How to ACTUALLY Sew a Hand Made Wardrobe | 10 Tips

[@katherineburtt2502]

I started my sewing journey by making a cushion for a vintage wicker chair I have. Months later, I’m just barely feeling confident enough to try sewing clothing after watching many hours of pattern drafting and altering videos. I have the lovely privilege of having my top half be 2 to 3 standardized sizes bigger than my lower half, so just using a pattern as-is off the shelf isn’t really an option for me for the types of clothes I like to wear. I have a day off work today because of inclement weather and I’m working on my first dress, so wish me luck!

[@PsychoKat90]

I hope your dress project is going well!

[@blowitoutyourcunt7675]

The Closet Historian shows you how to! She's got a great YT channel! Good luck! Cheers

[@dawsie]

My first sewing project was a Elizabethan embroidery waistcoat I was 9 years old after a trip to a London museum that Mom took me to for my 9th birthday. I hated sewing at school as it was so basic, I would hand sew most of my clothes. At the moment I have been saving up and buying natural Fiber fabrics this past year because they are costly I now have enough natural fabrics in neutral or white so I can dye the it the colours that I love and can not find online or in store. I stopped buying new clothes because it’s made of polyesters which causes static buildup and I got tired of zapping myself when reaching for the front door or the car of things of the shelf when shopping for food. At the moment I am making my own lace for my outfits and I always thought it would be difficult to do but I found some KZbin tutorials on crouching lace rather than tatting and now I’m designing my own lace.

[@ltvanburen8555]

I love Thread Up, the online consignment store, not just for purchasing but also for collecting images of clothes I love and aspire to recreate. If you take screen shots of garments that really make you excited and save them in a folder, you can begin looking for ‘recurring themes’ like, neck lines, accentuates waste (or not), solid fabrics, etc, that can guide your garment creation.

[@mrspilgrim327]

Hi Katherine, I clicked on your video thinking it was about sewing without a machine but no biggy, it was inspiring anyway so thankyou. Like others commenting here, I want to sew my own clothes because I can't find modest clothing in the shops, but as well as that I can't find low key neutral colours or natural fibres. Everything is cheap fabric blends in black or white, dyed hot pink, bright green, or screaming with patterns. If I find anything I do like the fabric is paper thin, or the garment itself is shaped like a paper bag. After 10 years off the internet I have returned and am delighted to be hearing about make it yourself, slow fashion, natural fibres, classic designs, neutral tones….and modesty is coming up as well. It's very refreshing but with all of this information the fashion world still isn't getting it. Even though so many women want the same as I do, they still churn out gaudy $5 clothing that no one wants to wear, and if you want quality, it’s gaudy $500 clothing that no one wants to wear, it's so absurd. I'm currently brushing up on some hand sewing techniques by embroidering a sampler and making it into a little needle book, I found a tutorial online. I thought it would be a good warm up before moving onto aprons, blouses and skirts. I hand sew because I have spent a fortune on knitting needles and I'm not sure how much I will get into sewing to justify buying a machine. So to start with I'm sewing by hand, which is also great for portability. All your tips were great and I couldn't think to add more. I really liked your reminder of the time it takes to sew. I have plans of aprons, skirts and blouses but I would be grateful if I got my sewing book and an apron (or a simple peasant blouse) done by the end of the year, especially sewing by hand and knitting in between. Regarding the term, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’, I grew up hearing this term used and understood it to mean mending before the tear gets worse, so one stitch now saves nine stitches later, which is what you would get if you ignore the mend. You may already know this because you did refer to mending but didn't quite go down this path in your explanation, just thought I’d add it in as some extra food for thought. I don’t relish mending either, especially on supermarket clothes but after neglecting my mending a few times I can confirm a stitch in time saves nine. Cheerio, MrsPilgrim

[@cathyheffner8002]

Mrs. Pilgrim, thank you for your comment! I so agree with you about today’s fashion. Regarding a sewing machine, I have bought all mine used, and prices can be all over the place. If you know some elderly ladies, one might have a machine they no longer use. My former employer’s wife has a high-quality, well cared for machine about 40 years old she gave me, which I am giving to a young family whose girls want to learn. Model numbers are easily researched on the internet. Blessings to you!

[@dorota1504]

I completely agree - I started my sewing adventure with something easy - mediaeval hood, to check if I will even enjoy sewing and hand sewing. Not boring at all, yet simple. And like you I started with easiest - small corsets. It's small steps, but so satisfying.

[@KatherineSewing]

Yes!!

[@noblethoughts4500]

I love that idea! What pattern did you use?

[@dorota1504]

@@noblethoughts4500 I used Morgan Donner’s method to draft my own hood, she shows it realy well on her channel. For the corset I stared with small regency corset from Redthreaded pattern and help of Cat’s Costumery channel. Then ribbon corset from a book „Corsets” by Jill Salen with help of Nicole Rudolph’s channel. She has a video how to draft your own too. But between those two projects I tried linen shirt and chemise. Those are pretty basic and easy as well. And Then I jumped all in to make a knickerbockers - eduardian chemise to learn all the techinques I might need. Bernadette’s Banner channel was helpful with that one.

[@sabrinasetzler689]

You may not see this...but I really appreciate all of the effort you put into your videos! I may not be your grandma, but I am so proud of you ☺❤

[@theselfreflectiveuniverse]

Thanks!

[@rosered3919]

What a wonderful chat about the realities. I moved to hot wet tropics and it dictates my style. I sew clothes I can handle wearing in such an extreme climate. All strapless, natural fibres ✨😉🤩✨ Your clothes are divine 🍄😍🍄

[@KatherineSewing]

Thanks so much Rose! Yes, absolutely, the beautiful thing about sewing is that it fits into your lifestyle 😍

[@nessanova115]

I hope u had a fun time making ur dress & that it came out as beautifully as u intended. It would b great to see ur finished product. I'd love for Katherine to show pics/ short vids of her subscribers' creations... (I'm not sure if she has/ does this already, as I'm brand new to her channel).

[@hayleejoalex]

Thanks for the motivation to sew today!

[@andreag490]

This was such an encouraging video. I’ve always wanted to make my own wardrobe but as a beginner at sewing it seemed like an impossible feat. This video gives me hope that I can actually do it. Thank you❤

[@KatherineSewing]

Thanks so much for leaving this comment Andrea, it is very encouraging getting feedback like yours 💕☺️

[@ChildOfKingJesus57]

Those sayings are called Proverbs.

[@marialouise3450]

I absolutely love your videos. They're so incredibly informative and makes me excited to learn more!

[@KatherineSewing]

Thanks so much Maria, that is wonderful to hear! 💕

[@OrthodoxMidwife]

When I tell people I see clothes (or try to) I get the “oh, I could never do that” response. You know the one. But literally everything I make is made with squares and rectangles. Rectangles make sleeves. Rectangles make shirts, make it long and add triangles and it’s a dress. It’s not as hard as we make it out to be, and you learn by just starting.

[@serenalouise]

sewing exciting projects, esp. handmade, helps curb my hunger!

[@annewithane7876]

I just have to say I love that everything you do on your channel, you put in the extra effort to do well.

[@tukitoria01]

I am a new fan of yours. Thank you for your videos. You are very lovely and inspiring.

[@michelecraig9658]

Me too! Came for the hair care and stayed for the rest.

[@TheGPFilmMaker]

Your videos are such an inspiration to me! I'm starting the journey of sewing a lot of my own clothes and I'm both very excited and very intimidated. I've decided my main wardrobe aesthetic is "Polished Out West Cottagecore" and tested out the look with a few Etsy-purchased pieces. I'm now in the planning stages and hope to start my first few sewing projects very soon!

[@KatherineSewing]

🌐 My website: katherinesewing.com 🛍 Sewing supplies I recommend: bit.ly/sewsupplies 💇 Hair care products I recommend: bit.ly/hairsupplies 📖 "Victorian Custom Corset-Making" Course: bit.ly/corsetcourse ☕ Buy me a coffee: bit.ly/katherinecoffee ✉ Contact me: [e-mail]

[@rodentary]

Bed sheets. My faithful fabric is bedsheets.

[@Hvantress]

AMAZING video!!!!

[@adamandsarah]

Do you have any advice for making time/space for sewing while also being the primary caregiver of young kids?

[@KatherineSewing]

Yes, I have a video and blog post on it! ❤

[@MelissaMarieMinistries]

That necklace 😍

[@habituscraeftig]

Ooooo, a linen lover! Have you ever tried ramie? It seems to share a lot of properties with linen. I'm currently saving up to get my hands on some, but I wonder whether it handles similarly. I sew with linen a lot, but I'm usually more of a hempen girl, myself, when I have the opportunity (it's so buttery soft).

[@annareneesquires]

Hi Katherine Sewing,. It's Anna Squires again. My sister and I have gotten together to sew for the weekend. I'm making a clothed Bunny and my sister is sewing a dress for nursing. We are wondering where you purchase your material?. I am a retired school teacher and am enjoying being creative again. It's so rewarding. You are an inspiration, my dear. Keep up the good work!

[@KatherineSewing]

Hi Anna, That sounds just lovely! I'd love to have a sister nearby to sew with 💕 I use a lot of linen, which I buy from purelinenenvy.com . An equivalent American site is fabrics-store.com I will also use silk occasionally that I buy from burnleyandtrowbridge.com Hope this helps, and I'm so glad you are finding the videos inspiring! ☺️💕

[@ilovenaps1297]

I love your channel, so glad I found it. This is so inspirational, it always seemed so difficult or out of reach to make my own dream wardrobe without some kind of classes or training. I am going to dust off my sewing machines! Did you make this top in the video? It's gorgeous, I want one

[@imavictorian]

Thanks for all the info! On your website, you don't list where you find linen, would you tell us? ❤

[@lisaonthemargins]

You're amazing thank you

[@1961Lara]

Oh yes…. Linen is my fabric! All the natural fibers… but linen is the queen!

[@Bumbledora]

I wish I could sew, but my skills in sewing only reach to fix a hole in sweater for example. But I love this video! 💗 Very inspirational! 🌹 I do have a few clothes I'm thinking of changing by sewing though. By hand... hmmm...

[@cynthiaself9597]

I like what you're wearing in this video. Do you have or know where to get it? By the way l love your videos.

[@EsteeWalts]

LOVE your vlogs and love the necklace and the earrings! And you are very very beautiful . Kind regards from the east of the Netherlands. Have a nice day!

[@savannahbrewer6161]

I hate sewing/fitting pants, so until i find a pair i can clone and learn the secret, i gave myself permission not to sew them.

[@fri5481]

Or see if you have a pattern of a loose fitting trouser style and tray that til you get better at the fitting style you like🙂

[@KatherineSewing]

One of the reasons I don't do pants 😅

[@michelecraig9658]

I always loved that in the book, The Color Purple, Celie's special gift was making pants that fit each woman perfectly.

[@victoriaallen6576]

So helpful!

[@LauraHeufH]

do you use cotton thread? i like the idea of having it all with natural fibers but i've heard that cotton thread breaks/tears faster than synthetic one so i wonder if the quality suffers if i use the cotton one...

[@charlenetorres1202]

Where do you source your linen? Please do not tell me Joann’s. Especially in different colors, neutral is nice but boring for outerwear. Thank you for taking time to explain your tips for sewing our own garments. My daughter thinks I am crazy for making my own clothes. Some people just do not understand the pride and pleasure of creation. And yes, one of my best fabric acquisitions is thrifting.

[@KatherineSewing]

I am Canadian, so my favourite source is purelinenenvy.ca/ Before discovering them, I bought linen from this American source: fabrics-store.com/

[@kassiani_626]

Thank you for this comment. Literally everyone tells me to go to Jo-Ann's but they are so ridiculously expensive, even when you utilize their sales. And I'm so tired of that being the generic advice. I really like making clothes, especially since I've gotten into the mindset of wanting to wear more modest clothing, which is very difficult to find these days especially in styles that are actually appealing, but fabric is just so expensive

[@Pascal91]

One thing that works for me (though linen would be difficult) is thrift stores. I found a king size flat sheet for $3, and it is organic 100% cotton!

[@KKIcons]

@@kassiani_626 that's funny because I got my linen on sale there a couple of years ago. But I will check out these sites. I always want to find something fair trade and ethically source. Even more important this time 2 years later shopping for linen.

[@salyluz6535]

@@Pascal91: I just got several high quality sheets at a thrift store, to make slips and summer nightgowns! Can’t beat the price!

[@nalvasantos4254]

Sou Brasileira, eu achei lindo seu jeito de vestir,parece personagem de filmes! Amei ,apesar de vestir decente também, mas as nossas roupas são mais justas.

[@LauraHeufH]

[@minkademko2335]

Today's cotton briefs are nice, but the elastic irritates my skin when my skin is acting up and sensitive, especially in the hot weather. Help!

[@rosedewittbukater4203]

I subscribed to your exciting, unusual channel.

[@legacybuildersnz]

DOES RHASSOUL CLAY NATURALLY DYE YOUR HAIR BROWN

[@Hvantress]

The thank you button is not there? I see the buy me a coffee but that's way lower then u said this was.

[@Khatoon170]

How are you doing mrs Katherine iam new subscriber Arabic lady citizen and iam subscriber to several British and American KZbin channels such as fact feast its British documentary historical channel about Victorian and Edwardian era it’s very hard for low class people were living at slums or workhouses but did you know we were n Arabic countries in kids bir day parties or some brides outfits hairstyles inspired by Victorian era iam so happy to learn about past fashion happy thanksgiving and Christmas in advance good luck to you your dearest ones

[@Khatoon170]

Sorry imean kid’s birthday parties

[@MegaWavesof_888]

I'm very fustrated .I need clothes badly and I can't afford to buy the nicer ones . problem is I don't know to do the cutting. Do u HV pattern making videos.

[@socorromedrano7399]

What is "hand sewing" by definition? I see sewing machines during your video. Please explain 💕

[@KatherineSewing]

Personally, I define "hand sewing" as literally sewing something by hand with needle and thread. I consider "hand made", as in "hand made wardrobe" to be more broad and refer to any kind of sewing of clothes myself, whether by hand or sewing machine.

[@socorromedrano7399]

@@KatherineSewing thanks, I understand the difference, now ❤️

[@lilya77777]

It is a hard thing for me. I'd love to sew my own dresses, making clothes I'd like to wear BUT 1. I hate sewing. I just can't seem to care enough to learn how to, and because I don't know how to, it makes me angry and I don't do it. 2. Where on earth would I wear the dresses I like? I love medieval dresses but my country is not so acceptable with people who are ... well... do anything differently. I'm already an odd egg. And although I know it shouldn't bother me but I'd be 'over-the-moon-happy' dressing like that, and until I would get to the not far away bus stop, I would get so many weirded out looks and laughs and comments that I just could'n keep my happiness. They would absolutely ruin it for me. It is hard to try to dress like a women (not like a slut) in these days. :(

[@marcherwitch9811]

i recommend for us people in the uk: amothreads they're a deadstock company that doesn't charge 20 quid a metre! best way to get cloth if you can't get to locsl fabric shops!

[@nessanova115]

Thanks!