How to start sewing your own clothes | Closet Core Patterns

[@MardeeSherman]

My mom taught me how to sew when I was 7 years old on an old black metal Singer machine. That was in the early 60's. The first thing I ever made was a half apron, but by the time I was 13, I was making my own clothes. In facts, I made my 8th grade graduation dress. I've been sewing ever since. I went off to college and wound up becoming a theatrical costumer, sewing and patterning costumes for theatre and opera, but even after I changed careers, I've still kept on sewing. I still mostly sew apparel (including many using Closet Core patterns), but I also love to make bags, and the occasional quilt. I'm in my late 60's now and using a Bernina 550, a BabyLock Imagine serger and a Juki coverstitch machine. I don't think I will ever quit sewing (at least until I have to). 🙂

[@annerankin1191]

My mom’s machine was a little green Singer….I’m on the hunt for the same model!

[@closetcorepatterns]

Love that :)

[@karinbperrott747]

Love love love Heather’s dress.

[@closetcorepatterns]

It's the Closet Core Jo Dress :)

[@Islandfinngirl]

Home Ec! 8th-11th grades. Loved it!!

[@barbarawatkins9189]

I am a beginner and took a class that offered the cielo top. It couldn’t have been better and I love the top. Look forward to making more from Core. Love your videos as well. Keep them coming. Thanks for all the tips and tricks you provide.

[@closetcorepatterns]

Wonderful!

[@Joan-q8w]

My mother sewed but did not teach me. My first experience was at school making an apron (as with one other viewer) and then a dress that was less than successful. Through the years sewing was off and on with a busy life managing work and family and my skills were limited. As a retiree I have taken numerous in-person classes, online training, connected with Facebook Groups, watch KZbin and developed new relationships with other sewers for support, exchange of ideas and to socialize. I make quilts, clothing and do a bit of embroidery. Since retiring I took specific sessions on pant/jean making, patterns, bra making, fitting and alterations. I am now starting bag-making. And of course, upgraded my sewing machines so I now enjoy a top of the line sewing machine, a portable machine, an air serger and coverstitch....along with enhancing my tools, supplies and stash! Such fun!

[@closetcorepatterns]

Amazing!

[@Joan-q8w]

@@closetcorepatterns Oh, and of the courses Closet Core is one of my 'go to' sites/patterns!

[@carlaharris337]

I learned to sew on a treadle machine when I was 13. I decided to learn because I knew that my meager clothing budget would go further. This was back in the mid 60’s! I don’t necessarily think that clothing sewing saves a lot of money now days but the garments are much better constructed!😊

[@closetcorepatterns]

Love that!

[@carlaharris337]

BTW Thanks for all of your encouragement!

[@closetcorepatterns]

Aww you are very welcome!

[@annerankin1191]

I learned from my mom at the kitchen table. One of my first “involved” makes was an A-line dress in 1967 - beige with small red rose buds (and a zipper!!!!). I still remember that dress well. No idea what happened to it. Loooong break from clothes making, but recently made a Remi Raglan with some fabric from your shop! Wearing it to a wedding on the long weekend. XOXO

[@closetcorepatterns]

Ohhh that sounds so sweet!

[@ArchiesMom06]

Thanks for these great, encouraging videos. A note on vintage machines. I learned the hard way to be careful with vintage machines from the mid to late 1970s. That's the period where plastic gears began to be introduced. I have amazing machines from the early 1960s and a darling little 99K Singer from the 1950s. All metal and will sew nearly anything. However, my sweet husband drove me all the way to Cleburne, TX to buy a Kenmore Free-arm. Then I bought a collection of the Super High Shank accessories to go with it. It's not a bad machine, but the guy listed it as all metal and I recently found out that it was one of the models where they were experimenting with marrying a metal gear to a plastic one. I took the bottom plate off and saw it for myself. It still sews decently, but when that plastic gear goes, it won't be sensible to fix it. The early 1960s machines from Singer and Kenmore are simply wonderful and Facebook has nice supportive groups for collectors of these machines.

[@closetcorepatterns]

Thank you for the advice!

[@odetoplants]

I loved the Learn to Sew course so much! I’ve already gotten compliments on my Cielo top 🥰 Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@closetcorepatterns]

Amazing!

[@sandyhamberger9312]

I too loved the course and would recommend to anyone. The Cielo dress was a real winner and so comfortable wearing it around Rome. I got some lovely compliments.

[@aclownunpainted]

May I ask what is the material you used for your Jo Dress? I can't quite tell, but it drapes so beautifully about the sleeves.

[@closetcorepatterns]

It's the Core Fabrics midweight linen!

[@MsChaosbutterfly]

I've found that sewing clothes, and sewing clothes that fit well and are flattering and are comfortable to wear, are two overlapping but distinct skill sets. I can learn how to sew a zip fly by watching one video tutorial, but figuring out how to make a pants pattern fit me requires much more learning and trial-and-error experimentation.

[@closetcorepatterns]

Of course!

[@brendawyber6556]

What pattern is Heather wearing.

[@linzeeb4]

Looks like their Jo dress/jumpsuit

[@closetcorepatterns]

@@linzeeb4 It is!

[@dianedean521]

I learned when 9 yo in 4-H

[@PatriciaBrown-s2g]

Ditto…what pattern is Heather wearing?

[@closetcorepatterns]

Our Jo Dress and Jumpsuit closetcorepatterns.com/products/jo-dress-pattern-jumpsuit-pattern?srsltid=AfmBOorbZ-4ARu-UMP_m24YYYk843hndmW_BkpmBvNglkp3judhd2kP8&variant=40165633622150

[@bburke6650]

Please tell us what you are wearing!

[@closetcorepatterns]

Cassie is wearing a Crew pattern (Mica) and Heather is wearing our Jo Dress and Jumpsuit closetcorepatterns.com/products/jo-dress-pattern-jumpsuit-pattern?srsltid=AfmBOorbZ-4ARu-UMP_m24YYYk843hndmW_BkpmBvNglkp3judhd2kP8&variant=40165633622150