I never discard my toiles. I save them! Just to make new toiles, for patterndrafting and fitting. Same kind of garment or others. ☺️ And especially making mini-stuffed animals for children. 😁
Hey Claire! Great confidence boosting tips. I realized I stopped making clothes because the size I thought I should be in RTW didn’t fit!!! Measure and adjust to custom size!! Is definitely the answer. There is more to sewing than racing fabric through the machine and being disappointed. Drafting first! I’m learning that slowing down and enjoying the process will achieve better outcomes. Thanks for all your ideas.
Good seeing you! Good vlog. I am way behind in watching RUclips. 2 funeral trips (11 hour drive each way) in 5 weeks. Just wiped out tired with NO ambitions except sleep! I will get back to sewing soon though for autumn clothes!
You are are good at this Claire. I learnt the hard way how essential a toile is, but I wanted to see what your approach was. I now have a dressmakers dummy that is padded out to my body structure, shape and measurements because I have a few issues, like a near standard size 12 but tall. Im all legs and with a short hourglass torso, turn me to the side and there's no width or bum. Lord only knows what my mother was thinking of when she made me! Anyway, you are very articulate and easy to understand. Talking about coats I made a lovely fully lined wool coat 2 years and there was no way I could afford to make toile of similar material so I used the coat lining for the toile. Obviously it didnt give any idea of the drape or hang of the garment but it was spot on for the fit and I got away with it
I’m a beginner clothing sewer, I was like you, don’t like to make a toile, don’t have the extra fabric, but I guess I will do it, thanks for your support for us home sewers, I love your channel!
Goodness Claire, I was riveted from start to finish! I’m struggling with fitting issues at the moment and this has been so informative for me. You should do this professionally because your videos hit the right notes in terms of mistakes and assumptions I’ve experienced - for example my reach exceeds my grasp a lot of the time and I’m slowly, slowly realising this art form deserves a lot more respect than that. Thank you so much for all your help and although I realise producing the videos entails a lot of work, please keep them coming. Much love ❤️
I enjoyed this immensely. I often use 3 different pieces of fabric for my muslin. It helps to see how shoulder seams and side seams are actually laying. Thank you for the video.
I've just found your channel, and I love the way you dive right in, with no distracting music or over-long explanations. Sometimes I find knit jersey bedsheets in the thrift shop to use for my mock-up.
I try to do as many adjustments on the paper pattern working from a garment that fits. I find that easier. I have narrow shoulders() and extra weight through my middle. Oddly enough designers don’t draft things for that shape.🤣🤣🤣
Thanks Claire, great information. I am using my scraps to make a pillow insert for a crochet project I am working on. I will just cut them into small pieces.
Very helpful video. I have seen many other muslins before, but I love the way you just started hacking away and showing us how problems can be solved by first correctly identifying what is causing the fitting problem to begin with, such as the correct pattern size and proper adjustments. 💐
Thank you Claire, I’m just moving from quilting to sewing for myself, I’m short and apple shaped, I often buy a size bigger to give myself room to move. I’ve made a few summer garments, learning the hard way not to use quilting thread, it invariably pops in wear, and I’ve made a couple of toiles, but really don’t know how to fit them, nor did I realise you don’t have to do everything as it will be in the finished garment. For example, one of my toiles is made in calico, with French seams throughout! I’m working my way through your videos to try and gather more knowledge. 🥰
Measurements need to be taken before every project. Also using bands of elastic around the body at critical areas helps especially if you're doing it alone. I learned this from Karina.
Woohoo, trying to get my arm holes right on my first garment, all I have is Jersey but nothing cheap 🙈. Great to see your progress and appreciate all your info. Found a plus size dummy but it's £1000! £1 a metre? WOW! Didn't think of social media, used a sheet 😂😂😂. Having trouble finding pen/markers that work and wash/iron away. So much great advice, very grateful. Lol apex changing with different bras 😂. Lol I was thinking about sticking toiles in my pj drawer! Yeah I'm doing a sloper. I hope your symptoms aren't too bad. Tfs and have a great week 💖💖
Thank you for markers you can buy frixon markers that are removable with heat. Another option which I used in this video is washable crayola markers sold as washable pens to children (parents). They come out in the machine. Do test any markers or pens you use before marking apex etc lol 😂
Oh thank you so much! My son has loads of washable markers so will raid them and test tomorrow while he's at school 😄. But will also look for those others in case. Oh yes, don't want a perfect top with my apex coloured in 🙊🙈
Thank you! I made a coat and thought I could go up one size on the bust as my tummy and hip needed that size. Did not think it would be that big difference. Now I wish I would have graded the pattern as the coat is very baggy in the back and shoulders. I will need to make another coat and do the grading and making sure with this coat that I get all the changes I need next time. I will still wear it though even if its not that well fitting as I imagined. Lots of room for sweaters underneath :P
Very, very useful video thank you. I think toiles are super helpful and I don't think they are a waste of time or fabric. I liked how you actually showed us how you use your toile and make the changes needed to improve the fit. I tend to fully make the garment if there is a technique that I need to practice such as a fly zipper.
Thank you Claire..I am still struggling to make the perfect garment..I do not seem to be one hundred percent satisfied with anything I sew..but luckily I am improving with every garment as time goes by..greetings from South Africa.
This is the first video I have seen on this subject, and I appreciate how detailed you were with it. I have only heard references before, but no specific instructions. This was very helpful!
It really is a learning journey, isn't it, and it's funny how, all of a sudden, your skills just kind of Level Up. Right now, I'm procrastinating making a toile of a pair of pants that I've sized the pattern up from a size 10 to a size 18. (the pattern was taken off of an existing pair of much loved pants) Adjusting the length and width was easy, but trying to get the depth of these pants is going to take more than one muslin, I'm afraid. I plan to work incrementally up to a full seat instead of starting at a full seat adjustment and having to possibly cut a whole new toile. Thank you for the arm adjustment advice. I will pass this on to my sister, that is her sewing nemesis, currently.
You scared me Claire wit those scissors. 😅 very informative video though, thanks. Before I knew better was picking a size based on bust measurements. Which meant I had terrible gaping across upper chest. I now know better and how to make many adjustments. A toile is very useful but I’ve yet to do them. I’ll be on the lookout for cheap fabrics or old sheets.
Thank you Claire! I bit the bullet and have done a toile on a pattern that I LOVE the fabric for. So glad I have because I can see where it would have gone wrong on the actual garment. It will take some retraining but I will get in the habit. Appreciate you answering my questions. Love your content ❤
Thank you, Clair. The video really informative. I don’t what to use my fashion fabric either until I check the fit. I’m new to Muslims. I never that about a arm adjustments. I saw a video that the measure upper bust and do a bust adjustment. Walmart is a great place to buy cheap fabrics.
My experience has been that if you can create a well fitting bodice & skirt “sloper/toil/body blueprint” you can then make any other garment, using it as your base pattern- and it will always fit. Making the “Sloper” does take some time, but will save lots of time overall.
I learned so much about fitting knit toiles! What a great video! I've only ever done toiles out of woven fabric. It was eye opening to hear about your process, what you do, how you make adjustments, etc.
Great tips! Making toiles has made such a huge difference to my sewing. The end result is definitely worth it - particularly if using expensive fabric for your final product
I finally tried a mock-up last year for a project and the final product turned out great! I’ve also heard that some will use their mock-up as a liner for the final project. I haven’t made one like that yet, but hope to when I make something with a lining in the future.
I have gone as far as I can alone with my bodice block. I’ve actually got an appointment with a local seamstress for a fitting. It is SUPER easy if I can adjust my dress forms. But I have a pronounced scoliosis and mismatched breasts. So another pair of hands is work the fee!
I was planning to use a nice, firm scuba knit as a toile before purchasing some really nice ponte from Minerva. Could I use a woven fabric as a toile to get the fitting down correctly? This will be my first knit garment.
I wouldn’t use scuba to fit for ponte. Because scuba has next to no stretch. If you watch my video where I made 4 laundry day tees one of them was in scuba and it didn’t work at all and fit very differently to the others. I know ponte doesn’t have loads of stretch but I’d get a cheap ponte of similar weight, it will cost the same. Also no you don’t want to use woven fabric to practice for a knit (not sure if this is what you’re asking).
You are a gift.
I never discard my toiles. I save them! Just to make new toiles, for patterndrafting and fitting. Same kind of garment or others. ☺️
And especially making mini-stuffed animals for children. 😁
Wow. The bicep adjustment really makes a difference! You explained it perfectly.
Thank you, Claire. This info is for REAL PEOPLE who sew without help in the privacy in the "cubby holes" they call their "studios".
Hey Claire! Great confidence boosting tips. I realized I stopped making clothes because the size I thought I should be in RTW didn’t fit!!! Measure and adjust to custom size!! Is definitely the answer. There is more to sewing than racing fabric through the machine and being disappointed. Drafting first! I’m learning that slowing down and enjoying the process will achieve better outcomes. Thanks for all your ideas.
What a great illustration of the need for a bicep adjustment! This was indeed “super useful”! Thank you.
Thanks! I’m glad it helped!
Good seeing you! Good vlog. I am way behind in watching RUclips. 2 funeral trips (11 hour drive each way) in 5 weeks. Just wiped out tired with NO ambitions except sleep! I will get back to sewing soon though for autumn clothes!
💓
Sorry to hear this. I hope you’re able to sew soon.
You are are good at this Claire. I learnt the hard way how essential a toile is, but I wanted to see what your approach was. I now have a dressmakers dummy that is padded out to my body structure, shape and measurements because I have a few issues, like a near standard size 12 but tall. Im all legs and with a short hourglass torso, turn me to the side and there's no width or bum. Lord only knows what my mother was thinking of when she made me!
Anyway, you are very articulate and easy to understand. Talking about coats I made a lovely fully lined wool coat 2 years and there was no way I could afford to make toile of similar material so I used the coat lining for the toile. Obviously it didnt give any idea of the drape or hang of the garment but it was spot on for the fit and I got away with it
That's very funny 😂
I’m a beginner clothing sewer, I was like you, don’t like to make a toile, don’t have the extra fabric, but I guess I will do it, thanks for your support for us home sewers, I love your channel!
Goodness Claire, I was riveted from start to finish! I’m struggling with fitting issues at the moment and this has been so informative for me. You should do this professionally because your videos hit the right notes in terms of mistakes and assumptions I’ve experienced
- for example my reach exceeds my grasp a lot of the time and I’m slowly, slowly realising this art form deserves a lot more respect than that. Thank you so much for all your help and although I realise producing the videos entails a lot of work, please keep them coming. Much love ❤️
Thank you ❤️
I enjoyed this immensely. I often use 3 different pieces of fabric for my muslin. It helps to see how shoulder seams and side seams are actually laying. Thank you for the video.
Am just amazed how just opening up the bicep how the shoulder seam almost fixed itself!! Like magic!💗👍🏽👍🏽
It is like magic!!!
I've just found your channel, and I love the way you dive right in, with no distracting music or over-long explanations. Sometimes I find knit jersey bedsheets in the thrift shop to use for my mock-up.
I try to keep a stash of cheap bed sheets to use for mock ups. I find these at thrift stores and garage sales to be the absolute cheapest.
Thanks Claire, this information is very helpful! Regards Christine 👍🏻🙋♀️🇦🇺🙃😉
I try to do as many adjustments on the paper pattern working from a garment that fits. I find that easier. I have narrow shoulders() and extra weight through my middle. Oddly enough designers don’t draft things for that shape.🤣🤣🤣
That’s great once you know what needs to change, much easier really. Lol no let me know if you find one that does 😂😂
Another excellent video Claire. Your enthusiasm is catching. Thank you so much. xxx
Wait until you see the next video then lol hehe
Thanks Claire, great information. I am using my scraps to make a pillow insert for a crochet project I am working on. I will just cut them into small pieces.
I came here to make that comment! Cut the scraps up and use as stuffing 😁
I love being on the adventure with you and watching you advance. You have helped me more than you know. Thank you for all your tutorials
Thanl you, Claire. Very informative 👏
Very helpful video. I have seen many other muslins before, but I love the way you just started hacking away and showing us how problems can be solved by first correctly identifying what is causing the fitting problem to begin with, such as the correct pattern size and proper adjustments. 💐
Thank you Claire, I’m just moving from quilting to sewing for myself, I’m short and apple shaped, I often buy a size bigger to give myself room to move. I’ve made a few summer garments, learning the hard way not to use quilting thread, it invariably pops in wear, and I’ve made a couple of toiles, but really don’t know how to fit them, nor did I realise you don’t have to do everything as it will be in the finished garment. For example, one of my toiles is made in calico, with French seams throughout! I’m working my way through your videos to try and gather more knowledge. 🥰
Measurements need to be taken before every project. Also using bands of elastic around the body at critical areas helps especially if you're doing it alone. I learned this from Karina.
Yep I went over these points in my measurements video.
Such great tips. Fitting issues can be a challenging to say the least. Thank you so much.
Woohoo, trying to get my arm holes right on my first garment, all I have is Jersey but nothing cheap 🙈. Great to see your progress and appreciate all your info. Found a plus size dummy but it's £1000! £1 a metre? WOW! Didn't think of social media, used a sheet 😂😂😂. Having trouble finding pen/markers that work and wash/iron away. So much great advice, very grateful. Lol apex changing with different bras 😂. Lol I was thinking about sticking toiles in my pj drawer! Yeah I'm doing a sloper. I hope your symptoms aren't too bad. Tfs and have a great week 💖💖
Thank you for markers you can buy frixon markers that are removable with heat. Another option which I used in this video is washable crayola markers sold as washable pens to children (parents). They come out in the machine. Do test any markers or pens you use before marking apex etc lol 😂
Oh thank you so much! My son has loads of washable markers so will raid them and test tomorrow while he's at school 😄. But will also look for those others in case. Oh yes, don't want a perfect top with my apex coloured in 🙊🙈
Hi. Very informative video, my friend!
Wonderfully simple presentation.
Thanks for the information i make a toile every time now usually the materials come from charity stores its a great help
Thank you!
I made a coat and thought I could go up one size on the bust as my tummy and hip needed that size. Did not think it would be that big difference. Now I wish I would have graded the pattern as the coat is very baggy in the back and shoulders.
I will need to make another coat and do the grading and making sure with this coat that I get all the changes I need next time.
I will still wear it though even if its not that well fitting as I imagined. Lots of room for sweaters underneath :P
Very, very useful video thank you. I think toiles are super helpful and I don't think they are a waste of time or fabric. I liked how you actually showed us how you use your toile and make the changes needed to improve the fit. I tend to fully make the garment if there is a technique that I need to practice such as a fly zipper.
Thank you Claire..I am still struggling to make the perfect garment..I do not seem to be one hundred percent satisfied with anything I sew..but luckily I am improving with every garment as time goes by..greetings from South Africa.
Ahh I used to feel like that too. It comes in time.
This is the first video I have seen on this subject, and I appreciate how detailed you were with it. I have only heard references before, but no specific instructions. This was very helpful!
Thank you, Claire!
Thank you Claire very informative x
It really is a learning journey, isn't it, and it's funny how, all of a sudden, your skills just kind of Level Up. Right now, I'm procrastinating making a toile of a pair of pants that I've sized the pattern up from a size 10 to a size 18. (the pattern was taken off of an existing pair of much loved pants) Adjusting the length and width was easy, but trying to get the depth of these pants is going to take more than one muslin, I'm afraid. I plan to work incrementally up to a full seat instead of starting at a full seat adjustment and having to possibly cut a whole new toile. Thank you for the arm adjustment advice. I will pass this on to my sister, that is her sewing nemesis, currently.
I always just love you and you’re videos. I always have problems tailoring pieces, so this video was really informative. Thanks
Thank you. This was very helpful.
This has been an extremely helpful video. Thank you for explaining so well.
Excellent explanation, thank you 😍
This was perfect timing! I just got a pant pattern and I wanna work up a toile before using my beautiful twill!
Thank you,really useful information as always, 💖
Very helpful. I now do toiles
Thank you Claire,that was so helpful. I am really enjoying this series.xxJean.
You scared me Claire wit those scissors. 😅 very informative video though, thanks. Before I knew better was picking a size based on bust measurements. Which meant I had terrible gaping across upper chest. I now know better and how to make many adjustments. A toile is very useful but I’ve yet to do them. I’ll be on the lookout for cheap fabrics or old sheets.
Thank you Claire! I bit the bullet and have done a toile on a pattern that I LOVE the fabric for. So glad I have because I can see where it would have gone wrong on the actual garment. It will take some retraining but I will get in the habit. Appreciate you answering my questions. Love your content ❤
Thank you ❤️
Thank you, Clair. The video really informative. I don’t what to use my fashion fabric either until I check the fit. I’m new to Muslims. I never that about a arm adjustments. I saw a video that the measure upper bust and do a bust adjustment. Walmart is a great place to buy cheap fabrics.
Yes measuring upper bust with fba is a good idea if large busted! I’ll go over that when I do a video about fbas
I have seen people make poufs and stuffing them with leftover fabric scraps. That might work.
That can work. I stuffed a pillow form for a sofa cushion. It worked but was very heavy.
Thank you, Claire. You are helping me gain more courage to sew and fit my own handmade garments.
Love the video. Great info. Thanks
My experience has been that if you can create a well fitting bodice & skirt “sloper/toil/body blueprint” you can then make any other garment, using it as your base pattern- and it will always fit. Making the “Sloper” does take some time, but will save lots of time overall.
Yes, slopers can be super helpful but this video is about toiles. I feel that slopers are something to build up to a bit further on in the process.
Fantastic, thank you Clare for the information. From your furtherest away fan in New Zealand, Heather 🧵
I learned so much about fitting knit toiles! What a great video! I've only ever done toiles out of woven fabric. It was eye opening to hear about your process, what you do, how you make adjustments, etc.
This may be my favorite video of yours! Well done! Thank you so much for explaining each of the steps and showing some really common problems.
Really helpful, thanks
Great video!!
Thanks a lot for this useful vídeo Claire 💐. I make my own patterns as I am guitar shape so making a toil always helps. 😉
Great tutorial thank you
I make bicep adjustments too… great job! Subscribed!
Welcome!
Great tips! Making toiles has made such a huge difference to my sewing. The end result is definitely worth it - particularly if using expensive fabric for your final product
Thank you!
I finally tried a mock-up last year for a project and the final product turned out great!
I’ve also heard that some will use their mock-up as a liner for the final project. I haven’t made one like that yet, but hope to when I make something with a lining in the future.
Thank you for this!
great explanations thank you xx
Thank you so much!
I have gone as far as I can alone with my bodice block. I’ve actually got an appointment with a local seamstress for a fitting. It is SUPER easy if I can adjust my dress forms. But I have a pronounced scoliosis and mismatched breasts. So another pair of hands is work the fee!
Me too and Isy do just as you are.
What do you suggest about extra large upper arms? Thank
See my video about bicep adjustments
I was planning to use a nice, firm scuba knit as a toile before purchasing some really nice ponte from Minerva. Could I use a woven fabric as a toile to get the fitting down correctly? This will be my first knit garment.
I wouldn’t use scuba to fit for ponte. Because scuba has next to no stretch. If you watch my video where I made 4 laundry day tees one of them was in scuba and it didn’t work at all and fit very differently to the others. I know ponte doesn’t have loads of stretch but I’d get a cheap ponte of similar weight, it will cost the same. Also no you don’t want to use woven fabric to practice for a knit (not sure if this is what you’re asking).
@@Penguinandpear Thank you so much for this very helpful advice, Claire. I will be following your advice and then use the scuba for another project.
Another sources of fabric for knits are old stained t shirts in your own wardrobe !!!
Great tip!