video.
Thank you so much for tips and advise. It has really helped me. Thanks to you, I have learnt to measure oneself and draft out a pattern. I was so happy to draft out may on pattern. I even sew two shirts for my girls. Thank you so much for the effort you put in to explain every detail.
As someone who worked at Hobby Lobby, I got in trouble taking the time to help figure out how much fabric a customer needed. During those ‘slow’ times, I was supposed to be up and down ladders to rearrange the product in my or someone else’s department for the third or fourth time that year.
Aww that's too bad. I can see their point because you are saving the customer money since they want them to buy more. You're sweet for doing it though.
PamelaBarnes QuiltsByPamela Sadly, store managers don’t see it that way. They “say” customers are most important, but then they don’t care that you were helping customers. That tension is why they moved me from needlework/fabric to cashier and seasonal after 12 years doing what I loved. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I left. I saw it your way. It wasn’t just my store or company. It happens in all big box retail. Thank you for listening 🤔❤️🧵
@@virginiarobertson978 Hi, I eat less cards : No sugar, bread, bakery, candy, ice cream, crackers, pasta, and so on. Seldom, ones a week , I eat small portion of root vegetables such as potato or beats. I eat vegetables with protains mainly. And add some good fats: bacon, avocado, butter . I practice intermediate fasting from 6pm to 10am ( 12 am is better) . I feel that fasting and decreasing carbs help me at the most of the time . Activity is walking about 1 hour daily ( 2 hours is better)
Watching RUclips videos, I am always shocked how much fabric people waste fabric in tutorials, for anything to sew. So much waste, unless they plan on using those smaller scraps from not cutting out their patterns properly In the first place. I was lucky to learn from a seamstress of 40 years, how to save money and fabric. She is a large woman, tall and thick, she can make a collared buttoned up top and skorts out of 3 yards of fabric. Anything smaller than 2.5” pieces, I do cut up into smaller pieces for stuffing. Anything 2.5” and more, I save for quilting or patch working kitchen items or bags.
If you already have the pattern, just lay it out at home and then you know how much yardage. Also, if you are in the habit of cutting out muslin and custom fitting your patterns, then you will also know what you need after customising. Buy the muslin by the bolt, then use the trimmings to stuff pillows, etc. No waste.
You can still cut on the fold just fold from the edge towards the centre only enough for the size of the pattern. This way you have the whole centre left. Hope this helps 😀
I want to start cutting on the flat. Is there a detailed tutorial? For instance do you have the fabric right side up or wrong side up? How do you know if pattern piece should be printed side up or down? I need a detailed tutorial, please. Thanks
Go ahead and type in Google "cutting fabric flat vs folded" and you will find a blog post from grainline studio and other helpful articles to help you with it!
I'm a quilter and new to garment sewing so I'm slightly confused. I follow the pattern layout guide and truly dont have have much left over. If it calls to cut a piece on the fold its always on an end so the fold is as narrow as the pattern piece so Im not sure how using full pieces would help you to buy less fabric. Im meticulous about grain line especially pajama pants (ask me about 4 pair I cut all over to save fabric and they all shortened int the wash). How much can actually be saved with this method? Thanks.
Pamela, hi! To answer your question - actually quite a bit, but of course it also depends on what pattern you are using, if it is the one with the sleeve - then yes, I can stack it like a puzzle and save quite a bit of fabric, if it is a sleeveless top without facing - then it is what it is, can't do much about it. From the leftover fabric (If I happen to have bought the fabric years before making the project, I struggle with my fabric stash and have been working on depleting it) then I make clothes for my toddler with what is leftover from cutting that way! With pants - can't always stack pants, it also depends on how wide your fabric is, so there are some factors involved, but here's a blog post on this topic with visuals to see how this method really saves on fabric - grainlinestudio.com/blogs/tips-tricks/cutting-fabric-folded-vs-flat
Absolutely! Sometimes when you have a 4way stretch - you can get away with it and in some other situations, but yes, you should follow the pattern instructions!
Yeah i dont exactly understand why flat saves space vs on the fold, if you dont fold the fabric exactly in half - just the width required - shouldnt it have the same effect??? Im so confused.
If you already have access to a laser cutter like at your library or community center or house, that can help you cut the pattern pieces as efficiently as possible on the fabric without it feeling like you are doing more work than cutting on the fold.
Grainline always stays as it is marked on the pattern, unless you need to cut on the bias. Cutting your pattern pieces flat instead of on the fold does not change the position of the grainline.
![Coheed and Cambria - Searching for Tomorrow [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hDsYGLbmadg/mqdefault.jpg)
These are great ideas, right down to stuffing the leftovers into a Pet Pillow stuff with scraps.
Speaking of pets, after many years of trust I learned how to cut the hair on my son's dog.
The darling was a part of the Pooh-Freeze (I know I am not spelling that right) family
and had thick, soft curls. By the end of summer and winter, Shylo looked like a really fat sheep.
I thought about how that hair might be recycled in the best way...
After giving him a bath and blow dry, not worrying too much about the knots,
I took the dog to the park, then cut off his longest layer, put that in a bag,
and used the hair to build a small nest in the tree.
It wasn't windy, but... the hair was gone the next day. The squirrels loved Shylo
for a couple of years. Then my son grew up, and moved away taking his dog.
Poor squirrels.
I m a budget person.. thank you for your thoughtful suggestions
Great video. Fabric quarters are a super affordable way to make bias tape. Use them all the time for this purpose. ❤️
Kristi - that's a great advice!!!! Awesome - thank you!
Your experience and trials are so refreshing. Confidence comes with encouragement. That I find in your great videos. You do share the savings to hacks that are valuable no matter the level you are. So I say ladies let's just build our confidence and sewing journey right here. Thanks
Bernadette - hi! Thank you so much for your lovely comments, I read another one just earlier today! You hit the nail on the head - confidence does come with encouragement, and a lot of times I just feel that some things are over complicated, when they should not be... Some things can be done simple :) and fun! and look pretty! :) Have fun sewing, as long as you are enjoying it - that is what matters, and I will see you here again :)
Really helpful tips. I really love when you use the white bias tape on your garment edges, like this too or the apron you made. Looks so crisp and finished.
If you already own the pattern, lay it out at home and do your own calculations for 45" and 60" widths. Then you aren't taking extra time at the cutting counter.
I've started keeping a sewing notebook where I write various techniques and how to's. (I'm new at garment sewing). I also have a place to record my purchased patterns. I list fabric options, fabric requirements, notions etc. I do a quick line drawing for each. When I sew it up I record when and any additional changes I made. I even include a swatch.
I also have a section where I record my fabric purchases. I include the type of fabric, washing instructions , length & width before washing, when I wash it I note the revised measurements. I also include what I paid for it and where I bought it. I even do a little colored pencil sketch of the fabric.
The final section is my planning section. This is where I write my ideas down for matching those fabrics with patterns. I include a "wish list".
I know it seems like a lot of work but it has really helped me stay organized! I check my notebook often and always take it to the fabric store with me. When buttons go on sale I can look through my patterns and see how many buttons I would need and what size. I can see what patterns are still waiting for fabric, you get the idea. I'm trying to be thoughtful about purchases.
I love your sewing insights and really appreciate how inspiring you are. Thank you!❤️
Denise - you are doing a great job, very detailed - love it! I also kept a little notebook when I just first started, nowhere near as detailed, but kept notes about measurements and fabric, pattern notes! Enjoy sewing and thank you for sharing with us!
When do you have time to actually sew?
Linda Hoskin Lol! I have just started sewing for myself since schools shut down mid March due to the virus. I am a substitute teacher. So suddenly I have a lot of time on my hands! I sew every day, even if it's making a toile or redoing a sleeve. Keeping the notebook is just my way of managing my new learning. We all approach new skills differently and this is what works for me right now. I imagine as I gain experience and confidence I will rely on it less. ❤️
@@denisedorsey2889 Good for you! You're getting ready to take off! (Or as we said in the south, "fixin' to get ready".) I myself remember spending time arranging the best sewing area I could with my given space before really churning out my garments. Best of luck to you! And remember to always have fun with sewing.
Linda Hoskin
Thank you! One of the things I've loved is discovering how supportive the sewing community is. While I don't always have fun (3rd time with that sleeve!) I'm so proud of myself when I figure something out or finish a garment. I quickly learned to walk away when I start making mistakes 😖 or they just multiply!
I really grown to love you vlog, I was taught, as you, to use sewing first and foremost to save money and fix clothes, so I really enjoy your perspective. I've seen many people promoting buying everything and spending a lot and I don't feel represented by that. So, cheers at a very well thought angle on the vlog industry.
Mayra, so so glad to read your comment - thank you! Yes, I feel you! That mentality of saving money is stuck with me, lol, but with the years I have also seen my progression between really being unreasonable and reasonable when it comes to saving money. Now I know - if I REALLY need something for a reason - I will get it, but just THAT thing, instead of 10 others; going shopping with the list also helps to prevent impulse purchases. I was impulsive when I first started sewing and bought a bunch of low quality fabric and now that fabric stash is sitting like a hard rock... Ugh! I wish social media would promote less impulsive sewing approach, especially when a lot of people think that sewing is so much better than fast fashion....well, not necessarily! Sorry, I poured my heart out here - thank you for your comment! It spoke to me!
I feel you on the old stash problem. I used to buy cheap fabric mainly because I didn’t know better. But i’ve bern trying to use it up in different home decor proyects, and also tryingnot to buy on impulse, which is very difficult!! Cheers on the saving money and doing cool stuff. I’ll keep on watching.
@@ThoughtfulCreativity Your heart spoke to me. Price of fabric must be compared to # of times a clothing article will be worn. Fabric@ $50 a yd is cheap if garment will be worn 10+ times. I find my fabric problems are having to purchase fabric on line. Not being able to feel the fabric, or see the color, etc. Has resulted in many useless fabric purchases. I wish online fabric stores would group non 100% cottons, in families of color or offer suggestions, and offer swatches at more reasonable prices, than a 3-4" square for $5. Fabric stores are a 6 hour round trip, so don't go very often. I enjoy your videos and am a fairly new subscriber.
I use or save all of my scraps or use them in the project. I like to make things with sleeve cuffs and collars which uses up some of the off-cuts. You can also use the off-cuts to make matching bows or other accessories for hats, skirts, pants, shoes, or anything else you'll be wearing. And for those larger awkward pieces, using them to add pockets is always a good idea.
Great suggestions - thank you!
You could make a hair scrunchie to match your outfit with a scrap or off cut. I have some ready to wear blouses that the sleeves are to short on me so I am going to cut them to elbow length and hem them and make matching scrunchies with the left over bits.
Just came across your channel 24hrs ago, & seriously I love your voice the way you talk and also make your explanations 😊
Thanks and welcome, Vivien! :)
When making shirts and tops I fold the right and left edge to the center and get to cut on both sides on the fold. Perfectly using a meter of fabric this way.
Simone Kurth I do the same. It can be tricky if it's a directional print!
Simone, I do that too for very basic tops and.... sometimes if I really need to work around some fabric cuts - just put a center back seam on the back bodice, RTW pieces are done this way all the time for the reason f saving fabric space... and sometimes that seam adds stability tot he garment, depending on the fabric.
This works especially well when trying to match stripes and motifs on side seams. I also move the fold way over sometimes so I can have the largest "leftover" piece I can get.
@@denisedorsey2889 I do this too. I found I can make a lovely peplum top with flutter sleeves from 1 yard of stretch velvet 60" wide. I can also make a pair of pants from 1 yard of 60" wide fleece. Advantages of being a petite medium.
I only recently learned to love sewing.. even though my mom and grandmother tried to get me to like it. I did learn some then, now I am always looking to learn more. When I make a pattern that calls for cutting on a fold I lay my pattern out and I re adjust the folds till I get the most out of the fabric.
For a second I thought you had your hair in pigtails which would be adorable in you!!!
I cut continuous bias tape from a square or rectangle joined into an offset tube.
Love, love uour tips! I have been inspired so much to make use of my scraps which I turn out into shorts, tanks, etc. for my 7-year old granddaughter. Thank you!!!! I appreciate you a lot. Keep the ideas coming.....
About pattern layout: when I was growing up, pattern companies suggested way too much fabric. My mom took an old sheet and marked common fabric width (37", 45", 54") lines on it. Then she laid the pattern pieces out in the most compact way she could manage, and measured how much yardage that took. THEN she went to buy only the amount of fabric she needed. You can do this with lines of tape or string on the floor too, and save fabric even if you cut on the fold. Especially if you will be shortening it!
Peggy - this is a GREAT suggestion, thank you SO MUCH for sharing with us!
P.S - Your mom is a genius!
Thanks a lot for that I will put it at work
What a great idea. Thanks so much.
Ok, that is too funny, I was just about to suggest the Same thing. :)
Th for being such a great teacher.🌺
Thank you for another great video. I love to use my scraps to make hair bows. They only take a small square of fabric & they turn out so cute. I like making them to match the baby dresses & stuff that I make. Have a great day!
I absolutely love your tips and vlogs! Thank you. You rock!💕
Awww, thank you! 😘
Another advantage of cutting on the flat when using a large patterned fabric, is getting the layout of the printed pattern to suit what you are trying to achieve. Eg perfect symmetry of the pattern, avoiding awkward cuts in the printed pattern etc.
So very true! Thank you for bringing this up! ☺️
I’ve been making lots of baby stuff for my nephew, which is great for using scraps for toys, I over ordered a piece of loose tartan poly cotton fo some stockings, so I’ve made a waist coat and a dog Christmas coat for my assistance dog.
I enjoyed this so much I forgot what I went online for!! Extra bias tape is always great to have on hand!
Your comment gave me a chuckle and an "oh yeah" what was it I came to YT for?
Thank you, for sharing this information.
My tip may not work for everyone, but I make doll clothes out of my little fabric scraps. I have an American Girl Doll I dress up for fun, or I'll give the doll clothes I make to friend's kids. Depending on what fabric you use, and the fabric pattern, you dont always have to follow the grain line to a "T" with the doll clothes, as they dont need to fit the same way as our clothes do, so it's easier to fit the doll pattern into your leftover scraps.
Some great tips!! I especially like the idea to get an inexpensive fabric to make bias tape 🙂Thank you! Since I don’t like copying pattern pieces, I just refold the fabric to the width I need for those pieces and then layout and cut the rest flat!
Fab ideas...and also with the bias tape, if you use a specific fabric or 2, you are also co-ordinating your wardrobe....truly capsule! I've been looking out for a proper old-fashioned button shoulder pinafore dress pattern...I can't find one....but I think I might draft my own pattern thanks to you xx
Yes, great GREAT idea! So true, you know I love capsule wardrobes! Karen, you can do it - pinafore should not be too difficult! Exciting!
Great tips. Why didn't I think some before? Thank you. Threads are also good for stuffing and even less to throw away. There even excist some patterns with no or nearly no waste at cutting when you type in Zero Waste Pattern on Pinterest.
Thanks for the amazing tips
I use tape on the floor for 45 wide, 60 wide and lay out the pattern on the floor. I can switch layouts till I find the right one without inconveniencing anyone, including myself. I'll make a drawing or take a phone photo when I'm done, with notes,
to leave in the pattern envelope.
That’s what I do lol
Thankyou for posting this. I've only recently started sewing but I love it so much and yes I agree the material is where the money goes.
Melissa - welcome to the sewing world! It is great and so many resources, too! And yes, fabric can make a dent in your budget, for sure!
If I have wide fabric (54" or wider) I will sometimes fold one selvage in toward the center, just wide enough to cut the pattern piece that's meant to go on the fold. Then cut the other pieces out on the flat. And there is a way to cut bias tape without waste, if you're willing to mark the fabric properly.
Love your tips especially the one about saving fabric and cutting out your patterns.💗
Thank you, Elaine, I am happy to share what I use and how I use it! :)
Thank you
Great tips, you're a breath of fresh air!!😊
Such excellent clear directions
Great ideas 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Excellent video! Thanks!
i like where your coming from regarding saving on fabric. it took my husband 2 years to save up for a sewing machine for me. there was always something that busted and needed replacing or the boys needed new books for school ect... Now i find that fabric is so expensive so what do you do. i am trying to upcycle what i can. Thank you. x
Great tips thank you
I only use bedsheets and tablecloths from thrift stores lol
What a great idea!!! Oh my goodness... I'm new to sewing thanks for that.
I’ve always done that.
I agree very expensive, thank you for this video.
Great video, and I love the top you are wearing!
You are amazing. You definitely capture the attention of your viewers. I have just discovered your channel and I am inspired. I have been preparing myself to sew my own tops and hopefully be able to extend to shift dresses (my fave). By the way, I love the top your are wearing in this video.
Thank you so much for tips and advise. It has really helped me. Thanks to you, I have learnt to measure oneself and draft out a pattern. I was so happy to draft out may on pattern. I even sew two shirts for my girls. Thank you so much for the effort you put in to explain every detail.
Another idea for left over fabric... make quilts
Terrific Tips!
As someone who worked at Hobby Lobby, I got in trouble taking the time to help figure out how much fabric a customer needed. During those ‘slow’ times, I was supposed to be up and down ladders to rearrange the product in my or someone else’s department for the third or fourth time that year.
Aww that's too bad. I can see their point because you are saving the customer money since they want them to buy more. You're sweet for doing it though.
PamelaBarnes QuiltsByPamela Sadly, store managers don’t see it that way. They “say” customers are most important, but then they don’t care that you were helping customers. That tension is why they moved me from needlework/fabric to cashier and seasonal after 12 years doing what I loved. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I left. I saw it your way. It wasn’t just my store or company. It happens in all big box retail. Thank you for listening 🤔❤️🧵
My tip to yours: losing weight I was able to use less fabric. I hope to lose more. :)
How did you lose weight? I’ve had 2 weight lost surgeries and gave up so much? And walking doesn’t work well with my legs and knees. I’ve given up.
@@virginiarobertson978 Hi, I eat less cards : No sugar, bread, bakery, candy, ice cream, crackers, pasta, and so on. Seldom, ones a week , I eat small portion of root vegetables such as potato or beats.
I eat vegetables with protains mainly. And add some good fats: bacon, avocado, butter . I practice intermediate fasting from 6pm to 10am ( 12 am is better) . I feel that fasting and decreasing carbs help me at the most of the time . Activity is walking about 1 hour daily ( 2 hours is better)
For me too! Well done to us!
@@virginiarobertson978 I followed The Ultimate Weightloss Programme by Chef AJ. I never go hungry!
@Jennifer Rose Bruce scroll by....
I love all works Thanks a lot
Love the earrings! So fun!
Thanks! Made them as well :) from fringe that I bought at the fabric store :)
Cutting flat is also super useful for pattern matching, or pattern placement.
I need to make that top you're wearing ASAP!!
Hello there and welcome to the channel! :) Oh, that top... I love it! It is actually a free pattern and I have a whole video about it :)
@@ThoughtfulCreativity Thank you and yes!!!...already found that video during todays binge watch!
Great tips, would have never thought of them, thank you so much 😊
Great ideas
Fantastic tips and ideas, thank you.
Glad it was helpful, Carol! :)
Wow what great tips. Thank you so much. xx
Preach, Sista!!!
Great vlog! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching, Susan! :)
Thanks!
Saving all my little pieces for face masks.
I really like you.
Alisa, can you tell us how not to end up with a bad back after a sewing project? I always forget about posture when sewing.
Watching RUclips videos, I am always shocked how much fabric people waste fabric in tutorials, for anything to sew. So much waste, unless they plan on using those smaller scraps from not cutting out their patterns properly In the first place. I was lucky to learn from a seamstress of 40 years, how to save money and fabric. She is a large woman, tall and thick, she can make a collared buttoned up top and skorts out of 3 yards of fabric.
Anything smaller than 2.5” pieces, I do cut up into smaller pieces for stuffing. Anything 2.5” and more, I save for quilting or patch working kitchen items or bags.
If you already have the pattern, just lay it out at home and then you know how much yardage. Also, if you are in the habit of cutting out muslin and custom fitting your patterns, then you will also know what you need after customising. Buy the muslin by the bolt, then use the trimmings to stuff pillows, etc. No waste.
You can still cut on the fold just fold from the edge towards the centre only enough for the size of the pattern. This way you have the whole centre left. Hope this helps 😀
I want to start cutting on the flat. Is there a detailed tutorial? For instance do you have the fabric right side up or wrong side up? How do you know if pattern piece should be printed side up or down? I need a detailed tutorial, please. Thanks
Go ahead and type in Google "cutting fabric flat vs folded" and you will find a blog post from grainline studio and other helpful articles to help you with it!
I'm a quilter and new to garment sewing so I'm slightly confused. I follow the pattern layout guide and truly dont have have much left over. If it calls to cut a piece on the fold its always on an end so the fold is as narrow as the pattern piece so Im not sure how using full pieces would help you to buy less fabric. Im meticulous about grain line especially pajama pants (ask me about 4 pair I cut all over to save fabric and they all shortened int the wash). How much can actually be saved with this method? Thanks.
Pamela, hi! To answer your question - actually quite a bit, but of course it also depends on what pattern you are using, if it is the one with the sleeve - then yes, I can stack it like a puzzle and save quite a bit of fabric, if it is a sleeveless top without facing - then it is what it is, can't do much about it. From the leftover fabric (If I happen to have bought the fabric years before making the project, I struggle with my fabric stash and have been working on depleting it) then I make clothes for my toddler with what is leftover from cutting that way! With pants - can't always stack pants, it also depends on how wide your fabric is, so there are some factors involved, but here's a blog post on this topic with visuals to see how this method really saves on fabric - grainlinestudio.com/blogs/tips-tricks/cutting-fabric-folded-vs-flat
@@ThoughtfulCreativity I just read the article you gave me and now I understand. I'm a visual learner so seeing a photo is brilliant. Thank you!!
My pleasure, glad it was helpful!
Question: When cutting flat, you're still laying the pattern pieces correctly with the grainline, right?
Absolutely! Sometimes when you have a 4way stretch - you can get away with it and in some other situations, but yes, you should follow the pattern instructions!
Yeah i dont exactly understand why flat saves space vs on the fold, if you dont fold the fabric exactly in half - just the width required - shouldnt it have the same effect??? Im so confused.
What is the pattern of the shirt you are wearing in this video? very cute
Connie, self drafted and a tutorial is on my channel :) Thank you!
If you already have access to a laser cutter like at your library or community center or house, that can help you cut the pattern pieces as efficiently as possible on the fabric without it feeling like you are doing more work than cutting on the fold.
Can you make a pair of jeans please?
Buying cheap fabric turns out to be expensive
Sorry what do you mean by threaded patterns, basic bodice blocks? My mother language is not English
What about grainlines?
Grainline always stays as it is marked on the pattern, unless you need to cut on the bias. Cutting your pattern pieces flat instead of on the fold does not change the position of the grainline.
Use my extra to make quilts
Couldn't you trace your pattern on a fold, and unfold, so you have the full piece?
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Great info but lose those earrings....
I love all works Thanks a lot