3 Easy Ways to Pattern Your Own Clothes

[@renderedtoscale]

Whenever you're feeling embarrassed of being self taught, remember Harpo Marx taught himself to play the harp and he had harpists from professional orchestras trying to learn his unique style.

[@jerometruitt2731]

Who would be embarrassed about being self taught? If anything thats more impressive.

[@jerometruitt2731]

@@OfficialROZWBRAZEL everyone's work is crap at first...even if you had proper schooling.

[@BloodFox49]

@@jerometruitt2731 As an artist who is always having people say “oh you’re so talented, I wish I could draw!!” My stuff started as crap too 🤣 this is my I keep every single sketchbook since my first in grade 10, so I can show people it wasn’t something that was just magically hired to me, hehe!

[@jerometruitt2731]

@@OfficialROZWBRAZEL if your work is crap...it's amateur by default...

[@ricebeansrockroll882]

​@@jerometruitt2731 nah, amateur just means you ain't getting paid for it. There are professionals out there who are complete crap but good at selling.

[@riuphane]

One trick I learned from my mom that's similar to your first method: -find something similar that fits that's cheap -use a seam ripper to take it apart into each panel -you now have a pattern that you can use over and over. Ironing the fabric and/or tracing it onto paper makes it much easier to transfer onto your final fabric. a great thing to use for this is cheap costumes from halloween stores (go the day after halloween for a great deal) or look for a sale at your local theater company. You can easily turn something that was just designed to fit and doesn't look very good (or is poorly made with cheap fabric) and turn it into an amazing pattern you'll use over and over.

[@GinnyDi]

This is a great idea!!

[@jerometruitt2731]

I did this with a pair of jeans....use the base pattern and add whatever to it.

[@tarquiniuscinematicproduct478]

THAT IS GENIUS THANK YOU SO MUXH

[@gimygaming8655]

This is good if you plan to copy a pattern. Making your own pattern without copying is much different.

[@seekreacts]

​@@GinnyDi yea

[@seanathanbeanathan]

"Iron your clothes" You're not my parent, let me live 😂

[@GinnyDi]

I clearly don't take my own advice, don't worry about it 😂

[@roseberry-nj2ux]

Lol live like a bum??

[@yangxue1694]

Ginny your patterns are great I have a club and me kimaya and Rachel are making a dress!

[@alexoconnor68]

This is the first time ive even remotely understood the concept of patterns. Makes me feel like quite an idiot for the very fundamental mistakes ive made before

[@GinnyDi]

You're not an idiot!! Patterning can seem very complicated - it doesn't make you stupid to be intimidated by it! I'm glad I could shed some light though.

[@jorjadiebold5317]

If you don’t make mistakes then you don’t learn. Keep on sewing.

[@aliceesperanza]

You’re not an idiot! Sometimes it just takes the right teacher 😋

[@gaarasgurl100]

I'm not really a cosplayer. I just wanted to pattern everyday outfits for myself. This was really helpful.

[@mahoumelon]

That cheater's draping is a game changer 😲 Thank you!!

[@NeverAskedtobeMade1390]

This is so helpful! As a plus-size person, it's hard to find pre-made patterns that have anywhere close to my sizing. I've always wanted to make my own patterns because of that and I could never figure out how without completely destroying clothes I already own

[@Zion45005]

Check out Gunnar Deathrage's channel! He makes some beautiful garments and he makes patterns up to size 32 I love how inclusive his designs are aside from just how beautiful his work is 😘 Good luck mama! I am inspired to start my own project as well 😊

[@mrose421]

As a tall girl (6’2”) SAME!

[@unepommeverte17]

also, you can make a dress form out of duct tape and stuffing! just wear an old tshirt you don't care about, maybe wrap your neck and farther down your arms with saran wrap, have a friend wrap you in 2 layers of duct tape, cut up the back, get out, tape it back together, stuff, cover the holes, and voila a dress form that only costs the price of a couple rolls of duct tape and some stuffing instead of hundreds of dollars. (the real dress forms are obviously better for at least a few reasons, but duct tape dress forms are probably better than the janky adjustable ones since they actually match your size and shape

[@tinabeana4495]

Thank you for the tip definently gonna try this out now!

[@joeskittles9573]

Also, concurrent tip, you can use cedar chips from the pets section for cheap and easy stuffing! It is a little messy to get into the form on the first go and I def recommend gloves but for $3-6 a bag the price is hard to beat. I've been using it in my form for years and it's held up very well.

[@tobealostwanderer]

And if you dont have stuffing, you can use it as a pattern. Draw on whatever pattern you need, cut it out and transfer to paper :)

[@unepommeverte17]

@@tobealostwanderer well with that you have to be careful about ease. my duct tape dummy is my size but those exact dimensions aren't gonna let me move around freely. unless everything i'm making is stretchy or a corset.

[@uwukotoa]

Joe Skittles you can also use paper hamster bedding, it’s much less dusty than cedar chips.

[@faemerothgoblinbane]

This is going to be so helpful; stepping into amateur cosplaying and I'm running into the issue of commercial patterns not being close enough or just lacking the knowledge to alter them to what I need. Thanks for the vid Ginny!

[@pavarottiaardvark3431]

6:35 Ah yes, Inquisitor Lavellan's outfit. Simple. Eternal. Beige.

[@tiffany02020]

PavarottiAardvark A true paragon of pajamas

[@alto19]

you can also make a pattern from an existing garment by covering each panel separately with masking tape- using small pieces to block out the edge and then filling in with long strips, then peel the masking tape off as a sheet and stick it to some patterning paper, wrapping paper, etc. I use this for almost every cosplay and it's never done me wrong, especially because the more boob your shirt has to accommodate, the trickier it is to copy directly onto paper

[@MourningStarSageDP]

Gonna watch and absorb this later. Added it to my watch later list, but just wanted to drop in for 10 seconds to add a view, a like and leave a comment. Thanks for the new video Ginny!

[@OhColorMeAmazing]

The cheater's draping is a gamechanger, omg. It makes so much sense but I never thought of it!

[@scouttyra]

If you want a dress form, there are tutorials on how to do them with duck tape online. Not only is it probably cheaper than a pre-made one, it will be to your exact measurements.

[@lv2draw1]

You can also turn the duct tape dress form into a pattern for a fabric one - which will be easier to pin into

[@dragonflower17]

Only thing with this is big recommendation to either not wear a bra or wear a not super tight sports bra, as if you're wearing a push-up/something with too much lift it can severely impact the accuracy of your dress form and lead to construction issues in the future. But yeah, homemade dress forms are awesome

[@twmcd8]

Omg this is so incredibly helpful, thank you so much, surrogate sewing mom!!!

[@AmyHoldaway27]

I thought you needed to be very good at math for this 😂😂😂 I’m glad I was wrong lol

[@lonawest6585]

TY for this Ginny ive been worryed to go all out but this reall and i mean REALLY helps ive always had cute idaws but this give me hope!

[@madqueenopus8961]

Sewing mom coming in clutch

[@tea275]

Thank you so much for this!!! I realize this video is two years old at the time of my comment, but I have been looking for a beginner's guide to creating your own patterns and this fits the bill perfectly! So glad I found this channel :D

[@notgojo491]

Oh hello, its you. Dont tell me you fell in love with a fictional character AGAIN, and now you want to be a cosplayer in one day 👀

[@lindsaykantrovich2579]

this video is a GODSEND! I sketched out a tunic & vest for a costume yesterday & then realized I have no clue how to draft it into a pattern. oops... Thanks for this video & the extra resources, Ginny! 😊

[@ericherstead9494]

Ginny: i'm self taught. Me: respact level goe's even higher

[@misscloudycreations]

Same people who are taught from pro’s often have a better understanding when they start out but people who are self taught have learned from trial and error and in the long run know a lot more

[@roseberry-nj2ux]

I barely understood that

[@JohnPorsbjerg]

for your last technique you can also use a pattern from a sewing store or even print one from online! i did that for my Connor Kenway, i used a raincoat pattern and sewed it in muslin, then cut new seams in the right places and traced the pieces on patterning paper. I'm still not sure how 17 y/o managed to make a costume THAT nice because i was new to cosplay at that time, but i think that just goes to show how solid of a technique it is. Literally makes the most complex things super easy

[@GinnyDi]

For sure, making a mock-up of a commercial pattern and then modifying that is totally doable! It takes about twice as long as what I outline in the video, but it's absolutely a valid technique!

[@TheShorelReneeHair]

When I tell you you made it so understandable, I’ve been trying to learn how to make patterns for 3 weeks.🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️ thank you.

[@hannahsmith3830]

I need to get a dress form. I once made one out of duct tape, then stuffing it and standing it on old crutches, but I've had a kid and a lot of tacos since then lol

[@GinnyDi]

Oh man, that sounds totally worth it though

[@Febiza919]

This might be my favorite sewing related cosplay video ever. After exploding my brain with patterning videos over the last few weeks, I think this is the one I needed to see. Thank you so much, especially for the encouragement at the end.

[@owleeriecosplay3216]

The one seemingly obvious thing that I've had to force myself to learn about patterning is to label it with the project, ie "Elsa Skirt gore x6 1/2" hem" or "XYZ Boot Cover." I can't count how many times I've gone looking for an old draft that I'd like to reuse and can't find a piece, or FOUND a piece of a draft and have no idea what it's from because all I put on it was "side front."

[@GinnyDi]

Ha!! I put my pattern pieces into an envelope afterwards and label the envelope - either way, good point! Make sure you know what the pattern is for!

[@clairebleh1756]

I CLICKED SO FAST AHH

[@GinnyDi]

I hope it's helpful!!

[@kittenpoker]

you know what's a great material to pattern with.... bin bags... I use the clear recycle bags. It drapes (better than paper), you can tape it, you can cut it easily, you can draw on it with sharpies & it's cheap ^_^

[@Moocow2003]

thats so smart!!!

[@createparadise]

This is a great video, I have been sewing for 16 years and I studied fashion at university and we used some these techniques. I'm sure this video will help many sewers. Thank you for sharing! 🙆🏻‍♀️👌👏

[@crystalchronicler]

I found this video while trying to get more info on draping, and this was fantastically informative on a newbie level, thank you! Also, this is literally the first time I've ever understood how darts are used!

[@jeskifire]

This was super helpful! I am definitely going to experiment with some of these methods. I have trouble with sizing sometimes and I love the idea of getting something cheap that fits and cutting it up : P

[@Mrs_Homemaker]

As a sewist myself, you did a great job explaining things at a base level! I'll add, for those new to sewing, there are amazing PDF Pattern companies out there with great base patterns and super clear directions. It's an amazing starting point for learning basic construction methods.

[@spy6205]

Love this! I hope to see more sewing content from you :) loved seeing you make your jaskier cosplay step by step on twitter too!

[@ashal9504]

Every time you upload a tutorial style video, it's always exactly what I need. I really needed this right now, thank you yet again

[@ashleynevill970]

You are a great presenter - you come across very confident and your voice is clear and pleasant to listen to. One of the better how-tos I've ever watched. Just wanted to pass that on!

[@royaldolly6467]

I was litterly looking for this kind of video yesterday! It was very helpful for me to understand patterns a little better. Bless!

[@imwithsoco]

I love these more technical vids! I also appreciate your confidence in my abilities but fear has not been lessened :(

[@GinnyDi]

Listen, fear is okay as long as you don't listen to it! Fear can be like "u suck" and you can be like "SHUT UP, FEAR. I'M DOING IT ANYWAY."

[@Anvandiel]

@@GinnyDi Conquering your fears out of SPITE!!! 💜

[@SchismaticBunny]

I’m making Princess Tutu from scratch, the last method looks like it is going to help so much!!! I appreciate it ❤️❤️❤️

[@virgilwright1482]

me: *has no clue what's happening* also me, learning it in some round-about way: Ah yes, this is cosplay

[@kalynmarie850]

I've done similar for the "cheating" draping! Difference is, I didn't have a dress form so I put it on myself and gave a friend puppy eyes until they helped me...

[@CyclingM1867]

I don't do cosplay, although it looks like a lot of fun. I'm a fairly new sewer, though, and what you do for draping, I find very helpful. I think that my preferred methods will be the two draping ones you showed. I especially like the third thing you showed us, as it's reusing an old garment that might not be used otherwise. It's a great way to reuse a piece of clothing if you're not going to wear it.

[@medievalterrence9691]

YOU WOULD POST A VIDEO on the only day I don't get online all day!

[@قناةتجربةالمنتجات]

ماهذا لون الشعر سيء جدا......المرأة جمالها حين يكون لون شعرها اسود كما خلقها الله سبحانه وتعالى

[@natalieashbaugh3660]

Thank you, I’ve been looking for a video like this but every time I searched I just found tutorials on how to use patterns.. thank you so much :)

[@rosminazuchri9090]

thanks for your trick for sewing a dress

[@emmamorrison3313]

Thank you so much for this clear and easy to follow video that is suitable for beginner pattern-designers.

[@daddydevito]

I never knew about pattern blocks! Thanks for the great tips!!

[@heather9712]

This was such a comprehensive and helpful guide! Thank you so much!

[@unepommeverte17]

it's kinda wild to me to see people who are completely self-taught figuring out draping, while i'm over here with a bit more formal instruction on top of my original self-teaching (learned some basics from my grandma who does most things The Correct Way, then took two semesters of sewing class with a teacher who expected everything done The Extremely Correct Way) having no idea where to start with draping lol. my last project involved so much work altering a paper pattern (scaling it up a size since it cut it out wrong the first time i used it, and turning it from petite to not-petite length) but i did it because draping my own seemed too daunting lol.

[@Cyberginger1]

Me and my partner ended up wrapping our torso's in clingfilm and covering with a layer of ductape. You can then draw the sew lines for the pattern on that and cut it out, gave us a good fit and was easy for a custom pattern that we needed for our cosplay. Depending on the garment, it might be cheaper but generally it's easier to get the tape and clingfilm Still hate the sleeve for the shoulder join though.

[@itarfer]

ty!!! Finally a tutorial for the layman who doesn't want to start a fashion line. This will be really helpful for starting to make my own costumes!

[@weretoohuman7753]

I’m glad I a found this! I’m a cosplayer and trying to start up my own clothing business!

[@eleanor.shadow]

It’s when I started trying this method of copying my ready-made clothes that I started noticing how terribly made they were. The seams were uneven, the fabric was cut badly... That’s when I ditched fast fashion and either make my own or buy from expensive places (because I’ll use those garments for many years to come)

[@zainabali799]

Thank you so much I have learned something today from your beautiful video. I love your presentation and the way you explain thing. God bless you ameen. I just subscribed your channel.

[@eternalframez]

I love how clear this explained! 🌈 I learn in a specific way -- informatics/diagrams + verbal ... I watch a lot of sewing videos, and, for a beginner that can be quite daunting. Even the beginners ones. But maybe that's just me. 💁😅😛💖

[@jojohanii6828]

Thank you so much for giving the tips but can i ask you something, i don't know how to measure a turtle neck collar ( TДT)

[@UrHighness2013]

I’m still in grade school and I am INVESTED in cosplayss❤

[@Ranakade]

Where can I buy the large chart paper like that? I kinda don't want to tape regular pieces of paper together -_-

[@iglybo]

Super useful! I have a bad habit of just winging it and not using patterns, tends to lead to a lot of extra work will try some of these ideas out next time :D

[@RedBlue-js7zh]

The way I jump with excitement when you mentioned Siris blouse and inquisitors 😆 Brandon Sanderson fan 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@firexx78]

This is the best explanation I've heard, thank you so much. Subscribing!!

[@emisformusic3375]

You remind me of Paget Brewster. Just your voice a little and your facial expressions. Especially around 4:37. Lol

[@dodoklon262]

*me a student of fashion design learning how to pattern from a cosplayer on yt because she teaches better than uni/faculty profesors*

[@valasafantastic1055]

Very helpful thanks!

[@tobealostwanderer]

If you dont have a dress form, there is one method that you can do yourself, you need someone else to help you tho. Wear a cheap, fitting top you dont mind destroying. Nothing underneath or over it. Now clingwrap yourself over the shirt. Be careful! Dont tighten it too much, and dont use too much. Because it will make the garment smaller or bigger. Over this you need to put ductape. Make shure you have every single bit of clingwrap covered. Now cut yourself out. You can destroy the shirt by cutting it. Or if you are very careful, you can keep it in tact (congrats you still have your shirt!). Cut down the center front or center back, this for easy in and out plus it helps piecing back the cling wrap ductape mess. Put more ductape over the part that you just cut. Now you should have a 3d bodice of your body. Draw on your desired garment with a permanent marker. If you dont know where the seams are supposed to go, wear a shirt inside out and use a mirror to copy it over, or have someone model for you. Cut out your pieces and trace it on paper. Boom, you have pattern pieces :) I used this to make kneehigh socks and its so easy and quick, one of the best methods out there

[@KarenJenkins]

Ginny, thank you so much! I was so overwhelmed before watching your video. I took sewing classes as a kid and remember a lot of terms, but it's been so long I felt I couldn't do it again. You gave me great hope that I can do this...and watching your video especially, the part on making patterns from existing clothes let me know how much I would again enjoy doing this! The tops I want to make, I have plenty of them in my closet! Thanks again! I'm gonna keep watching your videos!

[@dehcurlz]

Much appreciated, I am working on making a Luffy timeskip overcoat, and I wanted it to look original rather than store-bought. Thank you very much for your wisdom.

[@melissaproulx6955]

I'm interested in learning fashion design and this was so helpful! Especially patterning way number 2! I knew people used draping on a dress form to design patterns but not how they do it so thank you! :)

[@greatbritain8181]

You were a great help! Clear instructions. Enjoyed every minute. Has anyone told you you look like Alyson Hannigan before? Kind regards and best wishes

[@arsenicCatnya]

omg thank you so much, i always thought draping seemed way more complicated than it actually is, but this helped it click into place in my head! ♥

[@barbaramatthews4735]

❤❤❤ I like your cheerful presentation. You offered helpful tips and tricks. I hadn't thought about the last one. Next time I'm in a thrift store I'll look for something I can mark up and alter. I think , for me that these tips will be put to use on everyday wear. I'm not into costumes so much...Your techniques will work with all garment sewing.

[@annageorge8406]

My gram thought me how to sew when I was 5. I have used patterns. I made a lot of american doll clothes and flower pillows. I also have made a shirt and a quilt. (This is all from the top of my head) I have made my own pattern to making fingerless gloves. I have a tackle box sewing kit. I have not sewn with a pattern since high school. I have wanted to get into cosplay. Making a fingerless glove would for sure look better if I use my gram (grandma)'s sewing room.

[@dragonflower17]

Bless for talking about how wrapping paper can make a good pattern paper when you're on a budget. I've been using it for years when I don't have butcher paper

[@lauricenicole2542]

I notice your model is about the same size as you. What if I have the same size model but I’m a little bigger, how do you suggest adjusting the draping technique to match my exact measurements?

[@ember6541]

I'm making a Legolas cosplay this is my most challenging one to date as I'm trying to get it screen accurate. I'm thinking cheat draping and draping might work best for me it's just justifying the dress form

[@abriewren3013]

This was so helpful! 😊Also- does anybody else think she looks like Paget Brewster?

[@veertjeeeeh]

Does anyone have a draping method for when you do have a dressform but you are a bigger size...??

[@VioletSummerwhiskers]

Could you please make a tutorial on how you think of, design and create your character’s clothes, adding in all the names and links?

[@Blackspire_Cosplay]

yessssssssss thank you so much for this video. I have been looking for a beginner friendly video to learn how to make my own patterns for cosplay. Your instructions are so clear that i could transfer this lesson onto a male dress form. Its also a confidence boost that you are self taught and are this amazing. There is hope for me yet :D

[@notyourlittlechinagirl]

what is that ruler called that you used to measure seam allowance?

[@gracelynntaylor5364]

learning how to sew because i want to be a designer and im making my own prom dress + halloween costume. ik this is 2 years old, bit its still super helpful!

[@asb1689]

I’ve been thinking about making my own mermaid swim top, so I really appreciate this video! I have a comfortable top that I can draw off of, so thanks!

[@djstumpy7399]

Great video, I'm wanting to make Rimmers suit from recent Red Dwarf episode. Do you have a video on how to integrate darts into a pattern ? I've only ever made one costume so love deep end diving into this but at same time I try to find the right tutorials

[@kathrynletchford5114]

Thank you for a very professional video. I hope you go far, in your life, you are a remarkable young women.

[@july3817]

I once saw a tiktok of a woman who got herself some cling film and paper tape and used her own body as a mannequin. First she wrapped her body in the cling film and then she kind of draped the paper tape onto her body. then she cut the pieces to make separate pattern pieces.

[@nonsense7831]

You are a very nice young lady, thank you so much for sharing your experience 🌹👍

[@blingblingtea5266]

Yoo I used this and made my first pattern and sewn my first top, seriously appreciate this

[@bangtandoggo4637]

on the dress form when buying one how would i know if the clothes i make on the form would fit me? is there different sizes of dress forms? amazing video btw!

[@Floralcrafts]

Thank you so much, Ginny, I’ve been trying to get into cosplay and sewing for such a long time and this is so helpful.

[@olivialaurie8958]

If your making a pattern from clothes you own you can use a pin to make marks through the clothes when marking a neckline or something

[@daisydiaz5831]

Your pattern video is way better than the video you linked ): wish it was longer and sewing part😅

[@m.m.4565]

Dumb question maybe but cant i just trape everything into place how it should be on the mannequin and then sew it together?

[@Temme1553]

This is awesome! I have a 13 year old grand daughter who wants to sew her own costumes for Holloween

[@pastel_opossum5179]

If you have the money for a dres form, you can put on an old t shirt and get a friend to cover you in ductape and cut you out of it, tape it up and filling it with scrap fabric it's cheap and in your measurements!

[@wendyb7993]

What is the paper you’re using I’m impressed with it ! Great tutorial 🎉

[@strawberrywheels]

the bedsheet idea is so smart! i already upcycle old bedsheets for sewing (my chemise for jester is gonna be an old bedsheet lmao)

[@knownam3590]

Do you think giornos fit will be hard that's what I'm tryna do

[@NoNo-er9tc]

Can you add me the Arabic translation because I am an Arab I do not understand what you say in English

[@brodiemurray7961]

Whatever you learning started as self taught in it's inception.