How to Create Patterns from Existing Clothing - Simple Tops

[@jazriv2949]

Wow so informative! As a beginner I had so many questions I didn't even know how to ask, and you explained everything so thoroughly. Thank you for taking the time!

[@sweepee2304]

Can I just say a genuine and heartfelt thank you to you as, being a new machine user who lives in a place where lessons are non-existent you have been my guiding light :-)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

+sweepee2304 thank you so much! I'm so glad you're finding our tutorials helpful :)

[@Marny5580]

Many decades ago a dear friend said that she wears dresses she loves - and I said I could make her one or two. Without knowing what I was doing, and just knowing how to sew and having make a few matching mother-daughter dresses when my child was young ... I took one of Phyllis's favs and made a pattern from newspaper. When finished, she absolutely loved her new dress! Then I got older and more scared of doing something wrong. So, I stopped sewing. Now, with your video, I'm psyched to give a try to something for myself - before it falls apart and gives me no chance of a pattern. Thank you!!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

I'm so glad you're getting back into the hobby :)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Glad to hear that you're enjoying our channel. We don't have a tutorial yet on how to use patches, but you can get some at the fabric store that are iron on and fairly easy to use. :)

[@laurah4206]

Another great tutorial! I've only been sewing for about 7 months now (self-taught), and your videos have been my first "go-to" resource when I have a question or need to learn a technique. Keep up the great work!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Aw....I wish I could do a class in NYC too. Unfortunately, I'm on the west coast but I would love to go since I've never been to NY before.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

glad you liked it. We hope to expand this series and continue doing other garment types. :)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Glad you liked it. Have you tried watching the videos at a lower quality? It might make it go faster. Thanks!

[@mommycares]

I learned to sew when I was around 12 from my Nana. Back them patterns were a luxery so I would go to yard sales with my allowance and buy one or two items I liked and take them apart and used newspaper or any kind of paper I could get to make patterns out of. I made many dresses, skirts and even shorts for my sister's and I. I obtained my fabric by handing out fliers I made offering to take their old clothes, sheets and even curtains at times ty for your videos and fresh ideas.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

I've only been able to find it on a roll & purchased at fabric stores that specialize in apparel/designer fabrics. I've never seen it at the larger chain stores like JoAnn's. You can buy it online. google "fashion patterns by coni pattern paper" and you can purchase 3 yards for about $4. Or if you know of a fashion/design school near you, you might be able to inquire as to where students purchase it. All else fails, go to art supply store & u can usually get a roll of paper that will work

[@TawdryTempest]

Fabulous! Detailed, good pace, clear, no extraneous music, no nonsense. Just what I needed, thank you. BTW your nails and hands are beautiful.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

thank you for the kind words! glad you found our tutorial helpful :)

[@thecraftlanding3594]

There is no one on youtube like you, professor ;) thank you for this amazing tutorial and for all of your videos. I feel blessed and honored to be able to learn from you!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

The Craft Landing aw, thank you so much for the kind words. This is the best type of comment to wake up to. :D

[@semperfidelis2970]

These are the things I appreciate about your tutorial: clear voice, excellent pace, no music, simple instructions, paper and fabric colours that contrast so I can see well and tips and tricks. I will attempt my first pattern making tomorrow. I appreciate your straightforward video, thank you.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

you can do it! :D

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Thank you! :) We're glad you liked it.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

It's called alphanumeric pattern paper. If a fabric store near you doesn't carry it (I've never seen it at JoAnn's but have found it at fabric stores that specialize in apparel fabric) you can get it online. Google "fashion patterns by coni pattern paper" and you can get a 3 yard piece for about $4.

[@dawnruhl8405]

I quit sewing eons ago. When I was a kid, I could eyeball a pattern on a plaid and it would match perfectly. Now, I'm scared to try anything. Your videos are inspiring, thanks for that.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

I'm sure if you jump back in, it'll come naturally to you again :)

[@bonniekonjevich7574]

You might just be in a funk from stress...can make one insecure. My self-challenging began with baby steps and now am almost 71.

[@MsSimpleMovies]

Bonnie Konjevich That's such good advice. Thanks, Bonnie!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

I do hope to have more men's tutorials. right now we only have men's vest, tie, and bowtie, but you can use the techniques in this tutorial to make some tshirt patterns.

[@maddystarlove]

AWESOME TUTORIAL!!!!! I have been making clothes for myself since I was a teenager and I love the idea of using pins to push around curves!!! It would have saved me alot of time, back then....lol.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Willow Love I'm so glad you found our tutorial helpful! :)

[@elzinawhite3199]

Excellent tutorial and instructions on how to accomplish this exercise!! I definitely will try this ❤️❤️❤️

[@cmurphystpete]

one of the best tutorials! I have so much trouble fitting t-shirts without adding darts. I tried to copy a well fitting t-shirt and almost got it. This video helped me make a few corrections and to add sleeves. Thank you so much!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

+CE M thank you for the kind words! I'm so glad you found this tutorial helpful :)

[@Michellelinks100]

I'm so glad I found you, I've been looking for someone who would provide this on KZbin for awhile. Thank you.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

If you can't find it in a local fabric store you can purchase it online: alphanumeric pattern paper Or you can go to a local art store and just buy large paper that comes on a roll

[@ProfessorPincushion]

It's our video basic tank top pattern and basic tank top assembly. You won't find these on youtube because it's part of our premium content on our website. All our premium tutorials are available for $5 a month, no contract so we keep it pretty affordable. I think there's over 40 additional tutorials in this.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

it's just called pattern paper. If you can't find it in a local shop, you can find it online. It usually comes in a roll.

[@kellyadams9566]

You are such a good teacher! I'm a beginner and you make everything so clear.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Not yet, but we do plan on doing a tutorial like this for items with darts. Hopefully, it'll be in the near future. :)

[@bunnisue2162]

The Prof Pincushion tutorials are excellent. Very detailed and cover all the questions you would have if this was a "live" class.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

+Bunni Sue Thank you so much! We try very hard to cover every question we can think of. Sometimes that makes our tutorials a little longer than other teachers but we want to make sure things are clear for beginners :)

[@TheDoveseyes]

I love that you are using one of your God given gifts to help others. You have an excellent ability to simplify something that can can be overwhelming to me and others. You make it look easy. Thank you, Blessings

[@ProfessorPincushion]

thank you so much for the kind words :)

[@yasminblah3]

By far one of THE MOST helpful and easy videos I have ever watched. Thank you! (beautiful nails, always a plus ;))

[@ProfessorPincushion]

+yasminblah3 Thanks! so glad you found it helpful :)

[@lesmessbucilova2732]

This is a fantastic video! I just got my first sewing machine Janome Magnolia 7330. I wanted to replicate some of my t-shirts & tanks that I love so much but have seen better days. Thank you so much for thinking of us and doing this video. It is on my "watch again list" for reference.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

LesMess Bucilova I'm so glad you enjoyed our tutorial :)

[@rawdaebrahem4987]

Professor Pincushion

[@sallymullinix3543]

Awesome instructions. Easy to understand. Not all tutorials are this easy.

[@daisy3690]

thank you for the great tutorial, packed with clear directions, excellent photography,and full of good, thoughtful things. btw, your hands are very elegant and lovely. bye now

[@ProfessorPincushion]

aw, thank you so much for the kind words :)

[@bozomahoney]

Yes, she could be a hand model for sure !!

[@mamalovesthebeach437]

Graceful hands . . .

[@safiyahsissoko1409]

Thank you so much, I've learned a lot just by viewing this video. I was having problems with sleeves and neckline, you make itseem so easy, no more frustrations, thank you so much.

[@ladyluck2607]

I am so happy I found this video, EXCELLENT instructions! Shows me everything I need to get going! THANK YOU!!!

[@joannapeterson8933]

Thanks so much for the great tutorial! I'm new to this, and your video is just what I was looking for to start making patterns (not ready to do that from scratch just yet!). You explain very well - great pacing, clear drawings, easy to follow! :) Glad I found you!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed our tutorial! :D

[@ProfessorPincushion]

You are right that not all knits are the same. I would just try hard to pick out fabric that has the same amount of stretchiness as the original. What I would do is mark (with chalk or fabric marker) on the original top 2 lines that are 4 inches apart. Hold one line and then stretch the other line. Measure the new distance. So maybe at rest it's 4" but when stretched it becomes 8". Cut a slip of paper that's 8" but mark the 4" mark and then take this with you when you go shopping.

[@teemee234]

Thank you so much for these tutorials! My mother has asked me to replicate a few shirts of hers (she has worn them out, and cannot find any more in the same style), this tutorial and the one you posted for intermediate tops is just what I needed!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

yay! glad to help :)

[@mdooms76]

This tutorial is EXCELLENT! Explains everything I've been wanting to learn about drafting patterns from my cloths. You mentioned another tutorial that shows how to do the neck/arm hole binding for the tank top. Where is that video?

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Thanks for the kind words! :)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

google alphanumeric pattern paper. I think they sell it on amazon.

[@Bump688]

Thank you so much for your video. I bought a top in Spain many years ago which is now sadly too small. I kept it hoping one day I would be able to make a larger copy and now I know how to do it without pulling it apart. Thank you once again. Great video. Very helpful !!!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Bump688 That's awesome. We don't have a tutorial on this but you should look into pattern grading: www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4368/making-sense-of-pattern-grading/page/all on a way to increase the size of your pattern. :) good luck!

[@Bump688]

Professor Pincushion Thank you for the link. I've just had a quick look there and it's a fab site. Thanks again.

[@kathrindoll6903]

Hey thanks for the video, I found it totally by accident, it was so good I had to keep watching. When I was looking for one like this, I just couldn't find it . Thank u

[@fantashialove8850]

One of the best tutorial i have watched very clear and easy to understand especially for a beginner. Thank you very much

[@ProfessorPincushion]

thank you so much for the kind words

[@ProfessorPincushion]

I'm certainly not a machine expert as I've been using the same machine for over 10 years now. I would check out overstock as they have some good prices and you can read reviews from real owners. :)

[@savanimay]

This is so helpful! Thank you! You covered a lot in this video and answered questions I didn't even know I had. I feel so much more educated now. :)

[@Europa3001]

Wow this is what I needed step by step thank you especially on the making the sleeve. I started making my patterns on $.99 shower curtain liners then they last a longer over paper. Thank you Professor I gonna see what other videos you have.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

+Europa3001 that's a great tip!! :)

[@khaulayawson3655]

wow you're such a good teacher. thanks. I know it's been years but its worth commenting

[@ProfessorPincushion]

thank you for the kind words! :)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

We do plan on making a tutorial for this as well

[@susanhedgpeth-braddy1484]

you made this look so easy... I feel less intimidated and eager to try my own now... thanks and look forward to more!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

We actually have a tutorial on how to make your own pants pattern and also how to assemble pants but it's part of our premium membership on our website.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

We do have a free tutorial on our channel showing you how to install an invisible zipper. It's actually easier than you think. :)

[@xfalcon01x]

Can you make a tutorial for other patterns like shorts,pants,bomber jackets,windbreakers, baseball jerseys, crewnecks,etc

[@ProfessorPincushion]

xfalcon01x We definitely have plans to make more of these type of tutorials

[@xfalcon01x]

Professor Pincushion thank you also how would i go about making smaller sizes or bigger sizes from the pattern? lets say i use a size large for the pattern how much of a difference would i have to shrink the pattern to make a medium or a small? sorry if its hard to understand don't know how to explain it

[@ProfessorPincushion]

xfalcon01x that's called pattern grading. we don't have a tutorial on this, but you can read about it here: www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4368/making-sense-of-pattern-grading/page/all

[@girlgonewild439]

Thank you for that video, so helpfull! Until now I only used patterns but maybe now I can (re)create my own stuff. And by the way - your 💅🏻 hands are so beautifull!

[@iRubarB]

Why am i watching this. When will i ever use this. How did i get to this. Why am i not asleep at 1 a.m. so many question for one that is confused

[@Jocelyne.4AJS]

Ruben M Look for the video of Jordan Peterson, some of them will be extremely helpful for you and read of people comments on how their lives have changed. good luck

[@ruth8756]

Very nicely explained. Thanks for sharing!

[@warialdasue]

Same here lol

[@RomayPM]

You made me laugh, I was thinking the same lol.

[@Weaponsandarmor]

welcome to the rabit hole called youtube

[@ProfessorPincushion]

yes, it comes on a roll. I'll send you a private message with a link of where you can buy it online. :)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

oops, I think I misunderstood. If you mean a tutorial where you'll take existing pants and make a pattern, like in this tutorial, then, yes, we do plan on making a tutorial for it.

[@justme-fe2sf]

by far the best tutorial coming from a fashion professional

[@drjoannyliu]

Thank you - you do things thoughtfully and methodically! It's extremely helpful.

[@dianeclark]

Normal grease proof paper works well too from the pound shop no need to iron out creases

[@charchar4957]

beginner sewer here, even if this video is 5 years old this help answer so many questions x

[@naughtybynature6213]

Why am I watching this at 11:38 and I've been up since 4:43 this morning and I am tired. It's not like it's necessary for me to watch this is it happy sewing

[@marcusstarr2000]

From Indian in Singapore Wonderful video well presented.

[@ProfessorPincushion]

that's what I like to hear! :D Glad you found this tutorial helpful.

[@lucindazelna4351]

You make things simple and clear, great lesson!

[@ReneeYBoyd]

Excellent tutorial!!!!! I can't wait to try it myself.

[@Poppimom]

Thank you SO much for this tutorial. I have som t-shirts in different shapes, but they are old now, but loving them. This will give new life to them. So, wich me luck with renewing my favorite t-shirts. Great tips, and dont look too hard to do, Thanks again. Pia (from Sweden)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Pia Björk you can totally do it. good luck!

[@marcusgarvee]

I can draft pattern blocks but it can be more convenient to adapt & utilse an existing well fitted piece in some situations. You can use the plain side of spare or discounted stiff wallpaper as a cheaper alternative to unmarked pattern paper... you should ensure your garment is well pressed before you pin it & you should also notch your seams..

[@ProfessorPincushion]

You sound like a very resourceful person! :)

[@Nervisa1939]

WOW, I have been looking for a way to make a pattern...this is painless ...Thank you very much.

[@akasha21egypt]

Thanks for your tutorial. I've been looking to do a similar project for a while but my problem is the finished garmet never seems to fit like the original. I'm assuming it is to do with the amount of stretch variation in differen fabric, how to I compensate for that?

[@roz3657]

I would also like to see a demo for duplicating a long sleeve tunic top. I suppose I could use the short sleeve version for this.

[@MsSpirals]

Great tutorial! Very simple to understand. Definitely added to my favorites.

[@rubyjlove]

Can you please please please make a nursing top/tank/shirts/dress for mamas. The one that has a hidden opening in the middle of shirt or/and the one with zippers on the side. They are so pricey..

[@SimplyChicHQ]

Oh my goodness!! I just found your channel and I'm SOOO excited to watch your videos!! I love sewing, but definitely need help! Do you have a tutorial to patch up jeans? My favorite pair has this darn hole in the knee and I want to put a cute patch on it. The style of the pants already have patches on it, so I figure it'll mesh right in with the look of the jeans.

[@jennifercremin9044]

Great video! Where do you get that tracing paper?

[@ProfessorPincushion]

i bought mine off of amazon. just search for alphanumeric pattern paper

[@greengal4747]

I enjoy watching your videos. It is very detailed and I learn so much

[@lililala4309]

Thank you so much for all your tutorials!

[@ProfessorPincushion]

lili lala You're welcome. Thank you for watching :)

[@janwebster3749]

thanks that was brilliant just brought a simple pinafore dress and wanted to make copy your instruction are perfect, thanks

[@ProfessorPincushion]

glad our tutorial was helpful! You can do it! :D

[@melweismann]

So many great examples. Thank you SO much!! I can't wait to watch part 2.

[@dulciekaradia4123]

Great tutorial...what aper do you use?

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Dulcie Karadia it's called alphanumeric pattern paper. I bought mine here: www.moodfabrics.com/notions/sewing-supplies/pattern-paper.html

[@bisophy4242]

I really like her she very clear on all her instructions

[@yubidubi]

Builder's foam is a product that is great for copying clothes. This product can be found at your local Home Depot or Lowes. I cut mine down and work with a 3x6 sheet. Builder's foam is the generic name for this product. This product is usually a light pink or light blue.

[@sharonjeleniewski8596]

I really need to get a tracing wheel & curved rulers!! Thought I (sort of... well...) despised tracing as a means of creating patterns but, it's because mine turned out quite badly.... due to just pencil/free-hand. Your tracing turns out AWESOME due to doing it Right!! Sooo Happy that I watched this! :)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

yay, so glad our tutorial inspired you! :) Thanks for watching

[@ssgordon70]

Love it and exactly what I needed. Thanks for your time and effort in sharing it.

[@fatihabouras427]

Thank you so mutch i finaly find the best teatcher in couture .thanks im morocan

[@ProfessorPincushion]

Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm so glad you're enjoying our tutorials :)

[@bev4914]

Thanks great instructions 🙂. Looking forwarded to sewing 🧵🪡

[@sharonlatour6230]

Just watched it again! :) You make it look so easy! I'm going to do this!!

[@savannahjackson4134]

The most helpful video yet thank you.

[@CraftingWithPink]

To buy that pattern paper, how does it come? Is it on a roll and you buy the whole roll?

[@sabrahardy]

i wish you were in nyc and had a real live class i would attend. i wish you would let me know if your ever in nyc?

[@cindyyan9851]

Very good tutorial! I want to learn how to do a bias cut for a camisole. Do you have a video for this?

[@barbr316]

What kind of binding is that and what kind of binding are use for tank-tops like that? sorry for all my questions but I am going through your library of videos, I just enjoy your videos and I'm learning Oh so much......thanks again

[@ProfessorPincushion]

***** binding is usually made from regular knit fabric, either the same fabric as the rest of the shirt or can be a contrasting fabric. It's usually just a rectangle and then folded to create the finished edge. we don't have an individual tutorial on this yet, but it's on my list.

[@blulou49]

Thanks so much for the helpful tips on making a pattern from existing clothing

[@ProfessorPincushion]

blulou49 Thanks! glad you found it helpful :)

[@lindaholden9688]

great video. no missing steps!

[@nellyhanson04]

Very good instructions!

[@lilliesu]

Really good tutorial...I hope to find how to apply zipper to a skirt because I am having such a hard time doing that...

[@WoollyChats]

THANK YOU! so much for making these wonderful,easy to follow videos for a complete sewing novice, such as myself! You rock! keep up the videos! PS. Where did you get your tracing ruler?

[@ProfessorPincushion]

both the ruler and tracing wheel can be found at JoAnn's. Thanks for the kind words! :)

[@ssal77artist]

Thank you for this very comprehensive video.

[@latestarossa]

Hello Professor I already made a few tops your way but now I'm stumbling upon a problem. What if your top has darts? How can you include this darts in your pattern. Do you have any tutorial about this? Thank you so much.

[@monikita777]

Love love love this tutorial.. Thanks again if I haven't already posted! :)

[@ProfessorPincushion]

monikita777 yay! so glad you're finding it helpful :)

[@Cascadia2011]

Is that a special kind of tracing paper you are using?