How to Make a Pattern from Clothing (Without taking it Apart!) - Sewing Hack

[@judithturpin7232]

70 yr old daughter of dressmaker here. Your lesson was very succinct, well filmed, clear. well done.

[@JRoChi]

I love the way you used the sharp “pointy thing” to poke holes for a more accurate boundary. Excellent idea!

[@SparkyOne549]

Another warning, not mentioned. When copying a price of clothing, make sure that when you want to make one, make it in the same type of fabric, eg, if it’s a knit your copying, check the stretch, is it 4 way or 2 way, do not use a woven fabric. For woven, don’t use a knit fabric.

[@katielove9932]

Good thinking.

[@aj27turquoiseskies]

she actually does mention this lol

[@TheEvie202]

Great advice! TFS. Saved me a bolt of fabric! Thanks again 👍🏼🙏

[@TheGoMeesh]

How will I know if it's woven or knit?

[@AegaTheCat]

I'm wondering that to ​@@TheGoMeesh

[@ursulazimmer1287]

Loved the video! I would love to see some content about sewing durable garments for amateurs: which seams are the most durable especially in the absence of a serger, how to protect the most fragile parts of a garment (sleeves, crotch), or which mistakes that amateurs/beginners inevitably make are the worst in terms of durability. For example, I have this dress I absolutely adore that ripped at the sleeve near the seam and I would like to copy it while also improving its durability.

[@deeanndavis1256]

Those would be great things to learn!

[@JC-yy8iv]

What a great suggestion

[@carah4958]

I finally know what that poking tool in my sewing kit is used for! I needed to know what to do next😊

[@rhondacronkhite606]

It’s also used for guiding your piece close to the needle. I’ve been sewing for years and didn’t know that until I started watching KZbin tutorials.

[@nawelyounsi6799]

Hello I’m french and I’m in first year of high school I just wanted to say that I love your KZbin channel and that it inspires me a lot. You gave us fashion advices so that we can dress “properly” with second hand clothes. I’m thanking you for everything that you do for the planet . Thank you so much kisses from france ❤️🇫🇷

[@KMOK2024]

Your English is parfait!

[@avicennitegh1377]

That awl is a must-have.

[@10jchambers]

Bravo, this was so helpful. Just enough. I am sure I will go back many times!

[@E_FoxSnowspirit]

In case you don’t want to poke through a delicate garment you could lay some semi-transparent paper on top of a shoulder seam and trace it onto that then copy that curve onto the pattern paper

[@audibenz]

a clear shower curtain works well too!

[@CupcakeCottage]

Very good instructions. Thank you!

[@thejillykilly]

I’d love to see some alterations- like how to fix a bigger pants, longer pants, etc.

[@tweedlelanier8190]

The reason you don't see much of that is you can only go down 1 size ...to take more out will mess up the garment ..clothes are not made to redo...

[@daserdbeermarmeladebrotmit309]

I am definitively here for more sewing videos!

[@charliegert5481]

Excellent job...as a novice (but very keen) sewer, this is definitely the most comprehensive and easy to understand 'clone your clothes' video which I've found. Thanks so much for taking the time to make this so well.

[@lisapoulsen5452]

Thanks Erin! I have a piece that I love but want in other colours...this is the perfect video to help me get started!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SagaJohanna]

I loved the tips at the end. Haven’t heard of them before and I love more sewing videos!!!

[@tinatentertainment4671]

🤩🤩🤩

[@freethinking8749]

Thanks for the tut. I'm wanting to make a pattern from a jacket I own and grade it into a bigger size. If you can make a podcast on re-sizing your patterns-that would be awesome

[@tinalaine9024]

Hello I'm a french student In my opinion,its a good action for the planet thanks you for you advice

[@LynnayaLorie]

Thank you so much for this. Now my dresses can be both copied and saved.

[@juliettepasquier6416]

Hello, we are in English class and are working on more sustainable things for the planet and we’ve watched a video of yours, and I thought that your ideas were really creative and interesting, thank you for sharing them

[@sustainableteacheryt]

I leanrt to do this with my mother but I always ask her for help. It's fantastic to reproduces clothes that suits me!! Any new content about sewing will be fantastic!! I have a very important exam in June, but I'll try to joing your sewing patreon club afterwards!! Looks like sooo exciting!!!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Oh wonderful! And good luck with your exam!

[@MaladaptiveMischief]

using the tool to puncture the paper through the garment without puncturing the garment is so clever tyvm

[@ethicalconsumerpodcast6712]

Wow, you're such a pro at this! Learned a lot about sewing just by watching this.

[@miffednerd9785]

I'm about to start my first ever sewing project so this couldn't have come at a better time! I'd love to see something on ethical places to buy fabric and patterns!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Oh that's so exciting!

[@pirwothart3547]

Oh my God, I wish I came across this a lot earlier. Thank you.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Thanks for the video, this is what i want to do. I might poke the holes with an embroidery needle instead. My shirt-to-be-copied is a knit where the holes wouldn't close up too well.

[@joansmith1244]

thank you for this video. it was basically what i was thinking to do, but you brought in the fact that the front and back armholes would be different.

[@meljane8339]

A decade and a half ago, I bought an antique tool (there are repos, now) colloquially called a "pouncing wheel." (I was introduced to the tool by the set designer of the Late Nite Show w/David Letterman, two decades ago). Much faster perforation, And keeps your patterns intact. Additionally, you can use rock climber/ballet/weight-lifter rosen, Or powdered graphite (woodless pencil shaving shards), industrial printer powdered ink leftovers), or just a marker or chalk line through the holes. I love the pouncing wheel... and cats ! The labeling suggestion is much needed ! Thank u for the reminder and the minor tailoring advices. Immensely helpful for this novice. ... I will have to figure out how to save my penny's bitcoin pennies to learn in the digital classes, they look incredibly awesome and helpful!

[@Klobo535]

Is there any reason why you wouldn't turn it inside out first? I'm thinking it would be easier to manipulate the seam allowance and follow the stitch line. Is that wrong? Thanks for the video, it's super helpful! I've always taken things apart and I hate doing it.

[@zainabdashti5665]

Hi,thanks for this information. I've seen this kind of video for first time on you tube channel

[@Youtuberkit7]

Thanks I’m making my 1st jacket this very helpful

[@tambramccauley2132]

You are so pretty! I love your hair.

[@biniyamwhite3015]

Very cool. Feel so much smarter!

[@joygoncalves4917]

What about using carbon paper face down on top of pattern paper: so you can see the dots better

[@mariecarter3138]

sewing ! yes

[@janellekean9055]

Great ty! Also would love to downsize clothes.

[@shelbynovak7442]

This was so informative!!! Thank you so much ❤

[@HICOMinistries]

Great video Simple and basic. I always thought you had to cut up the old garment lol 😂❤ Da Thank you, adding that awe to my sewing essentials 🎉 Blessings to you

[@lesliebauman8817]

Can we use this method for adult women's clothing?

[@CarolineAnandSiddiqui]

Just curious..why not place the pattern paper on the clothing itself 3:19

[@cathymackay5534]

Do you do any damage poking holes in the garment? Cheers from England xxx

[@sallyeblen7032]

Thank you for sharing

[@AyahDemerdash]

hello can you please explain how to make a garment with darts further more

[@royallyyoursprincesspartie3079]

This video is great! I'm trying to make a copy of corset, and wanted to know if you have any advice on how to mark the boning channels?

[@DominicNJ73]

Thanks for showing your method. I'm a somewhat newbie to sewing but have been wanting to try sewing my own t-shirt but didn't want to drop $20 for a pattern, this way I can give it a shot.

[@tuma-83]

How much seam allowance do you add?

[@marypearce9552]

Thank you so much i am impressed with this site i would love to learn this one

[@AngelaCina]

This is so awesome!!! Than you!

[@WendysCraftDen]

Hi and thank you for this tutorial my neighbour gave me a nightie I want to duplicate so I can wear it when we get nice weather. It has a bust section and then there is the rest which is gathered. In this instant would it be better if I undid it please. Will now look through your other tutorials.Thank you xxx

[@PetraRobinson-gm8nh]

Thank you for this Video, it is very helpful. I would suggest so that it would be much easier to trace if you iron your garment first.

[@MyGreenCloset]

It depends on the garment, I would not recommend ironing knits like this tee before tracing. It can stretch them out and make them more misshapen. A hand press/flatten is often fine or a gentle steam if really needed.

[@PetraRobinson-gm8nh]

@@MyGreenCloset Yes, steaming is the better way. I worked in my parent's Dry Cleaning for many years and we worked a lot with knit Garments. I am German so English is not my first language, but yes, steam is what I meant to say.

[@Jules-740]

Also where do I find that paper?

[@bratpackbimbo]

so helpful tysm queen!!

[@silliepixie]

Cant wait to try this technique. Thank you for posting this!

[@MyGreenCloset]

You are so welcome!

[@ARTATAKDOTCO]

great !

[@selenaheard7102]

How do I join the virtual sewing class

[@MyGreenCloset]

We unfortunately just did the last one this weekend before taking a break over the summer. Sorry!

[@Jules-740]

I have a shirt that I want to "clone", but the neckline has like 3 layered seam/borders. Seems like it is a outer border sandwiching a smaller border where the edge of the smaller one sticks out as the edge.

[@jeaniecutler9147]

Thanks this is great but what if the existing garment has darts?

[@jeaniecutler9147]

Please ignore my previous comment, I finally got to the part where you explain about darts, and you are right it's very complicated.🙄

[@laidel7622]

Nice video, when you cut out the fabric, which cutting layout do you follow?

[@marypucci6100]

I love your instruction style! Would you ever consider making a pattern of a shirt for me? My favorite is pretty simple, but it has vneck with a lined yoke, and I’m not sure how to make those pieces.

[@primrosealegre9260]

Won’t the poked holes ruin your garment if you still use it? I would like to make a pattern of something that I am still wearing. Thank you

[@MyGreenCloset]

If your fabric isn't super delicate (for example I wouldn't do this with a fine silk or chiffon), you use a sharp, thin point, and go slowly carefully it shouldn't damage your fabric. The awl/point you use should be sharp enough to poke through the fabric/seam just like the machine needle does

[@primrosealegre9260]

@@MyGreenCloset Thank you very much

[@thespritewithin]

how much seam allowance would you give for an adult size garment?

[@MyGreenCloset]

It depends what seam allowance you are most comfortable with! If you usually use commercial patterns then go with a 5/8" allowance, but if you've sewn with smaller you can use that too. I use a 1cm allowance but you can do whatever you like!

[@BLDGLNPAL]

I'm puzzled by how to copy a dress with princess seams because it's hard to get it to lie flat to copy. Any ideas? -Sally from MO-USA

[@cottonkitsune9328]

Only focus on one panel at a time. The other pieces can be folded or rumpled out of the way. Very similar to how she handles the sleeves when making a copy of the body of the shirt

[@JahanaraBegum-ix4bm]

Very thanks

[@jodyhewitt4487]

What would you say to a first-timer who didn't know better about the dart thing and is now trying to figure out how to adjust the 3D pattern to incorporate the dart... I know you said not to try this with a dart but I didn't see the video until I was already all traced and cut out! Any pointers???

[@sherylbullock4716]

I can't imagine using an awl on that seam. Wouldn't it make a hole, especially in the back where you cannot see where you are punching it? Any further explanation on how to do this without ruining a ready-made garment?

[@MyGreenCloset]

You need a good, sharp and fine point awl and as long as your fabric isn't super fine, it's the same as a sewing machine needle. It goes between the threads not through them, unless your awl (or fabric) is too thick or not sharp enough. Having said that though, I wouldn't use this technique on anything very delicate or very expensive just to be safe.

[@juliageorge-bill4251]

Can you do a ladies jacket?

[@rubyre-dooz1519]

All the garment copy videos are for plain tshirts and pants, how do you copy gathered, wrap or pleated garments, without taking apart?

[@MyGreenCloset]

You can still use this technique to mark out pleats but you need to know a bit about pattern drafting to copy complicated garments this way.

[@fiz9398]

Hi! Wow thank you so much for this. I’ve been searching for MONTHS and DAYS for a good video for these patterns. And NOBODY has explained it as well as you. I do have a question though. What did you mean at the end? What is a dart? Like why is that needed? And also, why do we cut the top pattern pieces in half if we are making a full shirt? Why can’t we keep it in it’s full pattern piece?

[@MyGreenCloset]

Hi, darts are used for shaping and kind of tricky to use this technique with, I wouldn't recommend it unless you know how to move/manipulate darts. You want to only use half for the pattern so you know your pattern is perfectly symmetrical, you'd still cut your fabric on the fold though to get a full piece

[@fiz9398]

@@MyGreenCloset So when would I need to use the darts? Sorry I’m still not understanding. Could you give me an example? Also, it’s because you already get the full piece of the top by keeping it in full, so I just don’t get why it was needed to cut in half? I understand to be symmetrical but it looked pretty symmetrical in full form. Just looking for more insight, I’m a bit of a beginner with sewing CLOTHING. But I’m great with sewing.

[@dianacramer7060]

How about instructions for making a pattern off my favorite dress..

[@sissytucker8990]

Want to learn how to make my clothes and how to fit them properly. You presentation was impressive and informative. Want more.... Thanks

[@icingcake]

Oo sewing!

[@icingcake]

Took a few classes but never used with an old sewing machine gifted to me. Started messing around with cutting out a pattern but need to figure out machine now. Will love any tips for newbies!

[@taharazrine1859]

Thanks please next video how to make patterns for boxer man short please thank you

[@victoriamoueva5523]

Hello , I ´m french students. They studies your vidéo . As far as is a good action for planete. Thanks your advise

[@elizabethstart7466]

Inside out and a iron would probably be better would it not?

[@MyGreenCloset]

Iron if it's a woven! I don't with knits because you risk stretching them out of shape more, so as long as it's not too wrinkled it better to go with it's post-wash shape as that usually "resets" the fabric a bit. I don't like doing it inside out because I generally find the seam allowances get in the way more. So for example, if you're tracing the side seam and it's inside out you have to trace under a little to actually mark where the stitching is. But certain garments will work better inside out or not and you definitely can do it inside out if that's easier for you!

[@aspatzle827]

That was really helpful ;) I have a weird question about skirts though: Why is the lining fabric always poly-something (or silk)? Would it not be nicer to have a soft cotton fabric on your skin rather than polyester? I suspect that there is a good reason so I don't want to waste a lot of fabric to find out.

[@MyGreenCloset]

You need something "slippery" for a lining otherwise it sticks to the outer fabric or sticks to your legs and bunches up, or can be difficult to walk in, especially if it's a fitted skirt.

[@aspatzle827]

@@MyGreenCloset Thank you!

[@fancynancy2870]

This was great, although you kinda lost me when you started talking about how to do the darts. Would love to see more pattern making with items that aren't knits.

[@MyGreenCloset]

There's a lot to cover regarding working with darts, it would need it's own video! I just wanted to cover the very basic concept and then if you want to learn more you can look into dart manipulation/rotation to get a better idea of what patterns with darts can look like and where dart fabric can go.

[@fancynancy2870]

@@MyGreenCloset thank you.

[@GMO--ge4ir]

I couldn't poke through my clothes with something that thick,for fear of damaging.🤷

[@Marny5580]

I suggest making a muslin protype first - before cutting more expensive fabric.

[@emanueladavis1885]

Can you do something that actually shows adult sizes please.

[@MyGreenCloset]

It's the exact same technique! Just easier to fit into the frame with a children's garment :)

[@katielove9932]

NO No No! You don't need to poke through the garment. Bring the arms in and trace around the curves of it. And do the same for the neckline. As for the seam, measure how wide it is and draw accordingly. You're teaching how to ruin clothing.

[@MyGreenCloset]

That makes a way more inaccurate pattern. As long as you use a small tipped and sharp awl it goes right between the weave/knit threads, no different than a sewing needle. Take a little care and nothing will be ruined.

[@Thestripper1]

Yeah.. I'm doing an expensive gore tex jacket so the needle will not work. Any other ideas?

[@Leslie-qj1dd]

Im confused 😂

[@rosanajackson4668]

Everyone is doing and saying the same thing. I'm just looking to find domeone eho can make a simple dress from a pattern in Vogue, Butterick, Simplicity or other pattern books! Plsin and simple...not from clothes, etc

[@dorothyfielding8209]

I’m afraid you lost me when you did not start with a pressed (ironed) garment. Why?

[@MyGreenCloset]

It's a knit garment, so ironing stretches it out and will distort the pattern. As I explained with a knit you have to gently flatten it but you don't want to stretch it.

[@sarahturps1384]

How to make a pattern from clothing without taking it apart just punch a punch of holes in it! I don't think so. Turn shirt inside out, and use carbon paper! Im a newbie and even i know that!

[@MyGreenCloset]

As I explained, if you use the right tools and technique it won't make holes in your clothing. I find carbon paper a mess and pain to use, especially with already sewn garments, but do whatever works for you!

[@JR-rp7vr]

Hi, thanks for the video. I actually want to make a pair of shorts exactly like my old pair. I want to take them entirely apart to get exact measurements. Wouldn't taking them apart be the best way? And if so, is there an actual term for taking them apart, because I can't find any teachings on doing it that way? Thank you!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Yes, fully taking them apart will get you the most accurate pattern. This method is for not damaging the original garment.