How to pick EASY sewing pattern designs... for YOU!

[@irken777]

I usually look at the required notions and use them as an indication of difficulty.

[@amyb5401]

I'm volunteering at a soup kitchen in Argentina and as well as cooking, we receive and distribute second- (or third- or fourth-) hand clothing. What we get is a real mixed bag - everything from women's summer vest tops to collections of old blazers that we suspect have been sitting in an attic for decades! We are looking at refashioning and selling some of the items that aren't of much use in the soup kitchen to help with our costs - homeless men aren't generally very interested in women's vests, after all. So, I've been watching lots of your refashioning videos for inspiration. Thank you for running an awesome youtube channel, I can't wait to try out your tips!

[@MsDawn0113]

Thank you for the wonderful work you are doing.

[@nicolewooldridge9683]

Amy B wow! How inspiring.

[@emilyc3958]

Awesome!! :)

[@attilathehen1555]

I’m moderately experienced but stopped sewing for many years because I have a medical condition that makes me exhausted. What I have found is having an area where I can leave my machine out, (and with a new kitten about, a project box to quickly stash things away) I can do really short sessions. I also tend to finish with pinning, and sometimes tacking, the next thing to be sewn for next time. That way, stitching on the machine is done when I’m fresh and it’s less likely to go wrong. It takes me quite a while to sew a garment, but it’s a whole lot better than not sewing at all because it’s too exhausting.

[@india239]

Attila Thehen I’m fortunate to have a sewing room. I don’t have a lot of energy. I am making bras which I enjoy. I do one thing per day. Cutting pattern out, laying pattern on fabric, cutting out, sewing first seam and so on. After a week or so I have my new garment. I used to pressurise myself into trying to make a complete garment in one day. Then I realised it was my hobby to do how I liked

[@sjking1111]

Miss Evelyn, YOU are the ONLY reason I didn't give up on sewing! I googled "how to learn to sew" and you have that video where you say we shouldn't even touch a pattern for a while. I've been listening to many of your beginner videos, and the way you break things down is working for me. Especially your Beginner series with all the sewing terms (i.e. grainline, via, salvage, fold line, etc). I signed up for a local sewing basics class and the teacher keeps using a lot of sewing lingo and terms with us and we don't know what they mean! Truly...if I hadn't watched your Terminology series I would have been completely lost. I think I'm going to take YOUR class online once this local class is over next week. Thank You for your incredibly helpful videos! 💗🧵

[@thebratqueen]

Yes! I loved that video! It was so great how she broke down the steps *and* what our goals should be for each one. Hugely helpful.

[@beth7467]

I'm almost ready to sign up for Vintage Sewing School myself. I feel like I need someone like Evelyn as my friendly guide. By the way, I just purchased the Readers Digest sewing book, and it is incredibly clear.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Aww 😍 Now I'm giddy smiling! This makes my day, I'm so glad you didn't give up and found me instead! I can't wait for you to join VSS as what I do on KZbin is just the tip of the iceberg! You will progress your skills so much ❤

[@thebratqueen]

@@Evelyn__Wood Glad to hear! Your vids definitely bring joy into my week so I'm glad if I can return even just a little bit. And I am looking forward to VSS as well!

[@thebratqueen]

@@beth7467 Thank you for the rec!

[@MicheleBonna]

Choosing patterns with just one new skill is actually how I have been teaching myself! I started on a pair of jeans and realized that there were too many new skills to learn and realized that this was the way to go to strengthen my specific skills. :) I figured it out on my own though, and until now never heard another person suggest this. :) Line drawings and the description can also help with picking out design details that might be missed in a photo.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Sounds like you are a natural to intuitively look at it this way! 😀 I agree, lines drawing are a must to see the detsils and the amount of 'things'.

[@MicheleBonna]

@@Evelyn__Wood I genuinely blushed. Thank you :)

[@Evelyn__Wood]

❤🤣❤

[@marinaramalho]

It's so funny how they don't suggest that Michele. That's exactly how I was finally able to improve and end up with wearable garments. I try to get one new skill every time and if there is something I struggle with, I make sure I try that again on the next one.

[@pirozhockskotom2238]

In my teen years, we didn’t have much, but had an old sewing mashine, and had a lot of old clothes, that I had a lot of fun with. My mom called it “ruining”, and yes, I’ve ruined a bunch of old stuff, but also created several nice dresses for my younger sister, an awesome skirt , tshirt and a bag for myself. I’ve learned so much from this time, so now, if I want to do something new and difficult for me, I practise. Buy some old clothes from thrift store, wash it, and try to repeat difficult collar or a pocket. I even been able to creat some nice outfit for myself for Renaissance festival, including shoes. (And it doesn’t matter that it most likely will be cancelled this year, because we all know why). And now, because of all this experience, I am finally able to sew clothes for myself. And I love the idea of recycling.

[@bevwyckoff2451]

At 60 yrs old and a quilter, I'm finally starting to sew garments. Thank you thank you for your easy style and constant smile!! I feel confident now and not afraid to make mistakes

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😃😃😃 Yay! Bev that is the best thing I could hear!! I'm so glad I could give you the conference to just go for it, and there is no failing in sewing! ❤ I hope your making something fabulous?

[@bevwyckoff2451]

@@Evelyn__Wood right now unpicking items that never fit well and putting them back right!!! I even cleaned my sewing machine & took a pic but cant figure out how to send it to you!!!

[@cvholm5904]

you’re such an amazing educator!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Awe thankyou so much! 😃 It's nice to hear you like my style!

[@krankywitch]

That’s like the ‘Two Hour’ pattern that takes 2 days to complete 🤪

[@eladiocofresi5202]

Reminds me of the "five minute face masks" that take much longer.

[@pamelabrinkley6900]

Omg yes, I was thinking the same thing

[@sandracarr872]

At sixty four I now have some time to sew and whilst looking for advise on transferring a pattern onto separate pattern paper in You tube I came across your channel. I have learned so much and try to take time each day to watch at least one of your videos. I am a large lady who finds it very difficult to find patterns that fit. I had never heard of a Toile before but by making one I was able to make the pattern I was using fit and I must say I am so very happy with the results. Thank you for all your wonderful advice and I love seeing your thrift finds. I am based in the UK and am now on the look out for places where I can find fabrics etc to buy. Thank you for your honest, enjoyable and informative videos I am hooked.

[@amberlee6307]

Thank you! This is the same with knitting and crochet. They say a pattern is beginner or easy, but what they mean is: easy with some experience.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Right!!!! Good to know the advise translates if I ever learn to knit!

[@karennelson4108]

Ooh I've been there.... I started a lovely Rowan scarf for my daughters birthday which is in May and it's July 2020 and I'm still knitting it 😂😂💐

[@janisbrunst4226]

We are learning through our whole lives- sewing, knitting or other.

[@lindawhitaker4314]

You are a very good teacher! I’ve learned so many things from you and I have been sewing for sixty years. I must be honest though. I really miss your vintage treasure hunts and remakes of the clothing finds. I’ll be very glad when our worlds are normal.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😀 Thankyou so much! And I do have refashions coming! And maybe thrift hauls.... where I live shops are open and things are normal, so I can go thrifting, but I know it's not the case for most, so I'm not sure about doing hauls again for a bit.

[@sjking1111]

I swear I bought that same or similar pattern. I was so excited, then quickly overwhelmed! And the more my older sewer friends tried to help with laying everything out, the worse it got! Then I found your videos!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😂😂 Yes just because you know how to do something doesn't mean you know how to teach someone else! I'm very glad to hear that you lije my style of teaching and I can make it easy to understand!

[@StephanieCanada]

I love how you break these down. Probably could’ve used this video before I opted to make a 1930’s blouse in rayon! But I still managed to finish it up.

[@gizzimirella41]

Evelyn, you are the epitome of common sense !🤩🤩🤩 Little advices = big results ! Thank you from the heart.

[@MissSexiDj]

I love seeing a new video from you on my front page! You've been such an invaluable help answering questions which I've constantly been running into since I began my sewing journey! thank you!!!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Aww Deea thankyou! I'm happy to be in your front page, I'll thank KZbin for it! I'm excited your sewing had been progressing!! And happy I help!

[@carolynvines2027]

I like the idea of adding just one new skill to each project. Great advice! Thanks!

[@mariegarside8830]

Keeping a sewing journal that covers: 1. new skills learned 2. which fabrics used and how you did with them 3. which pattern adjustments you usually need to make for a good fit (example - I am long in the torso and have square shoulders) Also always read the instructions a couple of times before starting any sewing project.

[@MsDawn0113]

What a great idea. So much better than trying to keep it all in my head.

[@denisedorsey2889]

I keep a sewing journal also.

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

Great idea to keep a log or journal.

[@lauraoergel6003]

I wish i had known this when i first started! 😀A dress with a front, back, and pockets seemed easy until they fail to mention facings and linings and the invisible zipper on a pullover dress 😑🤣

[@DetectiveNyx]

Evelyn: not every pattern marked easy is easy Me, whose first pattern sewing was Simplicity 8671: oof

[@sierralarars]

Aeris Akamatsu my condolences! Did you by any chance watch MissCarolBelle’s series on the sister pattern 8444? She did a walkthrough/sew along which would probably help with 8671

[@joc5882]

Love it! Can so relate to your experience - “a good idea at the time”. LOL

[@DetectiveNyx]

safe to say 2-3 years later i haven't learned a damn thing LOL

[@kimberlywilkes2438]

This is a great video! I have all these "easy" patterns and this video just helped me determine if they are patterns that I can actually sew at my very beginner level. Thank you.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😀 Excellent!!

[@yumiiiy]

Thank you so much! The idea of unpacking the skills needed for a task can be very useful not only for sewing but for a lot of projects :)

[@shrierobinson6741]

This is the first time I've heard of this way of looking at a seeing project. Thanks.

[@mauimedows]

Well said ! Another thing is to believe that the one hour/ two hour sewing patterns are actually gonna take that little time. Even just considering the sewing time , to make something you’ll be proud of it’ll take probably quite a bit longer .

[@suezeeq12]

Things I've never even thought about - thank you so much for this. I'm brand new and have bought 3 patterns so far - going to check them now!

[@linwillett8157]

That explains that easy dress I expected to finish in an afternoon that took 5 days!!

[@anngardiner9144]

No i have never seen this (thing ) style before.thanks for this information.i will look at a pattern in a new light.love watching you.xx

[@purplealice]

Well, I learned how to sew in a zipper when I was in 7th grade "home economics", but that was sixty years ago. So I'd need a bit of a refresher if I wanted to make anything with a zipper. Right now my biggest challenge is that i had to buy a new sewing machine, because my old one broke while I was sewing masks. The new machine has an 'automatic needle threader" that takes more dexterity than poking the thread into the needle the old fashioned way. But I need one more mask, and I also have a bunch of things I bought that need pockets. But all I want to do is watch KZbin videos and go to bed...

[@elaine1250]

Well that certainly made sense , I have always wondered why I take a few days when the suggested time is 2 hrs , I will definately look at patterns in a very different way from here on , thankyou so much for your guidance !!!

[@elinordrake7129]

Very good points! I've been buying patterns lately & only purchased 'beginner' sewist patterns. 50% of the handful I bought seemed really difficult to me. I didn't think of it the way you put it out, I just thought I was a bit ....'slow' in comprehension. Now I see that those were probably more like intermediate designs. Thanks for the reframing!

[@michellesmolinski5850]

I wish this video was available when I had started sewing!

[@thebratqueen]

BLESS YOU. I tried taking a sewing class years ago and they never addressed things like this. I ended up quitting because I was convinced that the problem was that I didn't have the ability to learn how to sew. Your lessons demystify that otherwise steep learning curve and make sewing so much more fun and accessible. Thank you so much for sharing them.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

❤😃❤ This makes me so happy, and why I do what I do, thankyou for putting a smile on my face! I agree that most sewing lessons neglect the exclamations on WHY your doing things, and that's why I started my own school! 😀 I'm so glad you started sewing agsin, ans with me! ❤

[@bevwyckoff2451]

I was going to say that!!!!

[@thebratqueen]

@@Evelyn__Wood What I especially like is how not only do you talk about all those "assumed knowledge" things but you give guidance on next steps to increase your skills. It's so helpful to know but just what to do in the moment but where you're going to go next. (And I'm looking forward to joining Vintage Sewing school as soon as I'm able! Real life stuff is currently getting in the way or I would have done it already. 💜)

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Yay!!! 😀😀 I'm so excited for you to join when you can! If you think what I have on KZbin is good..... just wait until you see what's in VSS! 😀 And is great to know these things about how you learn, as it helps me be a better teacher! ❤

[@thebratqueen]

@@Evelyn__Wood I can imagine! I'm already drooling over the idea of what videos are in that library.

[@arlenes6461]

Thank you so much for sharing your gift of sewing!! I finally sat in front of my sewing machine after 15 yrs, during this pandemic, and lit my little spark of a desire to sew. I started making masks out of necessity and stumbled onto your videos! I'm still watching them, I have lots if homework to do 🤭 Today I watched one that you talked about the different ideas to add to refashioning a garment. I was fascinated! Imagined all your vintage sewing tips on a mask or my scrub cap for work haha Anyways, It encouraged me to finally ask my first question this morning to you.... what type of thread do I buy for my projects?? One day I bought a quilting thread, (not knowing anything) thinking "wow I got a deal!" 💥 😑....was I wrong. 😄 Anyways, thank you again for all your guidance. Can't wait for your next video. ..Happy Sewing 💞🧵

[@Chantilly871]

I have been a member of VSS since last February and I highly recommend this teacher, the community she's built and the instructions she gives. Ask any question and its answered plus the sewing circle of friends with their added knowledge is outstanding (supportive and kind too, a great place to be during a pandemic as well). I also got to have a Skype call with Evelyn this past spring after completing a monthly challenge. I just cannot say enough good things 😌

[@Notlost-lj9qt]

I love your sweater and brooch! So cute.

[@susannefischer4445]

Many thanks for this. I am an absolut beginner and I really learn so much watching you Videos. I never was the first one to comment in a video😉

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😀😀 Thanks for being first!! I need some prizes or something! I'm really glad your learning so much, I hope you learn to make some fabulous garments that your proud to wear! ❤

[@annamarieh333]

That’s brilliant. Never looked at a pattern like that.

[@marievenezia4929]

This is a GREAT way of examining each sewing project!!! Never heard it before. Wish I'd heard it at the begining of my sewing journey!!

[@indymom810]

I've been working with the vintage "How To" series from Simplicity. They teach one skill at a time and break it down with a special instruction sheet to teach just that skill. It's helpful for people like me who typically start out by sewing the completely wrong seam as the first step in a project. Of course, the sizes are smaller, but I'm sewing to learn, not to wear right now, so it works for me. LOVE your videos!

[@najakarlsen8917]

I have not thought about that until now, and it makes good sense. Thank you very much 🤗

[@bigc8127]

I've had patterns that were marked difficult where it wasn't that bad as well

[@lestranged]

Me too! I've actually had that happen more often that an 'easy' one being hard.

[@kaytiej8311]

A tutorial on deciphering 'easy' or 'difficult' fabrics to sew would be great.

[@jenniferbrain8849]

This is sooo helpful, as a beginner (who knows some basics) looking at patterns is mind boggling

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Have you ever sewn an 'easy' pattern and found to NOT so easy? 😅 Let me how you like my method of assessing sewing patterns, and if you have any other tips to share with us? *** If you're ready to take your sewing to the next level, join me at www.vintagesewingschool.com/

[@_nette_]

Another great video, as usual! I'd also add an assessment of the kinds of changes to the pattern you'd need to make for it to fit you. A loose kaftan - not a lot of changes needed; a fitted pant in a woven fabric - lots of fitting challenges! Needing to make lots of alterations to a pattern definitely adds to the complexity, particularly if you haven't made these kinds of changes before

[@landonscellphone6296]

Greetings, I have now watched alot of your videos and it is lovely and needed. I am new to sewing but in a bunch of your videos you mention terms that I have had to search on the internet but most they are giving is written directions not how they differ nor you would use one over another nor what they visually are nor how someone would do them. Some of the terms would be dart vs plaque vs pleat vs tuck vs gather vs ruching do you happen to have tutorials on what each visual are, when it looks better to use one versus another and lastly how to do it? I know you hear this enough, but thank you for taking the time to share your passion, the more detail the better.

[@carriefairweather8760]

well explained, about "things"

[@kogabear1]

I fell into the trap of "Easy," I almost laugh now as it turns out they should be labeled, "how much are you willing to learn." It's probably how I came upon this channel, a pattern was telling you to do something that I hadn't a clue about what they were talking about.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

I like that , 'how much are you willing to learn' 😂

[@adamsransom]

I like this approach! I am a competent sewer... But a poor planner. While watching, I realised that I often pick projects that have multiple elements that I'm not skilled at, and then I don't factor that in to planning! So I get frustrated with myself for taking so long to see a "simple" button up shirt, without taking into account that the project is full of technical skills I'm still developing (and fitting problems, and KZbin research breaks when I can't understand the instructions...) So thank you for making and sharing this video. I feel like a very kind teacher just sat me down and gave me one of those "you can do it, but please recognise your limits" pep talks 😅

[@faylowery8693]

Thank you for good information 👍👍👍

[@ladysexyd]

That is a very good idea that you are doing that make a lot of sense.

[@shereemckinnon3896]

I am a beginner as well and first looked for patterns marked ‘very easy’, but even these may have waistbands and a number of pieces. I had one wrap skirt pattern marked very easy where the waist band and tie was made of 4 pieces! Took me about an hour of looking and moving parts about before I could figure out how it went together. Now I also look for something new, like buttons, gathers or lining.

[@deannamartin799]

I've never thought about this but it makes so much sense!

[@beatriceellen6401]

I have sewn Mabel : pattern for improvers. I have done a muselin. The most difficult thing I have done was to sew a skirt with a shirred waist on a bodice. The cotton viscose is wonderful but slithery. The pins doesn't helped. They was falling out. I had to stretch the layer of the skirt to make it fit to the bodice. I had to stop to put the seamallowances together, because they was sliding apart. In the end I succeed with small mistakes. It looks well done just I know it is not perfect. The inside of the garment lookes nice and neat and the outside looks great. The neckline was tricky. It contains 6 pieces. And you have to attach the front and back bodice, and sleeves sewing elastic channels. The bodice got 3 pieces. I had 2 alterations. I lenghten the bodice twice. The next time I will shorten 1 cm3/8 of an inch. I am happy with the garment. But please people don't sew it if you don't have enough experiences and you need to sew a test piece.

[@jeanwestackroyd2966]

Some good advice there Evelyn ! A great way to look at things, thankyou for sharing.

[@MrsYasha1984]

Sooo... You say I should not have triwd out sewing a corset as a third project years ago? :D It went alright, actually, I'm very stubborn and good with learning from books or internet. I usually just dive in head first into new sewing techniques and make learning by doing. Much more problems than sewing the things I had with fit. Short back, strong butt curve, pronounced waist. I don't like buying patterns because altering them to fit me would be a hassle each time. Instead I have my master pattern from which I derive everything else. Makes things so much easier. But I bet a lot of women would profit from you showing how to alter the fit of things. :)

[@justanothercutefreak]

What a coincidence! I just bought my first big brand pattern this week and ohmygod I hate it. Not intuitive at all and it's made me wonder what are good patterns for a beginner like me? Thank you for uploading this! And it makes sense starting small, makes me think of a video game where you grind in order to gain more experience and better skills. Gotta work on my patience. 😅

[@eleonore59830]

I love the patterns by peppermint magazine, they are free (pdf) and the instructions are really good !

[@justanothercutefreak]

@@eleonore59830 I'll check them out. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@justanothercutefreak]

@@eleonore59830 Just looked through a shorts pattern and they are definitely beginner friendly with the instructions, thank you so much!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

I know right! It's hard beacause a pattern as never designed as a 'learn to sew guide'. It was good home sewers who knew what they are doing already to sew a new design. There is so much assumed knowledge in patterns, you just have to have a guide through that! 😀 I have many videos that can help!

[@freezo244]

Your content is so helpful and encouraging. Thank you! ❤️

[@tracireed2750]

Very helpful! Thank you. I wish I had this when I bought my first patterns!

[@kayfountain6261]

I'm a beginner sewer so for my first garment I made a night dress out of an old sheet so it wouldn't matter that much if it was a wonky mess. But in making it I learnt about seams, facings, set in sleeves and hemming. Basic skills but it meant my next garment (pull on tunic) could take those basic skills and build on them. Next one will have button holes, collar stand and plackets to add to my list.

[@dale3404]

I agree about the sleepwear.

[@lindaj5492]

Note to self: keep a notebook for the new vocabulary I’m going to learn as I start sewing again after 20 years! First entry will be placket / plaquette 🤔

[@m.v.stewart7688]

Your a godsend!!

[@Anett39]

Please can you do more refashion project? I loooove watching them and doing them myslef too 😉

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Soon!!! 😃

[@KJROREX]

I usually buy a pattern I like and practice it on the cheapest fabric I can find. Or use scraps for individual techniques. The only problem I’ve come across is when I significantly change up the material between practice and a garment I want to wear

[@eladiocofresi5202]

My experience is probably advanced beginner (I'm happier sewing accessories and tailoring;) however, my funniest "easy" pattern experience is with the whole thing of making face masks. I downloaded a pattern for an Olson mask that was marked as easy, and while the pattern is not difficult, the directions left out details that if someone had no knowledge on sewing areas that are curved, they would have had problems.

[@jacklynlaperriere8212]

Great tips, thanks!

[@sweetoneloves6811]

How many time has this happen to me, however, I continue to follow the sewing pattern until I get it.

[@nikiharris2009]

Thanks for the info. I'm afraid to make grown up clothes so I only make doll clothes for my daughter. Whenever I make one with no mistakes maybe then I'll be confident enough to try real clothes.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Nikki I love that your dedicated to practice! It's the only way to get better. But don't be afraid to try, its just fabric, and 'mistakes' are how we learn anyway! ❤

[@MsDawn0113]

If you're on Instagram check out #mistakesmakethemaker. Be sure to read @rurhwatkincostumes (green skirt) It truly gave me a boost of confidence.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

I shared that very post just the other day! Definetly worth looking her up!

[@micheleaurelio2120]

This is how I approach each year of teaching; I pick one subject or skill to really focus on. This year is apparently digital delivery. Lol.

[@tinnerste2507]

Hi! I love to watch your videos, and i know your busy, but would appreciate a video tutorial on underarm gussets that let you raise your arms up. I find that on second hand dresses that my arm doesnt go higher than my shoulder without resistance, or the whole dress lifting. Ive seen a video on how to attach one but i dont know how to decide what size or to decide wether it should be square or a longer diamond shape.

[@michellemcguire3412]

Like most, I learned this the hard way, I have a number of ‘easy’ patterns away in a draw for another time.

[@lindabrown7374]

I just lucked out on a box of mostly vintage patterns. One of them is an Advance "Sew-Easy" from the early 1960's. The number is 3275. The sleeves and yokes are cut as one piece. Long curved darts in the front an back, darts in the sleeves, sleeve facings, round stand up collar, belt and zipper. Easy? Yeah, sure!

[@denisedorsey2889]

LINDA BROWN I'm sure in the early 60's many girls learned to sew in school so they had a good foundation for that "easy" pattern. But I agree that even with that knowledge it seems fairly intimidating!

[@ellonblack4165]

Thank you for this, it's really helpful! Could you maybe also suggest what an absolute beginner should look for in a pattern, so that they know it won't be too difficult for them? As in how many "things" is too many "things" for a beginner? Thanks again for your videos, they're super inspiring!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Good question!! I think your first projects should be non garments, like bags and such, as its simple and no fitting on a body required! Then move onto a garment, loose fit, and as few pieces as possible! 😀

[@eleonore59830]

I would say the easiest garment to make would be a skirt with an elastic waistband. Try to stay away from collars or plackets because they can be quite tricky I think.

[@judyjennings-gunther4022]

Pajama bottoms are a good beginner project.

[@denisedorsey2889]

I agree with the suggestions here. Another thing to keeping it easy is user friendly fabrics. Stick with wovens like cotton or linen blends. Then you are able to focus on the sewing skills without the added battle with the fabric slipping all over.

[@beth7467]

Your approach is a sensible one, Evelyn. Thanks! I just got stung on an "easy" dress pattern from Style Arc. I feel like I would have had more success had the written instructions been clearer. (Lots of proofreading mistakes.) That, plus a seemingly bizarre way of making a double bodice, almost spelled doom for me, but I muddled through.

[@denisedorsey2889]

ZaGraham I have heard other you tubers say that the Style Arc instructions are fairly lacking. Some of the indie pattern companies have excellent instructions and you can also find sewing tips on their websites. That's where I started and it gave me a great start so now I can manage a big 4 pattern with more confidence.

[@perrywicker4523]

I enjoyed watching your video. Your such a cutie pie. Have a great and hi from Texas

[@gydha]

They are called easy because they have few pattern pieces. I don't remember the number limit, but that's why it's called easy. :)

[@davevanfunk8917]

I could tick off all the boxes - except hemming a curved edge.

[@akvileklimaviciute7615]

In personal experience, the most simple garment design is the most difficult to sew it to look crisp and flawless :D

[@crystalcolbert4230]

Hi there, love your work ❤️ I'm interested to know if your sewing school caters to complete beginners too? Crystal

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Crystal yes it does! Step by step, in order, ask the beginner things you need to know, and even more after that! You can join at www.vintagesewingschool.com I'd love to have you in class!

[@crystalcolbert4230]

@@Evelyn__Wood yaay!!! Thanks for the link... Will be joining soon 🙂

[@darleneappleman3911]

I have a singer 5400 sewing machine

[@roxysmearnof4494]

Does it have a ‘flange’

[@polkadot8788]

I think they should mark patterns with skills required rather than general easy/hard labels.

[@Tuala08]

One thing I struggle with is that a lot of easy patterns don't look good on me. Too many basic, bag shaped skirts!

[@lpm82]

Well, I have very little skills so I probably won't find a pattern that would be easy for me.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

The first one is always the hardest, but it gets easier from there! ❤

[@gracieallen8285]

For an easy pattern, I first look at the number of pattern pieces. A lot of pieces equal not so easy a pattern.

[@Ellulellu]

Also you might want to read the instuctions through and see if you understand anything, some times the steps are written in a way you wouldn't do them normally or just don't get the wording 😂

[@lydzphens]

❤❤❤

[@jbello9398]

Yes, I've bought a few claiming "easy" and even the "2 hour" ones and then some of the instructions I was like "what the..." 😣

[@nicolewooldridge9683]

I am considering your school, how do I know where, to start in the classes. Do you go live, what if I don’t, have the skills, for that class?

[@judyjennings-gunther4022]

I am surprised that the pattern that you are talking about is marked easy. Putting all of those triangle things in the bottom, and making it look good , is not easy. And there are so many of them. What I tell people who want to learn how to sew is to make pajama bottoms. I also tell them that I like elastic over drawstring.

[@antiantipoda]

I just did a bunch of pajama bottoms. Refining the pattern and getting better each time. I added seam pockets because I love pockets, but they got me into trouble more than once.

[@amishgirl1000]

I have never looked at a pattern that way. Hmmmm interesting.

[@lestranged]

Often I think beginners make it harder for themselves by choosing difficult fabrics. ( Ignoring the fabric recommendations on the pattern, etc.) I worked at fabric stores (many years ago) and sewing students would choose an easy pattern and come to get the fabric cut and it was completely wrong for that pattern. I would let them know it was going to be a struggle. A lot of the time they ignored the advice. Beginners would have better luck with crisp woven fabrics, few pattern pieces, and looser fitting garments, not very fitted body-con things.

[@anessaharris9947]

😃

[@anessaharris9947]

😃