Common Sewing and dressmaking myths and misbeliefs - and how to 'debunk' them!

Are there certain things you tell yourself about sewing or dressmaking and you aren’t quite sure why?
I hear quite a lot of sewing and dressmaking myths or misbeliefs flying around on Instagram, facebook groups, customers chatting in the shop or emailing in and I wanted to try and bust some of them for you in this video, or at least help you re-frame them!
Sewing and making your own clothes is such an enjoyable and rewarding hobby but in a fast paced stressful world, it can be easy to put pressure on yourself or be hard on yourself.
I believe that when you spend time sewing it should be a way to escape all of that, to relax, to focus on something else that isn’t ‘everyday life blah’, to have fun and get something amazing at the end of it that you can feel super proud of!
You might relate to some of these things, or maybe not, maybe you hear others say them too and can help them to look at it from a different point of view.

[@dorothymarquis5738]

I always trace a new pattern, in at least 2 sizes. I always make up a new pattern as a toile. If necessary I will make the toile in both sizes. I don't make fast fashion, I don't buy every new pattern available. I just happen to love this part of the sewing process. This could take a few days. But I end up with an item that fits, both in size and style. Why waste time making something that not only doesn't fit but actually doesn't suit? This pattern will become your perfect pattern. It can be reused, adapted and reshaped. I too have a (very) large fabric collection, some dating back to the 80's. These pieces are often used to make a wearable toile - the fabric might have been slightly expensive when I bought it; it is not anymore. I have also had the body image issues and didn't sew for a very long time. I have come to terms with this. In 2023 I have made 2 dresses (for a weekend wedding, completed a chiffon blouse I began early in 2023, made a circle skirt in ponte (my first garment using this fabric), made a camisole to wear under the chiffon blouse and made an overall / jumper and blouse to match. I am changing a pair of cargo pants into a skirt. My next project is to draft a pants pattern. I will then return to the coat I was trying to make in 2019 - I had to grade up 2 sizes and this wasn't working. I have the original toile and have had help in fitting this. Sewing shouldn't be "fast food" It should be slow cooking. And learning. And growth. It is an amazing craft and skill.

[@ritaadler-everett5392]

Somehow you've crawled into my head, Lauren! Your message about body image spoke to me. Mine has really challenged my joy in making garments for myself. Menopause has done a number on me and I keep thinking I'll bounce back. I recognize that a pattern size has nothing to do with a ready made size but it still hurts my feelings when I don't look like the models wearing the clothes. This leads me to the whole tracing the pattern issue you spoke about. I trace everything (just in case...) and I hate it. I think you've just given me permission to cut into that tissue paper or re-print that PDF if I need to. Thank you so much for understanding me, without even having met me.

[@cherenalee4957]

I’m a big believer that a silhouette that flatters/suits you, does so whether you are considered an average, larger or smaller size. I’m dealing with a body touched by menopause also.

[@ritaadler-everett5392]

@@cherenalee4957 Thank you. No one ever warned me how impactful menopause would be to my shape, my health and my self image. Lauren's video has given me a different way of thinking and I look forward to continuing to sew what I like and not stress out so much that I used to look like her. Happy sewing to you as well!

[@dees3179]

Same, thank you for sharing. I hate my shape but I like making clothes. And it all goes in the charity bag because it all looks awful. I want my clothes to make me look bettter not worse!

[@ritaadler-everett5392]

@@dees3179 I empathize. For a time, I was so frustrated about it all, I started learning bag making and sewing clothes for my best friend and some for my daughter. I have such gorgeous fabrics from Lauren's shop however and I want them for myself. Lol. So I started looking for pattern companies that feature the garment on fuller figures as well as slimmer versions. It gives me a much better visual clue as to how it might look on me and I'm trying to learn more about fitting a garment to myself, tricks of the trade, like adding power mesh as a lining to smooth things out. There are also some nice videos out there on what looks best for certain body types. I am viewing 2023 as a time to not be so hard on myself. I hope you can too.

[@user-dg7kg9qd6m]

Lauren thank you for your time. I am a return to sewing after 30yrs with a complete loss of confidence, all the fabrics have change so much, bewildering.

[@sueprice4082]

I agree, I have been sewing on and off for over 50 years and yes, sometimes when I watch the younger generation on here, it’s like learning a new language. I am not complaining - always ready to learn something new x

[@GarmentofPraiseSewing]

Yes, it’s like new fabrics were introduced and a few have been renamed. I have been sewing for over 36 years and often get sticker shock at the prices. I remember when sewing was reasonably priced. Thank goodness I haven’t destashed my fabric. Yet I love seeing how fearless the younger generation is when it comes to creativity but I can’t keep up with how many garments they’re rolling out.🤣😂🤣 I would love to see the inside of some of those garments.

[@gaynormainwaring1853]

Your comment really resonated with me - I also hadn’t sewn for so many years, but went back to it when I had my first granddaughter 13 years ago - it was a good introduction, small things, with no fitting issues and it gave me the confidence I had lost. I’m now sewing so much for myself, acquired a new sewing machine and an overlocker about five years ago and I haven’t looked back. Agree about the fabrics, so only bought from my local shop for quite some time, but now I’m ordering online as well. Good luck!

[@SparkyOne549]

I do understand your thought process, regarding not tracing patterns. Why we should or not. I had learned my lesson once before when my weight changed, I couldn’t use my cut up pattern. I didn’t have to trace my store bought patterns, I only wanted my patterns to look like they were still new, then my life changed. When I started sewing, I was 30lbs heavier than I am now. I traced my patterns back then. Years later I had lost that 30lbs due to a medical condition, I had to retrace my patterns in my new size. Years later again, there was a breakthrough in my disease, a new drug, and I gained that 30lbs weight back on, which is the normal weight for my height. I was informed by my doctor that I can’t take that drug anymore. So I’ve been losing weight again. Back to using my smallest size pattern. I also love pdf patterns! Kept forever on my adobe account. I haven’t traced in a few years because I now use pdf patterns.

[@rebeccaw9656]

Great video! As someone who has just returned to sewing after a 20 year absence, I’ve found you just have to start sewing to get better at sewing. Embrace the slow-sew. You tube videos are marvellous at teaching you how to do certain skills you’re uncertain about. But also, find creators online with similar body shapes to you to get inspiration on the kinds of silhouettes you should be looking for. Not necessarily just sewists - I’ve learnt a lot from fashion vloggers showing how to dress certain body types. Choosing the right patterns to work with our bodies (as they are now) rather than against our bodies, builds confidence. I also want to add, don’t sew to trends, if the trends of the day do absolutely nothing for your figure (e.g. my pear shaped body needs fit and flare to accentuate my narrower upper body and hide me wide hips and thick thighs; whereas apple shaped bodies with slimmer legs and thicker waistlines require different silhouettes - I’m looking at boxy style trends: yay for Apples, Nay for Pears😂).

[@blossomsandwich4232]

Love this! So insightful and totally agree with you on all your points. Especially thinking of the tracing as a 'time is money' situation and just cutting. I find it so sad to think that sewists suffer with 'self imposed guilt' it's our hobby, it should be bringing us joy!

[@larissamc5153]

My fabric mantra is "Fabric isn't like wine, it doesn't improve with age", in saying that I have a stupidly large stash that sometimes feels like a monkey on my back. While I'm not imposing any sort of buying ban, I'll be make a point of shopping my stash first when the urge to sew hits. As for sewing for now, not when I might lose all those kilos, completely agree, the last couple of dresses I made I feel so good in and everyone always compliments them, so I have no idea why I don't just pull the pin and make all the things!!!!

[@lizzieb6311]

Goodness! I feel you are speaking directly to ME! Thank you! I have experienced ALL of these….and I’ve learned to start new projects in spite of have several unfinished projects. Recently I went and completed three partially finished garments and it went so fast and smooth. Fresh eyes and skills I had learned along the way helped me complete the garments I was “hung up” on. Also, the fabric ban…😂😂 I’m in “no fabric purchase lockdown” right now! Thank you for your delightful videos and information ♥

[@carolyngethings]

Just needed to hear this helpful advice and ignore that negative 'voice' that stops me enjoying my sewing! Nice one Lauren. ❤

[@robinhatton5602]

Great conversation! Another thing I would add to this is that goes along with your talk about being ok with diving into a project and making mistakes and learning from them, is being ok if you make something and then it doesn’t fit you quite right or you end up just not liking how it looks on you- being ok with passing it on or adjusting it if possible to fit better. I sometimes have a hard time giving away handmade garments bc they do have a special aspect to them, but sometimes you need to clear them out and know that someone out there will love it, you’ve contributed to slow fashion and that there will always be fabric to make it again with your new knowledge that you gained from the mistakes that happened the first time! Yes. Really just enjoying the entire process!! Because at the end of the day, if all you wanted was a new dress you could just go out and buy that, but it’s the challenge and skill and creativity used in sewing that is really the fun part ☺️

[@cschwab2969]

I do love the suggestion to place favored fabric in your clothing drawer when you get to see and enjoy it routinely-that’s brilliant! Thank you

[@aleciacope3503]

Your skip-the-tracing message really resonated with me. Thank you! I've been trying to figure out how to speed up the whole process and this will definitely help.

[@christycampbell1874]

Beautiful thoughts, Lauren!! Thank you! 😊

[@lornabryan4839]

Found your vlog by chance, I find the things very helpful. I have been sewing on and off for a long time. But I was always put down by my mother as she always said things I made were never good enough for her standards!!!

[@DevonThreadTales]

Oh my word, this was brilliant and the last bit about body image is just what I needed to hear. Thank you. Yes, live for the moment and make enjoy what works for you right now. I’ve been loitering for so long over a couple of kits I’ve bought from you because I think I want to lose a bit of weight, but this has given me the push I need to get in with them! ❤

[@jonstacchio]

Thanks for those thoughts, Lauren, which are great! I'm relatively new to sewing, but oddly I find I get more pleasure and satisfaction in making garments and bags for my friends and family, than for myself. So if I feel in need of a bit of motivation, I like to think about what I can make for someone else. Admittedly, getting sizing right can be a challenge, especially if there's meant to be an element of surprise (probably why I like making bags and boxy casual wear!). Glad I found your YT channel through purchasing fabric on your website. Keep up the good work!

[@janethagy8871]

Thank you so much for addressing these important issues! I love your channel! I've already learned so much from this channel. Thank you again, Lauren!

[@louiseroberts9553]

Thanks Lauren some great suggestions sewing should be fun and everything you said really makes sense 😊

[@nicola.p]

I hate tracing patterns, that is why I love pdf patterns. I can just print another if I need it (or send it to the print shop as I also hate taping them together 😊)

[@elsafischer3247]

What a good talk thanks from Switzerland

[@peggyhuffman5309]

what a great idea to put your "too special to cut into it" fabric out where you can see and enjoy it! fore-fronting it like that might even help me think of what I really want to do with it sooner :) Thank you!

[@SamanthaMadison197]

This was a wonderful video - so much of what you said resonated with me. I’m now inspired to get back into sewing this year and just work on enjoying the process.

[@sueb4496]

Thank you. I relate to most of this video, it’s made me feel normal

[@lynnelister7364]

Thank you Lauren just the vlog I needed to watch today as I’ve been doubting my ability and was feeling a bit stuck 😊 sew I’m taking your advice and going into my sewing room 🧵🥰

[@sandracorbett6780]

Thank you for explaining details,I am a jump in the deep end type of person,but I am stubborn and won’t let anything defeat me even If I have to unpick three times, but negatively I can’t start another project until I have finished the one I’m making, it just stresses me out if I have too many projects 😂

[@thebrumstitcher495]

Thanks Lauren, so much of that rang a cord with me especially the confidence one. I definitely need to be braver and challenge myself this year 😊

[@elsafischer3247]

Laurie, thank you for all this hints

[@vanessajones3508]

I enjoyed your video. Great content. I have never traced a pattern. I cut into the patterns. I take my time when I am sewing. I want to get a professional result. I make about two things a month. Right now I am making two tablecloths for my son. One of the tablecloths is completed. I will be completing the second tablecloth this week. I will be starting a caftan this month. Sewing is my hobby. I enjoy it. I have been sewing since the 6th grade. Keep sewing.

[@anitawilliams4978]

Such a useful vlog. I've made a few notes from the vlog including a few mantras to help me when I feel a lack of confidence. Thank you, Lauren

[@elizabethseaworth3382]

I found this video very timely, and can definitely relate to several of these views. Very helpful, and encouraging, thank you for sharing possible solutions to sewing roadblocks.

[@nancyk1056]

Thanks, helpful advise.

[@donnabronner4837]

What a great video! Fun. Yes.

[@charissecolbert7204]

Wow I can relate to every point you made! Thank you Lauren this video was so good and much needed, Thank You!!

[@marywilson1709]

These messages are so lovely, Lauren! It is a breath of breath air to have doubts validated before they are challenged :) :)

[@sewagnes6706]

Great tips for beginners Lauren and also a great reminder for someone whe's been sewing for a while. Always good to think about these things. Thanks for sharing 😻

[@JenniferMiller-sm5vm]

Great video. Some of the things you said are 100% spot on.

[@cassiemaund-powell5439]

Great vid Lauren, so often our beliefs can get in the way of us doing what is fun. Thank you 😊

[@Sallyannestitches]

Great video thanks, time to get back to sewing 😊

[@bridgetwhite5547]

Great video Lauren. Lots to think about there😉. Thank you

[@petralangmann7121]

❤thank you so much for this video. ❤

[@sallydingle321]

Brilliant advice Lauren 😁👌✊💝😘

[@clothingalterations]

Great ideas, I love your videos 👍🌹☘🌺🌿🌻

[@dale4032]

Woo-hoo permission to cut my patterns you are so right happy sew year

[@InAgatasCottage]

Amazing video. Your blouse reminded me that I have the same fabric in my stash and I meant to make a blouse with it. I am a trace pattern kind of girl but I do enjoy that. It allows me to understand pattern more and how it goes together. And I always grade my patterns between a few sizes anyway. For me, sewing is great for my mental health. I only do toile of woven fitted garments due to all adjustments I need to do to fit the garment to me. But I do get about precious fabrics. I watched some time ago lovely video by Mari from Mari Sews about body confidence and the fact that we do deserve to use that precious fabric now- not wait for the time when we lose weight etc. It did change my approach to some of my fabrics. There are still some that are waiting for the perfect project - but they are stuff like embroidered organza etc Greetings from Ireland

[@LaurenGuthrieGhani]

I think the things is there will always be more fabrics that you love, its not like the ones you have that are special and you are hesitant to use will be the only ones ever, so why not just use them and then go out and find more special fabrics to enjoy? :)

[@ruthirwin8222]

Its also difficult if u dont have a space and have to keep putting machine away...i was like that ...my youngest daughter got married and i turned her bedroom into a sewing room...ive sewed more since then

[@user-px7nh7vs4b]

Great tips. You look so much like the (younger) gorgeous Genie Francis (American soap opera "General Hospital.)

[@honchandesu]

Hi Lauren, thank you for this thoughtful video. I was in the full swing of sewing inspiration when I found out that I was pregnant, and I suddenly didn't have the energy anymore to do anything. I was pretty bummed out - I went to the Atelier Brunette shop in Paris shortly beforehand and bought lots of beautiful fabrics that have just been gathering dust over the past few months. I was excited for my pregnancy, but also sad that I wouldn't be able to make the fitted skirts and dresses I had planned for! I finally have a bit more motivation, and I think that I will get back into the swing of things this weekend - some looser garments that I can enjoy in the next phase of life! Thank you for the push!!

[@LaurenGuthrieGhani]

Hello, ah congratulations. Yes sewing while pregnant is tricky as your body is changing all the time. I did a post a few years ago about non maternity patterns I used when pregnant and nursing which might give you a few ideas... guthrie-ghani.co.uk/blog/laurens-guide-to-non-maternity-sewing-patterns-for-a-handmade-pregnancy-wardrobe

[@honchandesu]

@@LaurenGuthrieGhani thank you so much! That was very informative 😊

[@barbarawaites9685]

Hi Lauren, really enjoy your videos and love your fabrics too! Can I ask you a question? What stopping me from buying more fabric and sewing more garments is the fact that I have an enormous pile of scarp fabrics. It’s too bit to use just for linings and bags et. And I’ve made a closet core pouffe with some of them but do you have ant suggestions as to how I can get rid of them rather than just throwing them in the bin to end up in landfill. I feel stuck in my sewing journey at the moment.

[@victoriabennett4842]

If you have a child in your life make either doll clothes or small people clothes. You can even use the opportunity to practice techniques and from my experience children love all sorts of colorblocking that adults may not.

[@helenparker1870]

Do you have a local school or college that do dress making or fibre arts courses. Often these colleges welcome spare fabric as it gives the students a wider range of fabric to choose from.

[@brendacassidy6361]

Hi l contacted my local junior school and the Art teacher was delighted with a big bin bag full so definitely worth a try 🙂

[@LaurenGuthrieGhani]

You could also ask in your local charity shops. They often have a 'scrap person' that comes to take scrap textiles that then get recycled and the charity shop gets money per the kilo for it

[@rochellechirchick3697]

Just watched your video. I am an older woman of 70 plus. I have been sewing for many years. I am wanting to sew more clothing, but I am always concerned about a good fit. I just don’t want to put time, effort, and money into a project only to find it doesn’t fit. That is very disappointing to me. I have books in getting the perfect fit, but find it a bit cumbersome. Any suggestions? Thank you, Rochelle

[@heathermyers2763]

This might help - the online into at In House Pattern Studio, Alexandra Morgan in Canada. She has many free videos as well as some for pay courses. Her into is ecological to me, I can now better understand other info from Lauren or elseware! 😊

[@heathermyers2763]

Logical, not ecological....😊

[@gaynormainwaring1853]

Hello, I’m also 70 and I always make a toile - sometimes only the top half of a dress, so make sure it fits across my bust, my belly and my shoulders. Go for it, I used to sew as a young woman, but now I’m back into it big time and love it. Good luck!

[@onyinyeezeyi4667]

Hi there! What pattern did you use for the shirt you’re wearing in this video?i

[@judithtaylor5429]

It's the Gilbert by Helen's Closet. There was a kit for it in the sewing society.

[@onyinyeezeyi4667]

@@judithtaylor5429 thank you!

[@marwanageeb2024]

❤❤

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

xXX👍👍👍