Leena Norms you are litterally the attitude and hope that we all need to manifest for the world to be better. This attitude of not being upset and sitting in a corner but seeing a problem and recognizing that its there and then DOING something and starting with the woman in the mirror. Keep going you powerhouse joy-bundle of a woman.
Hey, saw your comment and I had to agree, that's also what I love about Leena's channel :) I recently red "The book of Hope", which is a sort of a discussion with Jane Goodall and cannot recommend this enough ! Actually @leenanorms I think you might love it too ! It's really about how she straight up look the terrible actions and consequences of human activities on the environnement and the wildlife especially while still getting strong reasons for hope to make a change through pratical behaviors and not just speeches. It is real and not naïve whilst heartwearming. Leena if you ever read it I'd love your review ❤
lots of African dress designs have long straps that can be tied in very different ways, so you can adjust how much skin you want to show and how tight you want to tie your dress. It's not only friendly to people that have weight fluctuations, but also makes every dress more versatile
I want to get into sewing but it seems like so many beginner projects/patterns are feminine items like skirts, dresses, ruffly tops etc., which I don't wear as a trans/nonbinary butch person. I would love a video about more androgynous/masculine pattern options! Adjustable clothing would be such a game changer for me as mass-produced clothing doesn't usually fit my body or gender expression
While beginner projects that are super simple can be great, going for a moderate pattern that more aligns with what you want to wear may actually turn out to be a better choice so you don't waste the effort on something you hate. Sewing pants isn't impossible and if you're careful and patient, you can probably figure it out, even as a total beginner. I would look for indie pattern makers since they are more likely to have videos and very detailed sewing instructions. The order I would probably recommend from easiest to hardest would be: 1. T-shirt (woven or knit) 2. Stretchy pants or shorts (elasticated waistband) 3. Button up (collars and button holes are fiddly but not impossible) 4. Trousers (non elasticated waistband) I'm a girlie kind of sewist and primarily stick to skirts and dresses so hopefully the list I gave covered most of the more masculine/non feminine basics
Fabrics-store has some great free patterns that are more classic like straight leg pants, boxy shirts and blouses and even jackets, with most of the examples on the site being made in linen
Ain't that a mood. I'd suggest the Papao wrap pants pattern for more masc-looking but adjustable trousers (I haven't made them yet but want to soon, they look great)
There's a video series by the stitchery (I dont know if there are patterns available), where she figures out adjustable trousers, which might give you somewhere to start: ruclips.net/video/vOtf7QriTlc/видео.htmlsi=tc10oMjeVIxuNCn8
Clotheing just stopped being a good fit several years ago. I went around thinking i'd just gotten too curvy. Then one day i needed a formal dress, and it had to be fairly high end. Went into the store and the assistant picked a selection of dresses in what i believed was my size . Every one of them was too loose. Then the manager came i with a measuring tape and brought in several brands of dresses that were three sizes smaller, which fit me perfectly. In fast fashion I'm plus size because of their cost cutting production methods. In reality, I'm in the petite category. Get professionally measured and sized ladies. Avoid cheap clothing.
I cannot explain how much I love the wrap dress with the wrap on the back. I'm a wheelchair user, and wrap dresses and skirts quickly get very racy if the wrap moves when you're sat down - which happens a lot! I thought I'd never have a wrap dress again! Thank you!!
Plus they don’t want us to have quality, functional, timeless, versatile clothing that we hang onto for years and never want or need to swap out. Whereas if something looks shabby/no longer fits we’re forced to buy a replacement. It does feel like more people are talking about/aware of fast fashion these days. Shein and temu aside- shopping secondhand/thrifting is seen as cool. The concept of creating & producing the exact garments you want is genius. Where should a beginner begin? Sign me up!
My favorite dress is a second-hand Kate Spade with shirring disguised as smocking. Someday, I'll get up the gumption to replicate it, but I've bought two that serve me well!
Actually, shirring is a really cheap production method. We are happy to use it in the fashion brand I work for. Problem is that it's not terribly popular, it doesn't sell very well. ( I personally find it chafing, itching and uncomfortable in every way) And it's also a technique that doesn't hold up very well with longtime wear, and cannot be repaired or replaced easily. So, not sustainable!
one thing i’ve been meaning to try in a sewing project is using buttonhole elastic to make a hidden adjustable waistband. i used to have pants like that as a kid and it seemed so smart! idk why more clothes don’t do that
Excellent suggestion! I have two pairs of denim shorts that have these and I am always so pleased to use them - I let the elastic out after a big meal :)
@@lasofi.mp4 it’s an elastic in the waist that has holes along it and a button to fasten to, so you can choose how stretched it is… can be seen in many baby pants (so they can be used a tiiiny bit longer, check pants in for example Polarn O. Pyret or some good baby clothes store for images)
I would a 1000x recommend those palazzo pants. I made a black linen pair that I get so many compliments on and I feel very comfortable wearing at work. I made another pair in a more drapey fabric and they have a whole other vibe. Also the pattern was so well written, I suck at patterns and I think with cutting and sewing it was like a 3-4 hour process
The challenge that I have set for myself this year is to take "fitted" patterns (easy to thrift) and convert them to more adjustable versions. I have severe bloating (a long term side effect from colon cancer treatment; I'm cancer free now) and my waist can vary by *several* inches on any given day. I can get 100% cotton sheets and curtain panels at the thrift store for $2 each, so I don't mind investing the time in playing with fit. Shirred panels, lacing panels, hidden elastic, and drawstrings are all techniques I've used. Right now I'm testing a pair of wide-leg shorts that have a zipper fly in the front and look very fitted at the waist and hips, but are being modified to have an elastic panel in the back to give me a little more ease.
I really struggle with bloating too! (Endo) Would love to know any tips you have. I struggle with elastic back items as I find they pull too much on the front and make me feel cut in half.
@@jamielou it often depends on the garment. A longer, narrower elastic (e.g. side-to-side) would be a little big at my smallest, but no where near max stretch at my largest. Rather than one wide (and often tight), use two thinner (with more stretch) in parallel channels. I have also played around with drawstring + elastic in a waist casing, so that I don't have to untie/retie.
Due to multiple GI conditions I have similar needs and I often think that this is a widespread yet hidden issue that the high street clothing chains fail to address. I find myself having to buy a size up and then deal with them being too loose on me at times - the older I get the less willing I am to put up with buying a smaller size and it being too tight a lot of the time. Sewing is not my forte, but I've got a great sewing shop near where I live and have started taking garments there to be altered, and that's been a real gamechanger, so I'll be thinking about these methods for the future.
I found elastic belts which have been really great. I can loosen and tighten them (obviously) but when I sit there’s some give so they don’t pinch me in the stomach too much when my IBS is giving me gip!
This !! I have a thin waist so I prefer a fitted look BUT I have GI issues which lead to bloating where if any pressure is applied, it makes me go dizzy or even faint, including elastics. I have loved when there are two flaps you attach to each other on pants through buttons or another attach and I usually put 2-3 buttons at varying lengths to adjust it throughout the day.
When sewing wovens, you can leave a larger seam allowence so you can take the seams out. Also, when patterns have several seams they are harder to sew but easier to fit.
I personally don't like elastics so much as they get old and break eventually - especially shirring! My favourite thing is to leave a full 3 cm seam allowance in the side seams and close those as late in the process as possible so that its just easy to add more fabric if needed!
Its possible to fix shirring by hand, its a bit time consuming though. Take an elastic thread and stitch it throught he loops of the old elastic. With that technique, I even do shirring by hand (its usually done with a sewing machine).
Fixing shirring would be a pain but the higher quality elastic I've used for my home sewing has outlasted anything store bought. I leave a 1cm gap when closing up the casing so I have a place to start unpicking if I need to replace it. And because I'm losing weight I pop a button hole on the inside waist and secure the elastic where I can access it. So if I need to adjust it I can just unpick one side and pull it to the appropriate size and tack it again.
The Coquelicot Skirt by Wildflower Design is a great option for a very adjustable skirt. Bonus points for having biiiiig pockets (that fit a modern phone!).
If you want to see that taken to the extreme, check out the split-side skirt series done by "The Stitchery". Actually, I highly recommend her channel regardless, but she takes adjustable clothing and "winging it" to new heights!
@@AmyMLevy I know! I love her videos and her split side skirt explorations were actually when I decided into the Coquelicot Skirt, since I do usually need a pattern at least to start with. Winging it completely would stress me out too much and I'd never get anything done ... or even started.
@@Purzel90439 I followed one of her tutorials using two circle skirt pieces, a super long tie attached to the front and lacing panels for the back. It worked really well (my husband loved the '50s vibe) and it even has pockets! I made it out of a red-and-white gingham duvet cover that I'd picked up for a couple of dollars. You'd never know it!
I highly recommend watching Nicole Rudolph's video on standardised sizing. Very informative and explains why neither clothes nor shoes have same sizing (the video references american sizing, but the sentiment is universal)
ah man I wish these designs weren't so groundbreaking 🥲 I def need more adjustable clothing!! also I think it's time for another Witton & Norms collab because your videos have been lining up really well lately hahah
I also wanted to suggest watching her videos, also because she doesn't use patterns, so if your budget is tight or you don't like to use patterns, it's a great resource!
Yes! I’m not a palazzo wearer (I’m short and they make me look like a toilet roll cover from the 70s), but I think Charlie’s method could be applied to any trousers with a side seam. Also let’s not forget the Coquelicot skirt (aka “the skirt that always fits”) from Wildflower Designs that a number of patterns and garments are derived from (either directly or indirectly).
Leena I can’t tell you how much this vid has altered my brain chemistry! The idea of getting your wardrobe to fit you rather than fitting your wardrobe. Could you do a video on sustainable and inclusive brands that can help towards this for those of us who aren’t strong sewers? 🤔
I recently bought a dress by City Chic, which is one of the better quality plus size shops I’ve found, and it had shirring/ elastic under the arms like that tank top. It was a revelation! It was possibly my favorite dress I have ever worn simply because it seemed like the people who made it actually cared and put a lot of thought into designing it and maybe even hoped I would feel good wearing it. So different from the norm. (Unfortunately, not every City Chic dress is this good, but they do okay for a sort of standard fast-ish fashion brand.)
Love this video idea! I’d like to add: as someone who has made several woven dresses with waist ties (they were about 2-3”/5-6 cm wide), it got really annoying to have to iron them after ever wash, and sometimes it would be uncomfortable having the tie/bow pressing against my back while sitting (like when driving, for example). I’ve since unpicked the side seams of all three dresses that had those ties and removed them. 🙃🤣 I’m not saying ties aren’t good for adjustability, I’m just sharing my experience and some things that others might want to consider when deciding what to make (I.e. thinking about the actual wear and maintenance of a garment, not just how it looks on the model or in the line drawing).
I feel you; I've had things that were really uncomfortable for exactly that reason. A hip bow can work in some cases - maybe for trousers that have a wider tie then it could be a style feature. I had a pair of linen trousers like that, where the wide tie produced a large bow on my stomach which I hated because I don't want attention drawn there. I ended up re-threading the tie through the belt loops so that it tied up to the side, and the length worked well. Not practical for all occasions of course (and I think if it's long enough to be grabbed by marauding cats or toddlers, or to get caught in an escalator if you trip, it's too long!) but it solved a problem with trousers I otherwise loved.
@@bioluminescentlyunfolding5716 That’s such a good point about ties being grabbed by toddlers/animals or caught on escalators! 😱 I hadn’t thought of that! Also such a good point about moving ties to the side when possible- unfortunately it wasn’t with my dresses, that’s why I removed them. 😭
I agree, I have 2 lovely dresses that tie in the back and they're just uncomfortable for whenever I lean back into anything, which is such a shame. That's why I really liked the dress that can tie in 4 ways, with 2 being at the side. I think I need to give that a go to see how much it would annoy me there. What I've seen in a lot of dungarees is to just have several buttons at hip height where you can then choose how tight you want it, makes them very versatile.
I clicked on this video faster than the speed of light. I'm currently wearing a charity shop dress (cute floral dress with frilly sleeves and buttons at the bust, super cute) that's actually maternity wear (NOT pregnant, just got a PCOS belly) because I give up with fast fashion sizing
You're video on flexible sized clothing has come in so handy for me - my body has changed drastically in 2 years thanks to peri-menipause. So I've realised adjustable is the way to go. I now look at my sewing patterns and think about what I can do to make it flexible. Just finished a fun circle skirt with a waist band I'd used on my kids clothes and an elastic back. Was a mathematical nightmare but I love the finished result! Can't wait to try some of these patterns.
I always just slip the dungaree straps on and off over my shoulders. Plus with them tied there's less risk of the straps falling in the toilet or dragging on the floor.
I'd love to learn to sew my own clothes one day! One thing I learned on the podcast "Articles of interest" that really changed my mindset is that ready to wear clothing is relatively new! Most people in the past would have made (or have my made for them) clothes specifically tailored to them!
Amy of Melbourne has a great skirt called the morana skirt, which has an adaptable version. She is passionate about providing size and ability inclusive patterns. I've bought a couple, and they come with great instructions, both printed and on RUclips. Absolutely would recommend!
Some great ideas here! I love the elastic in dungaree straps, that’s genius! I love the Kielo wrap dress for being totally adjustable and is really comfy. I think you can make it in knit or woven fabric. I also add elastic into the back waistbands of nearly all my trousers because they always gape there and it helps them become more adjustable. Baby clothes often come with adjustable elastic in them so they can grow with them, I wish adult clothes did too!
I love it when you get angry and give us these gems as a result! Those palazzo pants are definitely on my list now and I like the last dress with the four ties, but I'm not a dress person so I'll think about that one. Maybe I can use the concept in a blouse. Another pants option: Magic Pants by Ann Tilley. It has hidden elastic and side ties, big pockets, no zip. She has sew along video's on her youtube channel as well, with a guide to select the right size (which is still quite adjustable).
I came here to rave about Anne Tilly's magic pants!!!! I just made my very first pair, and the engineering in them is literally brilliant. They are THE perfect adjustable pants, that don't look like adjustable pants
I started the year intending to do a no buy year and I made it into September before I cracked. I started trying on the clothes that don’t get worn as often and realized a bunch of them didn’t fit or weren’t getting worn because they are uncomfortable. So I altered course a bit and allowed myself a 2 or 3 out to 1 in ratio and searched for clothes with some size flexibility that were also fun and would make me feel excited while doing a bit of a downer wardrobe clear out. Got some Lucy and Yak and also that Son De Flor wrap dress you showed a picture of as the quintessential wrap dress. I am planning on holding off buying anything else until January. Hoping the stuff I listed on Poshmark will sell in the meantime to help fund replacement clothes in the new year.
Hi Leena, have you seen the seen the concept of split sides? The garments are mostly build like 18th century petticoats, but it could be pants or skirts, even in dresses. The Stitchery has a whole playlist of making these. I think, they fit the bill of looking fitted and be super adjustable. The company Aulieude makes skirts like these, too. I haven't found a pattern yet, but actually a skirt like this should be really easy to make without one. :-)
Thank you so much for this! I don't know if I will ever get around to making any of the clothes you've shown, but hearing the message that my body is not weird or the wrong shape has done me a lot of good! I'm slim but have a tummy that sticks out a bit and I always just felt like my body must be wrong because I often felt so uncomfortable or unshapely in so many clothes.
Planned obsolescence has reached our closets... This is why second-hand shopping can be great, too. I am currently wearing my thrifted Spalding yoga pants and they are comfy af.
Oh no, now I have to add at least 5 more possible projects to my never ending list 😂 Love all these options, especially the multiple way tie dress you showed at the end. Such a great concept!
Ooh thank you for so much inspo! I'm particularly in love with the Two O Nine Tie Dress. My jaw actually dropped when you showed the second tying option! Will be buying this pattern ASAP and raiding my fabric stash 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
I'm in LOVE with these patterns! I can't really sew atm as there's literally no table space to put the sewing machine on, but once we move I will definitely try these! These pants, omg. I'm not a big dress fan, so they're right up my alley!
Socks have always been an issue for me. Always getting holes in the heal and the toe area. Instead of buying new ones I have now used the material from a sock too far gone for a repair to reinforce the heal and toe area of holey socks.
If you check out the stitchery here on RUclips, she has a whole tutorial on an adjustable skirt/pant pattern that utilizes ties! It also gives 2 MASSIVE pockets! Highly recommend!
This is such a thoughtfully put together collection. Thank you for doing this. I love the points you made about wovens and all the different ways we could be making our clothes work for us better.
So many gorgeous pattern ideas 🤤 Thank you for this sewing inspo! I've had mixed feelings about shirring because I worry that the panel will give out like a stretchy fabric, so I'm planning to try adding a honeycomb smock stitch panel to a dress for a similarly comfy and adaptable fit!
I made the Zadie jumpsuit last year in a flowy viscose and basically lived in it the past two summers. It's a great pattern and such a flattering jumpsuit. Recently I came across the Magic Pants by Ann Tilley and that pattern definitely peaked my interest. So many interesting patterns, so little sewing time!
I love sewing woven fabrics but having a walking foot and twin needles made the stretch much easier to sew. I also have a serger which is obviously a game changer.
Serger was such a game changer for me as a disabled sewist! It cut so much time in finishing garments and made my stretch garments so much longer lasting and comfortable to wear, not to mention really quick to sew. I absolutely love a stretch project now because it only takes me a day to make something!
Cried watching this. You told me something I didn't know I knew. And you've inspired me- I don't know how to sew, but now I'm saving this video for when I do. Thank you!!
Leena have you seen Ann Tilley’s Magic pants? They’re also supposed to be adjustable/fit you through weight fluctuations. It’s a paid pattern, so maybe not super accessible to everyone, but I’ve been dying to get it, will probably do so when I have more free time for sewing. What I love about that design is how the elastic/stretch aspect of it is hidden and they just look like regular, more tailored pants. I personally cannot stand elastic waistbands on clothing that’s supposed to be more tailored (I stopped buying Big Bud Press for that reason). Since I haven’t tried making it myself I can’t vouch for the quality or how good it is especially on the adjustability, but I though I would mention it in case you’ve never heard of it :)
I just made my first pair, and can definitely vouch for them! I'm normally useless with patterns, and really struggle. But Anne's RUclips and written instructions were very accessible. They look intimidating because the engineering is hectic, but these are my first ever pants, and though I got through them slowly, I had no issues. I wore them to work today and spent most of the day dancing to prove how comfy they are!!
Finally got around to this video, and you absolutely sold the last pattern to me. Those pants look heavenly, and I think I could even apply this pattern to some linen pants that I already own to improve their fit and look. As always, I love your energy and your attitude, thank you for sharing!
Awesome video! I would love to see more patterns for men that are adjustable, it's hard to find patterns for more masculine clothing that look nice, let alone for them to be adjustable! I'd love to make more clothes for myself but shirts and pants look quite challenging for my sewing level, I'm working on a crochet sweater tho, that seemed easier, but finding a pattern I like that was well explained was hard
Fellow woven girly here, but I must say that I have recently made friends with my mums overlocker (bought from lidl and she still hasn't tried it out 😂) and the trick to it?? Start with underwear, I have spent so much time getting frustrated with stretch but going to small fabric pieces so I felt like I wasn't wasting really helps.
Truth, I need colour more than ever in the winter. I had this moment many years ago, I was on a crowded train platform because of delays on a miserabe winter day, and i looked out over this sea of black and grey coats and hats and pants, everything. I decided there that I didn't want to be part of the gloom crowd so I would remove black as a staple from my wardrobe fully.
I love this! A couple of other patterns that are adjustable that I'm excited to make are the Mitchell Trousers from Closet Core and the Coquelicot Skirt by Wildflower Designs.
Also Anne Tilly's magic pants, and other patterns by Sasha Starlight. The dungarees are lovely and have adjustable side ties, as well as ties to help with bike riding
It started as just basic alterations for me. But it's now turned into making my own clothes. It's helped me develop a more objective relationship with my appearance, and it's given me so much freedom of expression.
Hi Leena! Just contributing some patterns that you may have missed (but I think should be included): Phen Wrap Pants by ready to sew - I’ve made these and they’re a serious statement piece Willow Dress by Cinnamon Daisy Studio - has modest little waist ties that look rly cute Peppermint wrap top - Is a FREE pattern!!!
the elastic on the back of dungaree straps is so smart!! I’m slowly working on upcycling some trifted ones and haven’t got to changing the straps yet. Now I’m glad I haven’t, so I can incorporate this ☺️
On the topic of woven fabrics. Sometimes a bit rougher (because it is tougher and more durable) however, often something like a cotton or a linen will get much softer as you wear and wash. ❤
I've made a few items of clothing in the past, one of which has shirring and I absolutely love it! Loved the video- when I'm buying clothes from secondhand shops and more ethical brands I'm definitely going to start consider more how the clothes can change with my body. Thanks Leena 😊
I’ve made the Sasha Starlight Side Tie Dungarees and I can tell you the pattern is fantastic! The instructions are wonderful and the product is great. I wear them all of the time. I feel like they’re flattering AND adjustable - everything I’d want in a pair of overalls. Highly recommend!
I'm so excited to hear that! I have the pattern but have felt a bit intimidated to make them. Sasha's videos are brilliant, but I've still been nervous
@@amiehamilton1840 I found that the instructions were great. I’m an audacious beginner sewist and was able to make them - i took it slow and really love the end result (I’m even hoping to make another pair sometime in the fall).
Thanks for all the recommendations, exactly what I need right now! I'm super short and my weight has fluctuated about 20 kg/44 pounds in the last years, up and down and up ... Though I love sewing (I've been sewing nearly all of my clothes for a few years), I'm a bit tired of constantly adjusting everything I own or making new things just to have anything to wear. My new favourite hack for adjustability (similar to the dungarees with elastics): A tunnel with drawstring at the waist - but with a piece of elastic in the middle of the string. I saw it at the Loring Dress from Cashmerette and it's such a great idea! An elastic band is comfy but if you gain or lose weight, you have to rip the seam and readjust the elastic. A drawstring is adjustable but less comfortable (for example when you are sitting down). A piece of elastic between two pieces of drawstring is invisible in the tunnel but combines the advantages of drawstrings and elastics. Love it! What I have recently seen in the shops: Linen tops/blouses with a panel of rib knit/elastic cuff fabric at the side. It's wonderful and I will definitely use this technique for my own makings! I love the feel and look of shirring. But the elastic can eventually get brittle and break and it's SO much work to repair that - not worth it for me (and I'm super sad about that).
For tied shoulders, bows are a life saver. No rush to untie, and I haven’t had them get too tight to undo. They do look a little odd if you’re wearing something over them thiugh
Awwww!!!! xxx Hi everyone!!!!!! I cut carbs for a few months... which caused my jeans to be too big.... so i heat blasted them... in a boil wash and high heat tumble! SSSSOOOOO HAPPY and grateful! Sending love oxoxooxoxo
Any blouse pattern that you love making can become a comfortable adjustable dress if you crop it and add a skirt at waist level and then add waist ties, similar to the deer&doe myosotis or the peppermint bardot.
The Zadie jumpsuit, especially in a cotton double gauze, is an enormous recommend from this sewer. Other unusual wrap favourites are the Kielo wrap dress from named patterns, you get to pretend to be a flying squirrel, and the Greta dungarees from made my wardrobe, which I now have 4 of! Another great category of adaptable patterns is ones that come in multiple cup sizes and heights. I love Charm patterns for cup range inclusivity!
This video was a huge inspiration! I am a skinny person and my weight doesn't fluctuate much, but I love the idea of clothes that are beautiful, comfortable and adjustable. I would love to see more videos from you about this, more tips, more patterns 🥰
I feel like this video was made for me, simply because I’ve been looking to find a dress pattern to replicate a dress I bought a few months ago and the one you are working on now is exactly what I’m looking for!! Thank you!
Just want to say as a non-beginning sewist I also hate working with most knits. I try to do very clean finishing and without owning a coverstitch machine I just don’t find myself happy with the result (though I do still have a small hoard of knit PJ shorts from all the attempts).
Thank you for this lovely video, my favourite was the dress that ties 4 ways! I've seen something similar recently and will hopefully soon start on making a dress like that, as I have a wonderful woven fabric that I got from the charity shop that is designated to be a nice dress. I can't wait. I also bought a lovely jersey which I've made my new favourite tank top out of. Sewing is really an amazing skill, and I love your inspirations! The best thing about slow fashion is that even if I only make about 2 or 3 pieces a year, as long as the rest of my wardrobe holds up I'm never out of clothes that I love.
Adjustable is great! I'd love to see you try and tackle the other side and try actually making something that IS made specifically for your body's dimensions and ratios - try using the lengthen/shorten lines on a pattern, make a full or small bust adjustment, bicep adjustment, forward shoulder adjustment, etc - whatever your body needs.
These options just expanded my project wish list exponentially. As for adjustability... Have you considered split side skirts? Ultimate adjustability, plus lots of room for pockets. There's a pattern out there called the coquelicot, but Charlie from The Stitchery has made lots of split side options based on your measurements instead of needing a pattern. My intermediate squirrel-brain managed fine with a 3/4 circle skirt version. Definitely advisable, and I for one am already thinking of how I can incorporate the split side design with other things I want to make next.
I found knits easier when I was a beginner. It is much more forgiving of mistakes, if the edges don't fully match you can just stretch one side to fit it in, and there is more flexibility in the selecting of the sizing and it actually fitting when done.
Have you seen the coquelicot skirt pattern?? It takes inspiration from historical designs to make it widely adjustable and with pockets. Highly recommend looking it up!
Just want to hop on here to reassure people. I started sewing with knit fabrics and still find it easier than wovens as it’s much more forgiving so if you’re cutting isn’t 100% accurate you can still smoosh things together and it’ll mostly work. Also there’s a big range in quality same as with wovens so it really just depends where you source your fabric from whether it’ll hold up or not. Lots of good, high quality UK fabric shops around that will help you find the right fabric for your project. Ponte Roma and French terry are nice and stable as a starting point
I bought the Hughes Dress pattern by Friday Pattern company which is adjustable in the back. I love fitted dresses but it's nice to be able to wear it a little looser when needed! I can't wait to make it
Hoping we get a Jane Austen dress video or a thorough shout out in a festival video. Would have loved to have gone this year but I instead got married! Hoping to make it to Bath next September ☺️
The Frida skirt from Schultzapparel is a really interesting wrap design and she has a YT tutorial and a free pattern available. The pattern will tell you how to adjust according to what you like but also how to adjust the skirt during the day or as your body changes. It's beginner friendly or at least it was for me, would definitely recommend it to those just starting out with patterns and maybe reluctant to buy patterns at this stage if you're not sure you will be able to make the garment.
Woven fabrics are definitely easier to cut and sew. And it's so easy to get a hole in jersey fabric if you use the wrong needle or pin. It's really not beginner friendly. Or friendly in general.
I have a pair of pants from Uniqlo that have tabs on either side with multiple buttonholes that you can use to adjust the waistband! I'm especially intrigued by this design element because it seems like something that could be relatively easily added to an existing garment, and camouflaged if using a similar colored/patterned fabric.
I would LOVE if you could do more videos like this, I love making clothes and supporting small businesses, but it is so hard sifting through all the patterns! THANK YOU
Loved the recommendations, definitely out of the box of what we think of as adjustable clothing! I've been creating a list of my own and one pattern I am super interested in trying is "Magic Pants", I haven't seen a solution like that in any pants yet!
Leena Norms you are litterally the attitude and hope that we all need to manifest for the world to be better. This attitude of not being upset and sitting in a corner but seeing a problem and recognizing that its there and then DOING something and starting with the woman in the mirror. Keep going you powerhouse joy-bundle of a woman.
Hey, saw your comment and I had to agree, that's also what I love about Leena's channel :) I recently red "The book of Hope", which is a sort of a discussion with Jane Goodall and cannot recommend this enough ! Actually @leenanorms I think you might love it too ! It's really about how she straight up look the terrible actions and consequences of human activities on the environnement and the wildlife especially while still getting strong reasons for hope to make a change through pratical behaviors and not just speeches. It is real and not naïve whilst heartwearming. Leena if you ever read it I'd love your review ❤
this is so true, thanks for putting is so nicely!
lots of African dress designs have long straps that can be tied in very different ways, so you can adjust how much skin you want to show and how tight you want to tie your dress. It's not only friendly to people that have weight fluctuations, but also makes every dress more versatile
I want to get into sewing but it seems like so many beginner projects/patterns are feminine items like skirts, dresses, ruffly tops etc., which I don't wear as a trans/nonbinary butch person. I would love a video about more androgynous/masculine pattern options! Adjustable clothing would be such a game changer for me as mass-produced clothing doesn't usually fit my body or gender expression
Paper theory do a pattern called LB pullover. I'd really recommend it. I found it a really easy make (just make sure the fabric is none stretch).
While beginner projects that are super simple can be great, going for a moderate pattern that more aligns with what you want to wear may actually turn out to be a better choice so you don't waste the effort on something you hate. Sewing pants isn't impossible and if you're careful and patient, you can probably figure it out, even as a total beginner. I would look for indie pattern makers since they are more likely to have videos and very detailed sewing instructions.
The order I would probably recommend from easiest to hardest would be:
1. T-shirt (woven or knit)
2. Stretchy pants or shorts (elasticated waistband)
3. Button up (collars and button holes are fiddly but not impossible)
4. Trousers (non elasticated waistband)
I'm a girlie kind of sewist and primarily stick to skirts and dresses so hopefully the list I gave covered most of the more masculine/non feminine basics
Fabrics-store has some great free patterns that are more classic like straight leg pants, boxy shirts and blouses and even jackets, with most of the examples on the site being made in linen
Ain't that a mood. I'd suggest the Papao wrap pants pattern for more masc-looking but adjustable trousers (I haven't made them yet but want to soon, they look great)
There's a video series by the stitchery (I dont know if there are patterns available), where she figures out adjustable trousers, which might give you somewhere to start:
ruclips.net/video/vOtf7QriTlc/видео.htmlsi=tc10oMjeVIxuNCn8
Clotheing just stopped being a good fit several years ago. I went around thinking i'd just gotten too curvy. Then one day i needed a formal dress, and it had to be fairly high end. Went into the store and the assistant picked a selection of dresses in what i believed was my size . Every one of them was too loose. Then the manager came i with a measuring tape and brought in several brands of dresses that were three sizes smaller, which fit me perfectly. In fast fashion I'm plus size because of their cost cutting production methods. In reality, I'm in the petite category. Get professionally measured and sized ladies. Avoid cheap clothing.
I cannot explain how much I love the wrap dress with the wrap on the back. I'm a wheelchair user, and wrap dresses and skirts quickly get very racy if the wrap moves when you're sat down - which happens a lot! I thought I'd never have a wrap dress again! Thank you!!
Shirring is great and so underrated! I don’t know why more clothes don’t come with it. But then again I know why. It’s cheaper to make it without
Yeah totally, anything that takes a smidge longer isn’t worth it to them 👎
Plus they don’t want us to have quality, functional, timeless, versatile clothing that we hang onto for years and never want or need to swap out. Whereas if something looks shabby/no longer fits we’re forced to buy a replacement. It does feel like more people are talking about/aware of fast fashion these days. Shein and temu aside- shopping secondhand/thrifting is seen as cool. The concept of creating & producing the exact garments you want is genius. Where should a beginner begin? Sign me up!
My favorite dress is a second-hand Kate Spade with shirring disguised as smocking. Someday, I'll get up the gumption to replicate it, but I've bought two that serve me well!
@@GrungeGalactica the real reason
Actually, shirring is a really cheap production method. We are happy to use it in the fashion brand I work for. Problem is that it's not terribly popular, it doesn't sell very well. ( I personally find it chafing, itching and uncomfortable in every way) And it's also a technique that doesn't hold up very well with longtime wear, and cannot be repaired or replaced easily. So, not sustainable!
one thing i’ve been meaning to try in a sewing project is using buttonhole elastic to make a hidden adjustable waistband. i used to have pants like that as a kid and it seemed so smart! idk why more clothes don’t do that
Was thinking the same looking at this exact thing in my little boys pants!
Excellent suggestion! I have two pairs of denim shorts that have these and I am always so pleased to use them - I let the elastic out after a big meal :)
What’s buttonhole elastic?
I forgot about buttonhole elastics! I had the same in a pair of trousers as a child and they were great!
@@lasofi.mp4 it’s an elastic in the waist that has holes along it and a button to fasten to, so you can choose how stretched it is… can be seen in many baby pants (so they can be used a tiiiny bit longer, check pants in for example Polarn O. Pyret or some good baby clothes store for images)
I would a 1000x recommend those palazzo pants. I made a black linen pair that I get so many compliments on and I feel very comfortable wearing at work. I made another pair in a more drapey fabric and they have a whole other vibe. Also the pattern was so well written, I suck at patterns and I think with cutting and sewing it was like a 3-4 hour process
The challenge that I have set for myself this year is to take "fitted" patterns (easy to thrift) and convert them to more adjustable versions. I have severe bloating (a long term side effect from colon cancer treatment; I'm cancer free now) and my waist can vary by *several* inches on any given day. I can get 100% cotton sheets and curtain panels at the thrift store for $2 each, so I don't mind investing the time in playing with fit. Shirred panels, lacing panels, hidden elastic, and drawstrings are all techniques I've used. Right now I'm testing a pair of wide-leg shorts that have a zipper fly in the front and look very fitted at the waist and hips, but are being modified to have an elastic panel in the back to give me a little more ease.
I really struggle with bloating too! (Endo) Would love to know any tips you have. I struggle with elastic back items as I find they pull too much on the front and make me feel cut in half.
@@jamielou it often depends on the garment. A longer, narrower elastic (e.g. side-to-side) would be a little big at my smallest, but no where near max stretch at my largest. Rather than one wide (and often tight), use two thinner (with more stretch) in parallel channels. I have also played around with drawstring + elastic in a waist casing, so that I don't have to untie/retie.
Due to multiple GI conditions I have similar needs and I often think that this is a widespread yet hidden issue that the high street clothing chains fail to address. I find myself having to buy a size up and then deal with them being too loose on me at times - the older I get the less willing I am to put up with buying a smaller size and it being too tight a lot of the time. Sewing is not my forte, but I've got a great sewing shop near where I live and have started taking garments there to be altered, and that's been a real gamechanger, so I'll be thinking about these methods for the future.
I found elastic belts which have been really great. I can loosen and tighten them (obviously) but when I sit there’s some give so they don’t pinch me in the stomach too much when my IBS is giving me gip!
This !! I have a thin waist so I prefer a fitted look BUT I have GI issues which lead to bloating where if any pressure is applied, it makes me go dizzy or even faint, including elastics. I have loved when there are two flaps you attach to each other on pants through buttons or another attach and I usually put 2-3 buttons at varying lengths to adjust it throughout the day.
When sewing wovens, you can leave a larger seam allowence so you can take the seams out. Also, when patterns have several seams they are harder to sew but easier to fit.
I do this when I’m taking in thrift finds so I have options!
I personally don't like elastics so much as they get old and break eventually - especially shirring! My favourite thing is to leave a full 3 cm seam allowance in the side seams and close those as late in the process as possible so that its just easy to add more fabric if needed!
Its possible to fix shirring by hand, its a bit time consuming though. Take an elastic thread and stitch it throught he loops of the old elastic. With that technique, I even do shirring by hand (its usually done with a sewing machine).
Fixing shirring would be a pain but the higher quality elastic I've used for my home sewing has outlasted anything store bought. I leave a 1cm gap when closing up the casing so I have a place to start unpicking if I need to replace it. And because I'm losing weight I pop a button hole on the inside waist and secure the elastic where I can access it. So if I need to adjust it I can just unpick one side and pull it to the appropriate size and tack it again.
The Coquelicot Skirt by Wildflower Design is a great option for a very adjustable skirt. Bonus points for having biiiiig pockets (that fit a modern phone!).
If you want to see that taken to the extreme, check out the split-side skirt series done by "The Stitchery". Actually, I highly recommend her channel regardless, but she takes adjustable clothing and "winging it" to new heights!
@@AmyMLevy I know! I love her videos and her split side skirt explorations were actually when I decided into the Coquelicot Skirt, since I do usually need a pattern at least to start with. Winging it completely would stress me out too much and I'd never get anything done ... or even started.
@@Purzel90439 I followed one of her tutorials using two circle skirt pieces, a super long tie attached to the front and lacing panels for the back. It worked really well (my husband loved the '50s vibe) and it even has pockets! I made it out of a red-and-white gingham duvet cover that I'd picked up for a couple of dollars. You'd never know it!
@@AmyMLevy Yessssss, absolutely! I used her video to make myself a pair of adjustable wide-legged shorts, I really like the result
I highly recommend watching Nicole Rudolph's video on standardised sizing. Very informative and explains why neither clothes nor shoes have same sizing (the video references american sizing, but the sentiment is universal)
ah man I wish these designs weren't so groundbreaking 🥲 I def need more adjustable clothing!! also I think it's time for another Witton & Norms collab because your videos have been lining up really well lately hahah
Hhaha yes! And yeah I know some of them seem so simple but since I have been starved of good design I’m in awe!
The stitchery has a whole bunch of videos on split-side-skirts and other split-side pieces of clothing, which are also great for adjustability!
I bloody love her obsession with split side garments. The amount if swoosh is amazing.
I also wanted to suggest watching her videos, also because she doesn't use patterns, so if your budget is tight or you don't like to use patterns, it's a great resource!
Yes! I’m not a palazzo wearer (I’m short and they make me look like a toilet roll cover from the 70s), but I think Charlie’s method could be applied to any trousers with a side seam.
Also let’s not forget the Coquelicot skirt (aka “the skirt that always fits”) from Wildflower Designs that a number of patterns and garments are derived from (either directly or indirectly).
I bloody love everything about her, she's my twin!
Leena I can’t tell you how much this vid has altered my brain chemistry! The idea of getting your wardrobe to fit you rather than fitting your wardrobe. Could you do a video on sustainable and inclusive brands that can help towards this for those of us who aren’t strong sewers? 🤔
Was coming on to say the same thing :)
I recently bought a dress by City Chic, which is one of the better quality plus size shops I’ve found, and it had shirring/ elastic under the arms like that tank top. It was a revelation! It was possibly my favorite dress I have ever worn simply because it seemed like the people who made it actually cared and put a lot of thought into designing it and maybe even hoped I would feel good wearing it. So different from the norm. (Unfortunately, not every City Chic dress is this good, but they do okay for a sort of standard fast-ish fashion brand.)
Ouh I have recently bought a pattern for the adjustable business pants by Ann Tilley "Magic pants". I think they could be included 🤗💕
Love this video idea! I’d like to add: as someone who has made several woven dresses with waist ties (they were about 2-3”/5-6 cm wide), it got really annoying to have to iron them after ever wash, and sometimes it would be uncomfortable having the tie/bow pressing against my back while sitting (like when driving, for example). I’ve since unpicked the side seams of all three dresses that had those ties and removed them. 🙃🤣 I’m not saying ties aren’t good for adjustability, I’m just sharing my experience and some things that others might want to consider when deciding what to make (I.e. thinking about the actual wear and maintenance of a garment, not just how it looks on the model or in the line drawing).
I agree so much about the tie thing!
I feel you; I've had things that were really uncomfortable for exactly that reason. A hip bow can work in some cases - maybe for trousers that have a wider tie then it could be a style feature. I had a pair of linen trousers like that, where the wide tie produced a large bow on my stomach which I hated because I don't want attention drawn there. I ended up re-threading the tie through the belt loops so that it tied up to the side, and the length worked well. Not practical for all occasions of course (and I think if it's long enough to be grabbed by marauding cats or toddlers, or to get caught in an escalator if you trip, it's too long!) but it solved a problem with trousers I otherwise loved.
@@bioluminescentlyunfolding5716 That’s such a good point about ties being grabbed by toddlers/animals or caught on escalators! 😱 I hadn’t thought of that! Also such a good point about moving ties to the side when possible- unfortunately it wasn’t with my dresses, that’s why I removed them. 😭
I agree, I have 2 lovely dresses that tie in the back and they're just uncomfortable for whenever I lean back into anything, which is such a shame. That's why I really liked the dress that can tie in 4 ways, with 2 being at the side. I think I need to give that a go to see how much it would annoy me there.
What I've seen in a lot of dungarees is to just have several buttons at hip height where you can then choose how tight you want it, makes them very versatile.
I usually end up ironing waist ties with my hair straighteners 😂
I clicked on this video faster than the speed of light. I'm currently wearing a charity shop dress (cute floral dress with frilly sleeves and buttons at the bust, super cute) that's actually maternity wear (NOT pregnant, just got a PCOS belly) because I give up with fast fashion sizing
wait this is such a good idea, I should buy maternity stuff for my PCOS belly
You're video on flexible sized clothing has come in so handy for me - my body has changed drastically in 2 years thanks to peri-menipause. So I've realised adjustable is the way to go. I now look at my sewing patterns and think about what I can do to make it flexible. Just finished a fun circle skirt with a waist band I'd used on my kids clothes and an elastic back. Was a mathematical nightmare but I love the finished result! Can't wait to try some of these patterns.
You will absolutely not regret making the Palazzo pants! They were my first trousers and I adore them. Super simple but they look super classy
I always just slip the dungaree straps on and off over my shoulders. Plus with them tied there's less risk of the straps falling in the toilet or dragging on the floor.
I'd love to learn to sew my own clothes one day! One thing I learned on the podcast "Articles of interest" that really changed my mindset is that ready to wear clothing is relatively new! Most people in the past would have made (or have my made for them) clothes specifically tailored to them!
I love Articles of Interest so much! I recommend it to everyone but I'm not sure if I've convinced anyone to listen to it haha
I love how many of these are adaptive/accessible for wheelchair users as well! Good grief so many trousers are not made for sitting down.
Amy of Melbourne has a great skirt called the morana skirt, which has an adaptable version. She is passionate about providing size and ability inclusive patterns. I've bought a couple, and they come with great instructions, both printed and on RUclips. Absolutely would recommend!
I once made a dress from a pattern that used woven material that was cut on a bias to allow a bit of stretch. My mind was blown.
Some great ideas here! I love the elastic in dungaree straps, that’s genius! I love the Kielo wrap dress for being totally adjustable and is really comfy. I think you can make it in knit or woven fabric. I also add elastic into the back waistbands of nearly all my trousers because they always gape there and it helps them become more adjustable. Baby clothes often come with adjustable elastic in them so they can grow with them, I wish adult clothes did too!
7:11 such a great point about the mendability of repairing a bit of elastic vs stretch fabrics
I love it when you get angry and give us these gems as a result! Those palazzo pants are definitely on my list now and I like the last dress with the four ties, but I'm not a dress person so I'll think about that one. Maybe I can use the concept in a blouse.
Another pants option: Magic Pants by Ann Tilley. It has hidden elastic and side ties, big pockets, no zip. She has sew along video's on her youtube channel as well, with a guide to select the right size (which is still quite adjustable).
I was going to recommend the Magic Pants aswell! Haven't tried it myself yet, but they look so nice 😍
I came here to rave about Anne Tilly's magic pants!!!! I just made my very first pair, and the engineering in them is literally brilliant. They are THE perfect adjustable pants, that don't look like adjustable pants
I started the year intending to do a no buy year and I made it into September before I cracked. I started trying on the clothes that don’t get worn as often and realized a bunch of them didn’t fit or weren’t getting worn because they are uncomfortable. So I altered course a bit and allowed myself a 2 or 3 out to 1 in ratio and searched for clothes with some size flexibility that were also fun and would make me feel excited while doing a bit of a downer wardrobe clear out. Got some Lucy and Yak and also that Son De Flor wrap dress you showed a picture of as the quintessential wrap dress. I am planning on holding off buying anything else until January. Hoping the stuff I listed on Poshmark will sell in the meantime to help fund replacement clothes in the new year.
Hi Leena, have you seen the seen the concept of split sides? The garments are mostly build like 18th century petticoats, but it could be pants or skirts, even in dresses. The Stitchery has a whole playlist of making these. I think, they fit the bill of looking fitted and be super adjustable. The company Aulieude makes skirts like these, too. I haven't found a pattern yet, but actually a skirt like this should be really easy to make without one. :-)
Thank you so much for this! I don't know if I will ever get around to making any of the clothes you've shown, but hearing the message that my body is not weird or the wrong shape has done me a lot of good! I'm slim but have a tummy that sticks out a bit and I always just felt like my body must be wrong because I often felt so uncomfortable or unshapely in so many clothes.
Planned obsolescence has reached our closets... This is why second-hand shopping can be great, too. I am currently wearing my thrifted Spalding yoga pants and they are comfy af.
Oh no, now I have to add at least 5 more possible projects to my never ending list 😂 Love all these options, especially the multiple way tie dress you showed at the end. Such a great concept!
Yeah I am also dealing with a list longer than my human life. An embarrassment of riches, let’s get sewing!
Ooh thank you for so much inspo! I'm particularly in love with the Two O Nine Tie Dress. My jaw actually dropped when you showed the second tying option! Will be buying this pattern ASAP and raiding my fabric stash 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
I know very little about sewing, and appreciate all that I learn from your videos about sewing and fashion!
I'm in LOVE with these patterns! I can't really sew atm as there's literally no table space to put the sewing machine on, but once we move I will definitely try these! These pants, omg. I'm not a big dress fan, so they're right up my alley!
Socks have always been an issue for me. Always getting holes in the heal and the toe area. Instead of buying new ones I have now used the material from a sock too far gone for a repair to reinforce the heal and toe area of holey socks.
If you check out the stitchery here on RUclips, she has a whole tutorial on an adjustable skirt/pant pattern that utilizes ties! It also gives 2 MASSIVE pockets! Highly recommend!
This is such a thoughtfully put together collection. Thank you for doing this. I love the points you made about wovens and all the different ways we could be making our clothes work for us better.
So many gorgeous pattern ideas 🤤 Thank you for this sewing inspo!
I've had mixed feelings about shirring because I worry that the panel will give out like a stretchy fabric, so I'm planning to try adding a honeycomb smock stitch panel to a dress for a similarly comfy and adaptable fit!
The one-size fits all corporate monoculture speak that says skinny is Plato's ideal. Homogeneity trumps (no pun intended) heterogeneity
The irony that an ASOS sponsored ad popped up while I was trying to watch this 😬
I made the Zadie jumpsuit last year in a flowy viscose and basically lived in it the past two summers. It's a great pattern and such a flattering jumpsuit. Recently I came across the Magic Pants by Ann Tilley and that pattern definitely peaked my interest. So many interesting patterns, so little sewing time!
I love sewing woven fabrics but having a walking foot and twin needles made the stretch much easier to sew.
I also have a serger which is obviously a game changer.
Serger was such a game changer for me as a disabled sewist! It cut so much time in finishing garments and made my stretch garments so much longer lasting and comfortable to wear, not to mention really quick to sew. I absolutely love a stretch project now because it only takes me a day to make something!
I lengthened a pair of trousers after watching your modifying clothes video and I love them! You gave me the confidence to do it!
I think you just convinced me to start sewing again!
Cried watching this. You told me something I didn't know I knew. And you've inspired me- I don't know how to sew, but now I'm saving this video for when I do. Thank you!!
Leena have you seen Ann Tilley’s Magic pants? They’re also supposed to be adjustable/fit you through weight fluctuations. It’s a paid pattern, so maybe not super accessible to everyone, but I’ve been dying to get it, will probably do so when I have more free time for sewing. What I love about that design is how the elastic/stretch aspect of it is hidden and they just look like regular, more tailored pants. I personally cannot stand elastic waistbands on clothing that’s supposed to be more tailored (I stopped buying Big Bud Press for that reason).
Since I haven’t tried making it myself I can’t vouch for the quality or how good it is especially on the adjustability, but I though I would mention it in case you’ve never heard of it :)
I just made my first pair, and can definitely vouch for them! I'm normally useless with patterns, and really struggle. But Anne's RUclips and written instructions were very accessible. They look intimidating because the engineering is hectic, but these are my first ever pants, and though I got through them slowly, I had no issues. I wore them to work today and spent most of the day dancing to prove how comfy they are!!
I have just watched the sew along for Ann Tilley Magic Pants. I think they are worth you checking out😃😃
I was just going to shout these out! I just got my pattern and I’m so excited to make them.
@@readergonerogueso here for the Anne Tilly magic pants fandom 😂 I just made my first pair and REFUSE to stop talking about (and dancing in) them
Finally got around to this video, and you absolutely sold the last pattern to me. Those pants look heavenly, and I think I could even apply this pattern to some linen pants that I already own to improve their fit and look. As always, I love your energy and your attitude, thank you for sharing!
Awesome video! I would love to see more patterns for men that are adjustable, it's hard to find patterns for more masculine clothing that look nice, let alone for them to be adjustable! I'd love to make more clothes for myself but shirts and pants look quite challenging for my sewing level, I'm working on a crochet sweater tho, that seemed easier, but finding a pattern I like that was well explained was hard
Fellow woven girly here, but I must say that I have recently made friends with my mums overlocker (bought from lidl and she still hasn't tried it out 😂) and the trick to it?? Start with underwear, I have spent so much time getting frustrated with stretch but going to small fabric pieces so I felt like I wasn't wasting really helps.
Daughter (13yrs) made the dress with four ties and it's amazing! Didn't take her very long and it's such a lovely shape. Def recommend.
Truth, I need colour more than ever in the winter. I had this moment many years ago, I was on a crowded train platform because of delays on a miserabe winter day, and i looked out over this sea of black and grey coats and hats and pants, everything. I decided there that I didn't want to be part of the gloom crowd so I would remove black as a staple from my wardrobe fully.
I love this! A couple of other patterns that are adjustable that I'm excited to make are the Mitchell Trousers from Closet Core and the Coquelicot Skirt by Wildflower Designs.
Also Anne Tilly's magic pants, and other patterns by Sasha Starlight. The dungarees are lovely and have adjustable side ties, as well as ties to help with bike riding
It started as just basic alterations for me. But it's now turned into making my own clothes. It's helped me develop a more objective relationship with my appearance, and it's given me so much freedom of expression.
Hi Leena! Just contributing some patterns that you may have missed (but I think should be included):
Phen Wrap Pants by ready to sew - I’ve made these and they’re a serious statement piece
Willow Dress by Cinnamon Daisy Studio - has modest little waist ties that look rly cute
Peppermint wrap top - Is a FREE pattern!!!
the elastic on the back of dungaree straps is so smart!! I’m slowly working on upcycling some trifted ones and haven’t got to changing the straps yet. Now I’m glad I haven’t, so I can incorporate this ☺️
On the topic of woven fabrics. Sometimes a bit rougher (because it is tougher and more durable) however, often something like a cotton or a linen will get much softer as you wear and wash. ❤
I saw Carly B make "magic pants" and I really want to try them.
Honestly, do it! They are brilliant. Just debuted my first pair and they are officially the best thing I own now 😅
I've made a few items of clothing in the past, one of which has shirring and I absolutely love it! Loved the video- when I'm buying clothes from secondhand shops and more ethical brands I'm definitely going to start consider more how the clothes can change with my body. Thanks Leena 😊
I’ve made the Sasha Starlight Side Tie Dungarees and I can tell you the pattern is fantastic! The instructions are wonderful and the product is great. I wear them all of the time. I feel like they’re flattering AND adjustable - everything I’d want in a pair of overalls. Highly recommend!
I'm so excited to hear that! I have the pattern but have felt a bit intimidated to make them. Sasha's videos are brilliant, but I've still been nervous
@@amiehamilton1840 I found that the instructions were great. I’m an audacious beginner sewist and was able to make them - i took it slow and really love the end result (I’m even hoping to make another pair sometime in the fall).
Love that you mentioned breastfeeding! Thank you for being inclusive in so many different ways 😊
Thanks for all the recommendations, exactly what I need right now! I'm super short and my weight has fluctuated about 20 kg/44 pounds in the last years, up and down and up ... Though I love sewing (I've been sewing nearly all of my clothes for a few years), I'm a bit tired of constantly adjusting everything I own or making new things just to have anything to wear.
My new favourite hack for adjustability (similar to the dungarees with elastics): A tunnel with drawstring at the waist - but with a piece of elastic in the middle of the string. I saw it at the Loring Dress from Cashmerette and it's such a great idea! An elastic band is comfy but if you gain or lose weight, you have to rip the seam and readjust the elastic. A drawstring is adjustable but less comfortable (for example when you are sitting down). A piece of elastic between two pieces of drawstring is invisible in the tunnel but combines the advantages of drawstrings and elastics. Love it!
What I have recently seen in the shops: Linen tops/blouses with a panel of rib knit/elastic cuff fabric at the side. It's wonderful and I will definitely use this technique for my own makings!
I love the feel and look of shirring. But the elastic can eventually get brittle and break and it's SO much work to repair that - not worth it for me (and I'm super sad about that).
I made the tie dress as my second ever sewing project and I loved it! The instructions are so clear + there is a follow along video.
For tied shoulders, bows are a life saver. No rush to untie, and I haven’t had them get too tight to undo. They do look a little odd if you’re wearing something over them thiugh
Awwww!!!! xxx
Hi everyone!!!!!! I cut carbs for a few months... which caused my jeans to be too big.... so i heat blasted them... in a boil wash and high heat tumble! SSSSOOOOO HAPPY and grateful! Sending love oxoxooxoxo
Any blouse pattern that you love making can become a comfortable adjustable dress if you crop it and add a skirt at waist level and then add waist ties, similar to the deer&doe myosotis or the peppermint bardot.
The Zadie jumpsuit, especially in a cotton double gauze, is an enormous recommend from this sewer. Other unusual wrap favourites are the Kielo wrap dress from named patterns, you get to pretend to be a flying squirrel, and the Greta dungarees from made my wardrobe, which I now have 4 of! Another great category of adaptable patterns is ones that come in multiple cup sizes and heights. I love Charm patterns for cup range inclusivity!
I don’t currently sew, but I knit; I love being able to make a sweater that fits my body.
This video was a huge inspiration! I am a skinny person and my weight doesn't fluctuate much, but I love the idea of clothes that are beautiful, comfortable and adjustable. I would love to see more videos from you about this, more tips, more patterns 🥰
I feel like this video was made for me, simply because I’ve been looking to find a dress pattern to replicate a dress I bought a few months ago and the one you are working on now is exactly what I’m looking for!! Thank you!
Just want to say as a non-beginning sewist I also hate working with most knits. I try to do very clean finishing and without owning a coverstitch machine I just don’t find myself happy with the result (though I do still have a small hoard of knit PJ shorts from all the attempts).
I love that back wrap dress - just hate the the cord tying around me as it cuts in. You can adjust it to a back/side tie.
Thank you for this lovely video, my favourite was the dress that ties 4 ways! I've seen something similar recently and will hopefully soon start on making a dress like that, as I have a wonderful woven fabric that I got from the charity shop that is designated to be a nice dress. I can't wait. I also bought a lovely jersey which I've made my new favourite tank top out of. Sewing is really an amazing skill, and I love your inspirations! The best thing about slow fashion is that even if I only make about 2 or 3 pieces a year, as long as the rest of my wardrobe holds up I'm never out of clothes that I love.
OMG! Thank you! I have been scouring the vintage patterns for a back wrap dress. I'm getting that Jade pattern ASAP!
Adjustable is great! I'd love to see you try and tackle the other side and try actually making something that IS made specifically for your body's dimensions and ratios - try using the lengthen/shorten lines on a pattern, make a full or small bust adjustment, bicep adjustment, forward shoulder adjustment, etc - whatever your body needs.
These options just expanded my project wish list exponentially. As for adjustability... Have you considered split side skirts? Ultimate adjustability, plus lots of room for pockets.
There's a pattern out there called the coquelicot, but Charlie from The Stitchery has made lots of split side options based on your measurements instead of needing a pattern.
My intermediate squirrel-brain managed fine with a 3/4 circle skirt version. Definitely advisable, and I for one am already thinking of how I can incorporate the split side design with other things I want to make next.
Ooooo thanks!!! I can't wait to try some of these out! My current fav adjustable patterns: NH patterns Lucy halter top and Ann Tilley's magic pants :D
I found knits easier when I was a beginner. It is much more forgiving of mistakes, if the edges don't fully match you can just stretch one side to fit it in, and there is more flexibility in the selecting of the sizing and it actually fitting when done.
I 1000% recommend the Zadie jumpsuit. I love the pattern so much I’ve made four of them so far. My favourite is in a vivid African waxprint.
The “Willa” dress by Rosie Caldwell is also a lovely pattern for adjustability and comfort…
Great ideas, thank you.
Have you seen the coquelicot skirt pattern?? It takes inspiration from historical designs to make it widely adjustable and with pockets. Highly recommend looking it up!
I find a walking foot on my machine works best with stretch knit. Before that discovery my fabric would move about
That second to last pattern is so beautiful, I may have to do this one (with my currently limited ability)
leena norms, great content keep up the great content
Just want to hop on here to reassure people. I started sewing with knit fabrics and still find it easier than wovens as it’s much more forgiving so if you’re cutting isn’t 100% accurate you can still smoosh things together and it’ll mostly work. Also there’s a big range in quality same as with wovens so it really just depends where you source your fabric from whether it’ll hold up or not. Lots of good, high quality UK fabric shops around that will help you find the right fabric for your project. Ponte Roma and French terry are nice and stable as a starting point
I bought the Hughes Dress pattern by Friday Pattern company which is adjustable in the back. I love fitted dresses but it's nice to be able to wear it a little looser when needed! I can't wait to make it
Hoping we get a Jane Austen dress video or a thorough shout out in a festival video. Would have loved to have gone this year but I instead got married! Hoping to make it to Bath next September ☺️
The Frida skirt from Schultzapparel is a really interesting wrap design and she has a YT tutorial and a free pattern available. The pattern will tell you how to adjust according to what you like but also how to adjust the skirt during the day or as your body changes. It's beginner friendly or at least it was for me, would definitely recommend it to those just starting out with patterns and maybe reluctant to buy patterns at this stage if you're not sure you will be able to make the garment.
I've got the Paper Theory Zadie jumpsuit in my plans! I'm so excited to make it!
Wait. Seven times?! 😮 Are you kidding me?!??!!?!
Such a good video Leena. Will be popping back to it for inspo ❤
Oh my goodness Leena. I'm hoping you're going to do like Bernadette Banner last year and just make all of those things!
Woven fabrics are definitely easier to cut and sew. And it's so easy to get a hole in jersey fabric if you use the wrong needle or pin. It's really not beginner friendly. Or friendly in general.
You keep making such interesting and hopeful videos. You are good company when I eat my breakfast in the morning
I have a pair of pants from Uniqlo that have tabs on either side with multiple buttonholes that you can use to adjust the waistband! I'm especially intrigued by this design element because it seems like something that could be relatively easily added to an existing garment, and camouflaged if using a similar colored/patterned fabric.
I would LOVE if you could do more videos like this, I love making clothes and supporting small businesses, but it is so hard sifting through all the patterns! THANK YOU
I’m on it ;)
Loved the recommendations, definitely out of the box of what we think of as adjustable clothing! I've been creating a list of my own and one pattern I am super interested in trying is "Magic Pants", I haven't seen a solution like that in any pants yet!