There are a number of different steps that you should take when you create your own sewing patterns. It’s really not that hard to create your own sewing patterns as long as you know how to measure yourself and how to read a pattern.
Let’s start with how to measure yourself or whomever will be on the receiving end of your sewing exertions. One of the most difficult things about creating your own clothes, after finding a pattern that you actually like, is figuring out your pattern size needs. But the fit of the pattern is actually the number one component in how clothes look on you.
Put on some comfortable and well-fitting underclothes, along with a bra that fits you properly.
Start by tying the elastic around your waist and bend from side to side until it reaches your natural waist. Now you’re ready to take the ten measurements that you need.
Start with your chest. Measure under your arms, around your body, and above the fullest part of your bust.
Next, measure the bust. Measure around the fullest part of the bust, keeping the tape straight across both the front and the back.
The waist is measured over the elastic that you have already tied around your waist.
Next, measure your hips by measuring around the fullest part of the hip. If your thighs are wider than your hips, then measure around your thighs. Remember to check the type of pattern that you are using to see where they place the full hip on patterns. For example, if you choose a Vogue or Butterick pattern, the distance between the waist and the full hip is 9" for Misses, and 7" for Misses’ Petite.
Now you are going to need help from a friend. Measure your back waist length by lowering your head to find the bone at the base of your neck. Measure from this point to the elastic.
Arm length is measured by going from the bone at the top of your arm (the hinge of your shoulder) to your elbow. Add this to the distance from your elbow to your wrist. Your arm length won’t affect your pattern size, unless you will need to make the arms longer or shorter than the pattern indicates.
To measure your height, you need to take off your shoes, and stand against a wall. Use a ruler to mark the top of your head, and make a small mark on the wall. Measure from this point to the floor.
Now you have your ten measurements that you need. These are all the measurements that you will need to choose the right pattern size as indicated by the Standard Body Measurements sheet on the back of your pattern. You should also know that most patterns use a B cup for the bust. Make changes as needed.
Now, if you are going to make your own sewing pattern, then you are going need the following materials: sheet of paper and a pencil, pattern paper, fabric markers, L-Square, Hip Curve, and Pins. Now, measure the parts of your body as described above. Write down all of the measurements on the sheet of paper. Then place the pattern paper on your table and then line the pattern paper using the hip curve, the L-square, an the marker. If you get a magazine that has pattern designs, then it will help you understand the basics of a sewing pattern. Then cut the pattern. Then put the fabric on the table and then fold the fabric evenly. Make sure that you plot the pattern and then put the pin in the fabric to ensure that the pattern and the fabric will not separate. Then cut your fabric giving yourself an allowance of at least .5" to 1" on the sides all around.