The sewing pattern says EASY so why is it so HARD? How to choose an EASY pattern for YOU!
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 3. 02. 2023
- Ever find yourself making a pattern labelled as 'EASY' but find yourself calling it many (bad!) names and anything but easy?đ
This video is about choosing an easy pattern for YOU!
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I always bite off more than I can chew so this is gonna be helpful!
Evelyn, I loved this lesson. I am a beginner sewist and I like the idea of looking at the pattern elements and choosing only one or two new things. This will save me a lot of frustration. I am looking forward to using this technique!
As a beginning sewer, I will often make the same pattern two times in a row. One right after the other. That way I can practice what I don't know and solidify the knowledge before moving on.
I have just come across your cancer diagnosis video. So so sorry that you are going through this. I had a cancer diagnosis 20 something years ago and can still remember the devastation I felt at the time. Wishing you the best of luck and stay hopeful. You will beat it.
I just finished an âeasyâ pattern that had no less than *16* pieces in the bodice alone - lined and interfaced. Not including elastic or the zip, of course. Learned a good lesson there.
I (occasionally) open the pattern envelope and look at the instructions to see how the garment is assembled to determine whether or not to buy it.
I also avoided Vogue patterns until I was sure of my skills because they throw in "things" that can be very technical/advanced.
Very helpful video!
Just getting back to sewing after a very long time. Your upbeat videos have helped me immensely. Thank you for sharing your wealth of information & instilling confidence in your viewers!! Youâre an excellent teacher.
I picked a simple dress with a big round collar and made it in cotton. I learned a lot and liked the way it looked and felt so I bought a jersey fabric and matching chiffon for the collar and made an "evening " version. I am so proud of that dress because it was not easy to make but having done it once in cotton I only had one "new thing" to challenge me, but it made me feel so accomplished when I was able to do it.
I recently discovered you Evelyn, and I'm addicted. Your effervescent smile and personality are wonderful. I've been sewing since I was 10, not sure how I learned, except for a summer of Singer Sewing lessons when I was 14 or so. I gave up sewing for myself, but sewed for my daughter when she was young, and now my granddaughter and her doll. A few months ago, I found a pattern at a local thrift store for a flannel "coat" for my daughter's puppy. I thought it wouldn't take me long, since there were only 3 pieces. Ha! Fooled me! The entire coat had double fold bias tape as facings, then topstitched. I learned even what may appear to be " simple" or not time consuming, most certainly may be. The coat turned out adorable though! Thanx for your great information!!
"A pattern is not a learn to sew tool." That is such a perfect way of putting it!
I just finished a jacket which was described as "easy sew". Overall, it was a *lot* of sewing, but not difficult as such. Did it take me five tries to get the lower back attached to the upper back correctly? Yes! Is that completely my fault for not reading the instructions carefully and ignoring the notches that were sitting right there because at least I marked them on the fabric? Also yes!
It was a good stretch on the end. I used interfacing and made a buttonhole for the first time.
Hi Evelyn, I have to say that I wish that I had heard this advice when I started sewing. At school I did have sewing classes which helped a great deal, but this advice was never given. I tackled so many projects that were way beyond my skill set, and ended up thinking that I was hopeless. As you went through your list, I realized that that is exactly how I assess patterns, a skill achieved by years of experience. On 'thing' that you didn't mention, my own nemesis, sleeves! I still struggle with them! Thank you for all of you videos and the sewing school. I learn something new every time I watch one!
I always bite off more than I can chew (I sew historical dress) but everything I've made, even if it's far from perfect, has really progressed my knowledge and skills, despite the tears đ
I have patterns that were my grandmother's and they explain so much better than anything today in a store.
I'm really more of a "jump on at the deep end of the pool" kind of person, but then I also don't mind if a project takes me more time than maybe it should because I never sew when I'm in a rush.
I also practice individual techniques on scraps a lot. I've maybe done 10 welt pockets on scraps before doing the actual ones on a jacket.
Still, it's an eternal learning curve.
It's not even so much that I don't like the way maybe a facing turned out before, but rather that I learned a different way of doing a facing that I now prefer and do on all my tops.
It's like being able to cook really. The more you know the more you can deviate from the recipe and still end up with something you'll enjoy.
That was good advice. These days I only avoid zippers. Yes I can do them I just donât like doing them! Thereâs lots of fashion that doesnât have zippers so it works lol
I know how you feel Robin, one of my first makes had a zip and it came out okay but I do also tend to avoid patterns that have zips.
The only time I do zips is when I hand sew them into position. Somewhere on the YT is the tutorial I repeatedly turn to for the 'how it's done'. Still intimidated by the zipper foot on the machine, I suppose.
Hope you're having a good weekend, Doll.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
@@stevezytveld6585 hey Cathy! When my kids were little I actually figured out how to change the pattern to a button placket instead of dealing with zippers! Iâm dedicated to avoiding them!
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 That, my friend, is some serious commitment to living the non-zipper life...
Exposed zippers are a thing now!
My first pattern was shorts with a foldover elastic waist. Very simple. 2 decades later, and i can now make anything. It's wonderful to be able to work your way up through all the "things".
Amazing tip about the things! That definitely helps me, being a beginner, overwhelm is pretty easy but now i can use this tip to work with thr skills i have and add on skills as i go. Thank you!
This is such great advice! I wish I had found your channel a month ago. I went from mug rugs to doll diapers and then a well meaning neighbor tried to teach me how to sew a dress for my daughter... it had facings which I had never even heard of, gathering, and I chose a rib knit fabric (I had only ever used 100% cotton, and also didn't know about stretch needles). I nearly threw away everything!! I backtracked and started with underwear and now tee shirts and it builds so much confidence seeing skills used on a small project transfer over to larger ones! I've even gotten gutsy enough to combine a skirt to a tee to make a dress. It also helps sewing for kids, they think it's amazing no matter how it turns out.
I just fell into this trap with vogue v9343. I found multiple reviews from advanced sewers saying the collar was hard, which made me feel much better!
I like this theory of looking for the "things". Sleeves should count as two things all on their own đ
That's really helpful. Even though I've been sewing for quite a while now I'm afraid I picked patterns if I like a design and then I find it's way above my skill! So now I will look at a pattern in more detail. Thanks so much.
Oh boy, does this resonate with me, lol. About 40 something years ago I was learning to sew, I saw this beautiful (so called EASY) pattern, bought the material (cotton) cut the pattern pieces out, cut the material as well, started by finishing all the edges (as the material frayed very easily), started to sew panels, got stuck, no-one to ask as the classes had finished and we were getting ready to move house, put it away, stopped sewing a little while later, put this part made garment away in a cupboard, moved house (twice) taking it all with me but never picking it up again until this past week. Now have the shell made (yay!!) and learning new techniques by going to a sewing class and taking it with me for help. I will have it finished soon as I'm gaining the skills (but soooooo many pattern pieces and it was confusing for where to put pieces for a beginner sewist) and I'm going each fortnight to a sewing class (not ideal but all I can get at the moment).
Very helpful! I tried a blouse that didn't have set in sleeves with only two pieces.
The Simplicity 1590 that you pickup at 6:35 is the exact one I'm working up the nerve to try!!
Praying for your healing!â€ïžđđŸ
I wish someone had told me when I started i would now say i am a more confident beginner. I think i do ok more by luck than anything. Love your vlogs
I love these lessons for beginners. The progression of skills will help me in teaching my grandchildren to sew!
I started my kids with elastic waisted pants and knits. My daughter learned lining and bagging out by making a bucket hat.
When I realize that a pattern is above my skill level (beginner), after Iâve made my purchase, the first thing that goes through my mind is, âSomeone lied!â Itâs really frustrating and not cost effective.
Thank you for pointing out the ways to catch this before heading to the checkout.
Before I found you, I found Heidi from "Rain Country". She is "winging" a lot, and among other things shows how to make a patchwork skirt. I was told in the past I was too stupid and clumbsy to sew anything, and gave up on it somewhere. Heidi's skirt looked so fun, I wanted to give it a try. There was no pattern, just a ton of rectangles, and it took me forever to put those together. (I don't have a machine, I sew all by hand.) It did teach me how to sew straight to begin with.. lol. And I made a lot of mistakes. But I am actually wearing it now, and I love it. After that, I like the ancient clothings, I started making tunics, just squares and triangles you put together, and I have 2 long tunics now. Over the high energy prices, I started making 2 hoods with those. (From fleece, as much as I dislike plastic and polyester, fleece is cheap and so easy to sew, wash, dry!). For me you are the step up! đ Thank you so much for teaching all of this! I am learning a lot, and will start trying to make darts in the next "potatobag". Much love and a big Thank You!!!
Hi! Iâm totally new here but just signed up for the free trial on your sewing school and love it so far! I have some basic sewing experience but even in your beginner videos I got lots of tips I didnât know about. Thank you!
Good video. This is precisely the way I chose projects in the past.
I have been sewing for about a year and Iâm so ready to start pattern sewing!!! Evelyn youâre my favorite â€ïž
Iâm an experienced sewer, but havenât seen in several years. But, besides my age, a few things have changed. The sewing machine I used for 40yrs broke. Since it is a more basic machine, I will get it fixed. But, in the meantime my husband got me a newer machine with all the bells and whistles. Now the machine itself intimidates me with all the numbers and specialty stitches. Also the various presser feet that are used. I used to only have the standard ones and did fine.
So, for me, while Iâm experienced, tackling anything but the basics is difficult due to my comfort level with the machine I have now. So for now, Iâm just practicing on scraps to get used to it first.
đđ» no truer words have ever been spoken. This is so important when picking out your first few patterns until you have some skills under your belt.
Fantastic advice! I've been attempting to do this stepping up difficulty on my own, but you provided concrete strategies that are going to make my efforts more effective. Thank you!
I love your description of how to keep things real and challenging as we are ready.
Evelyn, THANK YOU So much for explaining so clearly with examples!
Love this. The pattern Iâm sewing at the moment has 5 pieces and two are facings. Itâs one of my fave patterns and a really lovely sitting top. đ
Great video as always! I'm not a beginner anymore, but as someone who learned sewing mainly by myself from blogs and youtube videos, I sometimes feel like I am missing some basic knowledge and I love your videos as they are structured advice that fills those gaps.
Also, adding the "how fitted a garment is". If you don't feel ready to do pattern fitting, you might want something with a looser fit (maybe you can add a belt to it like in the example you gave). Fitted garments need to be more precise and it shows way more errors and size difference between the standard size and yours.
Yes! I love this idea, it's actually sort of how I have been going about choosing patterns to try, but you've broken the concept and intention for this approach concisely! This is definitely going to be helpful to me, and I'm going to be approaching patterns with confidence having a better understanding of what is required.
Haha I learned to sew form patterns, 2 books I picked up at hoanns. And lots of bedsheets to practice the skills they asked me to. Still csnt ubderstich for the life of me. Amd iv been amchien sewing nearly 15 years now
I just made a small woolen jacket with a lining.
First time working in a thick fabric.
Second time adding lining, but first time adding the lining to a facing.
Next project will be making doll clothes out of the scraps. I actually cut the doll clothes when cutting the jacket.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge of all things sewing ,Teresa in Mn
This was a great lesson for me! Even though I have sewed for many years, there are still things I don't know how to do. So learning 1 or 2 things at a time would be good. I will be more careful about looking at new things to do on a pattern.
Hi Evelyn
I just found your channel lately and subscribed. Thank you for these helpful videos. I have been sewing for a long time but a few years ago I decided that I want to make good quality garments so these videos are helping. My daughter has the eye to put prints, colors and patterns together and I sew them. I often have to "Frankenstein" them to get what she envisions. Thanks again.
Great video. You are an amazing teacher. Iâm going to make a pair of PJ pant bottoms.
I'm about to make my first fitted dress but it's actually the third dress I've made (the previous ones were very easy) and it has a zip...a first for me in a garment. I do have complex patterns which I've stored until I know what I'm doing and my sewing has improved. Love your vids, they're full of fabulous tips xx
I'm just learning pattern sewing and have discovered the value of making a muslin mock up first. I learn best by making mistakes. An the muslin is very forgiving.
This was genuinely so helpful, thank you!
One way that I got into sewing was sewing from a doll clothes pattern. It warmed up my skills before fitting and such. And it was loads of fun and inexpensive in materials. And my daughter loved the results.
I've been sewing pillows and blankets for a couple years and now I want to get into clothes. This was helpful and encouraging. I'll admitt I definitely have bitten too much on current project and your video is helping realize. I really appreciate your advice! Have a blessed day
Evelyn I just discovered your channel a few days ago. WOW. I love your happy smiling face and upbeat delivery. Not to mention your fashion sense. But I must ask what is plackets?
What a genius idea - so simple but I can honestly say this has never occurred to me. Like the picture plunge right in has been my mantra but I should have started simply then I wouldn't have ended up making sooo many mistakes !!
Excellent advice! Thank you!
I've had this problem more than I like to admit. "Oh this looks nice!" fast forward to the cutting out the pattern "Oh my gosh! What have I gotten myself into!"đ
This was fantastic and very informative Evelyn. I would not have thought about looking at just how many different patterns pieces was needed. Thank you so very much.
This is a really good strategy and a sensible way to progress through various sewing skills. 100% will use - thanks Evelyn!
This is SO relatable, after sewing for a year, mostly oversized dresses and kimono's, I tried to make a woolen jacket with a lot of 'things': wool, lining, collar, welt pockets... I'm not done yet and it has been the most frustrating project ever (and it looks bad because I made a thousand mistakes). For the next one I will just choose a pattern with one 'thing' đ
I have found that indie patterns usually have more step by step instructions and explanations than the big companies like McCalls and Burda.
I do this all the time but never really thought about it. Over my sewing journey Iâve started plenty of patterns where I quickly realized I was in over my head and since learned to carefully read over the back of the pattern envelope. Sometimes Iâll even take out the directions in the store and read them over to determine if itâs way above my skill level.
Attempting to make really my first top with darts here shortly I definitely still consider myself more on the beginner side of things. These videos and talking about measurements and everything honestly is so helpful.
PS itâs such a small thing but I love the birds chirping in the background itâs supposed to be Spring here but we just got a good amount of snow lastnight
Thank you!!!! Iâm so happy I found you đ Iâm new to sewing and this video is super helpful. Thanks again Evelyn.
Thank you so much. I have made that mistake and bought an easy to sew pattern and I almost lost my mind lol. It was not easy. At least not for me anyway. I know now what to look for when purchasing a pattern until I become more proficient at sewing I will stick to buying patterns that I know I can handle and then move on as I learn how to tackle the next item. Love your videos.
This is really good advice. Iâm somewhat of a beginner. Though I am catching on. As a beginner Iâve learned make it simple as possible and slow down. The sewing part has not been too bad for me but getting the right fit does give me a fit. Iâve just made my most successful pants. I kept it simple with no pockets, and no split hems. Next pair I would like to add these things. I did try a French seam on the back of my pants for fit and it worked wonderfully. Front looks very good and back is pretty good but I will probably tweak it a bit more. Iâll probably also maybe add a patch pocket to this one.
Very curious to know why you used a French seam on the back of pants. Assuming you mean he center seam on the back from the crotch to the waist. This seam typically needs a bit of give. I actually use the stretch stitch on the back side of the crotch curve and then overcast the seam allowances. A French seam would restrict any give in the seam. Do you mean a flat fell seam, like in jeans?
@@cliftonmcnalley8469 I have a apple shaped hip where my high hip & stomach are my biggest areas. Itâs very hard to taper my legs In just using the outer seams & inner leg seams. A French seam goes right down the center of the back of pants or down the front. There are quite a few CZcams videos on it. Mine started with a dart at the waistline on down to bottom of hem. You can also do a fish eye dart just below the buttocks to reduce bagginess.
Good advice
Thank you for your good advice when choosing patterns especially for beginners. Iâve just bought an easy Newlook pattern for a tunic dress which Iâm hoping to make several different coloured ones. Iâve just checked and luckily for me there are not many pieces.
I love making a bunch of stuff from the same pattern, lets me try different methods and improvements on something I know is acceptable!
âââ@@bunhelsingslegacy3549 Oh yes, practice makes it perfect. Last year I still struggled with sewing jersey knits (especially the neck finishes) but after a year of practicing and mostly sewing comfy T-Shirts for wearing at home and sleepwear T-Shirts (which I needed anyways) with cheaper fabric I can now start sewing more professional looking jersey garments for wearing to work etc.
I love this approach because nothing gets wastedđ
@@misss7777 Hah, I'll never say practice makes perfect for me, but at least practice makes for new and different mistakes!! :)
@@bunhelsingslegacy3549 Of course. It's just a sayingđ
But you will still be getting better with practice. Maybe not perfect bit more confident in your abilites. And mistake are normal when sewing.
@@misss7777 Haha I've been using sewing machines for decades and still can't sew a perfectly straight line unless I'm installing a zipper! Mistakes aren't bad. All the mistakes I make are learning tools for putting in procedures that mitigate my own irregularities, like marking my stitch lines instead of my cut lines and labelling each piece I cut including orientation... knowing when I need to baste and when pins are good enough, knowing my limits and when to push through and when to ask for advice or put something away for a while to go practice a necessary technique so it won't be awful on something I want to be nice. I was just practicing buttonhole stitch mending the worn edge of a pocket so next time I have to do actual buttonholes they won't be as untidy as last time!
God bless you for this channel! I am just starting with sewing and these videos are so helpful. Also, I love your style and your vibe. You are such a sweet person. :-) Thank you!
Great explanation Evelyn. Iâm a lapsed sewist đ but am finding my way back. Iâve made a really simple top (2 pieces with facings) and now have a dress with 8 pieces but has so many opportunities to customise. Iâm so excited and get inspired by your pep talks. Thanks again.
My first pattern the challenge will be buttons. The outfit is quilting cotton and there are not very many peices but it has 10 buttons.
It is a 1930s pants outfit. It includes pants, a backless shirt, and a bolero. So thr individual pieces do not look difficult.
I wish I would have watched this before choosing and completing my first pattern! Granted, it turned out good in the end. But there were definitely a few times I felt like throwing in the towel, and that's WITH a 4 part video tutorial I followed along. I made the butterick 6554 wrap dress (view B) for my upcoming maternity photos and it was a lot of work! There were 15 pattern pieces to cut out, alterations I made (added the ruffles from view C to the bodice of view B), and the many *MANY* different terms and "things" I didn't know before starting it. I did it though! And it turned out well enough I feel confident wearing it for my photos. But it was definitely a lot of labor and learning and I'm excited to work on some easier pieces like shirts and stuff in the upcoming future.
Thank you Evelyn.. I too am guilty of sewing a style I like without thinking of the practicalities of my skill level. Is there any chance you could done video on adjusting patterns for accommate height?. I.e. I'm 5' 10" so all pattern proportions are not in the right place which I find daunting.
I don't typically use commercial patterns (they require too much modification) but with every new project I develop I try to use a new technique, like a zipper, or boning, or lining, this project I want to do a welt pocket and it terrifies me!
I'm always on a quest to avoid my personal nemesis: FBA (full bust adjustment). My go to for turning out projects are the ones marked "Easy" as I know they will have fewer pattern pieces to handle. Fiddling with all those many fussy bits are so frustrating sometimes-- why try to turn out couture when all I want is a simple t-shirt.
I love the Dress I'm the background the style of it wanted to do that sorta style for my daughters prom dress but no idea where to start with the top I can do a sleeveless corset top but that's it .
I decided I get annoyed with patterns I bought one that said up to a size 20 but the pieces only go to 14 and the instructions are very confusing
ery interestin
Good mem
For me, the "hard" is fitting.
đđđOMG I started a dress that said 2 hoursâŠit took me a month. đđ
Iâm finding where I live in the US, there are almost no patterns available in the fabric stores. It seems the traditional pattern companies are not producing patterns as they used to. Do you have any favorite sources for patterns over the Internet?
What is the easiest piece of clothing to make? I'm starting with an apron currently. Thanks. đâ
They are easy for advanced
I just want to add in that the sizes from the 70s were different than the sizes of today.
Donât do what I do and just modify the patterns to make them easier. It always works out for me, but adds more time and math than if I had just followed the instructions. Also Vogue patterns are not beginner friendly. My first pattern was a Vogue pattern đ
I am confused about the pattern size. I am not sure if they already added the relaxations or ease of each part in the size. For example, my daughterâs waist is exactly 28â, breast is 33â , and hip is 38 â. Do I need to think about the eases when I choose the pattern size for her? Thanks.
I see this question wasn't answered... My advice would be to measure the pattern and you will see how much ease the designer has included. If her bust is 33", measure front and back pieces at the bust line, subtract the seam allowances, and write down the difference between the pattern measurement (finished garment measurement) at that point and your body measurement (in your case, 33"). Some patterns have the finished garment measurments printed on the pattern tissue.
I find I dislike most easy patterns, because the fit is usually awkward for my body.
That's not true, that's how I learned to sew, my aunts also learned to sew, with the help of Burda.