sewing a dress from scratch for the FIRST TIME in my life *it actually didn't turn out terrible*

[@alexasunshine83]

~ this is not a tutorial ~ I already know all ya'll veteran sewers are going to be cringing at my lack of sewing skills 😅

[@nataliae5365]

cringing a very tiny bit but everyone starts somewhere! good job! so proud of you! my first attempt was definitely worse!

[@alexasunshine83]

Exactly! I almost deleted the whole video because it didn’t turn out “perfect” but I have to start from somewhere ya know!

[@lestranged]

I am glad you tried using a pattern. A lot of sewing/DIY channels here seem to disdain patterns. And they are really useful when you are starting out. You will have a higher likelihood of a result you like, and more importantly, lower frustration. Too much struggle at the beginning of any hobby will make a lot of people quit and think 'I am bad at this', when it's not you. Patterns help you get easy wins and confidence builders. Patterns teach the most efficient order of putting things together which is a huge time saver. It's the secret code to mastery. I learned from patterns and now I rarely use them. They are just a step but like, if people have already worked something out for centuries and it *works*, why not take that shortcut and get to proficient in 1/4 of the time. Just make sure you get the right size pattern, Go by your measurements, not your normal retail clothing size. Pattern sizing is completely different. Check Etsy for vintage patterns if you like a specific decade of fashion. (and vintage pattern sizes are even more different)

[@Yogawithcarly19]

@@lestranged love this comment thank you 💚

[@honningbie2724]

I actually rlly like watching beginner sewers like it’s so nice even when they’re making mistakes cos I’m just happy ppl are trying it out I literally sought out this video bc I was in the mood to watch someone try sewing 😫

[@pjl2963]

I've been sewing for over 50 years, but this was absolutely delightful...your zeal and openness to learn is so charming, hon!

[@nataliae5365]

I strongly suggest simplicity patterns that are marked "easy to sew", they have the best instructions in my opinion!

[@alexasunshine83]

Ooooh! Will do !!

[@nataliae5365]

also one more tip - always hem your dress last! that will allow the hem to be as straight as possible, especially since very often the fabric slightly stretches out or seams slightly change shape, so the best way is to make the dress and then let it hang for a bit and then hem it after it had a chance to stretch out

[@lestranged]

This is important: knowing what order to do the steps in. I know the pattern didn't tell her to hem it after each seam but I think she over-thought it and she assumed the pattern left out steps that experienced sewists would know, but actually she added steps that experienced sewists would not do. This is why it's also better to read over all the instructions before you start sewing, so you will see that hemming comes last and not try to do it sooner.

[@mina11081997]

It doesn't look like a green screen at all. That's a beautiful colour

[@lestranged]

Now you can make the same dress but in the gingham you were drawn to at the store. Now you know the pattern is too big, you can make adjustments on the paper and then cut the pieces smaller. With the straps try crossing them in the back, then they never fall down. Make a second set of straps and attach them into the side seams at the waist or rib cage, they can tie in back to adjust the fit. That is a very 90's detail.

[@nataliae5365]

a great first choice of fabric is a thrifted sheet or thrifted fabric! it's cheaper and more sustainable and less pressure that you will ruin new material ;)

[@denisebennett3144]

Congratulations on your first dress. It turned out great. My only advice is use your iron, it will make a huge difference.

[@alexasunshine83]

Yes! Ahhhhh I’m so bad I lost my cord for my iron 😩

[@lestranged]

Yes 100% ironing after every seam is so important. I just leave my iron set up all the time so I don't skip this step. Irons are cheap and they make such a difference. I would even say that cheap iron + cheap sewing machine will give a better result than expensive machine + no iron. If at first you don't succeed, MASH it with a hot iron and topstitch it down. That fixes a lot of wonky bits. And get an ironing board, ironing on the floor will destroy your back

[@xpopstarx1]

I love how both of your kitties are lounging on their perch! Love that you are diving into the sewing realm! My current project is a half n half button down flannel

[@alexasunshine83]

Haha they were judging me for sure !! Oooooh! That sounds super cute !!

[@katebauer9150]

This actually gives me soooo much confidence. I started sewing some super cute peter pan collars but actual clothing makes me nervous! WELL DONE LADY

[@alexasunshine83]

Awwww ! Well I BELIEVE IN YOU!!!!

[@ossaobscura]

You are amazing and I love how you kept going to finish it, even though it was frustrating. Nothing makes me collapse into a meltdown faster than sewing, but you have inspired me to give it another try! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@alexasunshine83]

Haha SAME! This was the first time I didn’t cry when whipping out my sewing machine haha

[@JennaPhipps]

Yay!! I am soooo proud of you 😍 you did amazing and it looks great ❤️

[@alexasunshine83]

That means so much 🥲🥲🥲🥲

[@faeriesmak]

Hi Jenna! I would love to see you make this exact dress pattern as well! That would be fun.

[@hollyhinckley8294]

I love it that you are sewing! Vogue patterns are always vague, I rarely buy those. You are brave and daring with a can do attitude.

[@smasheduppumpkinette]

Good job on your first from scratch dress. I looks good and you really suit the green colour. I recommend sewing elastic waistband skirts if you are a beginner. They are one of the easiest things to do and good for building sewing confidence and learning the basics. You can find lots of free patterns and /or tutorials online. (Most don’t need a pattern - just some body measurements and basic maths). I can’t wait to see what you make next - I can see you making gingham skirts with matching headbands.

[@alexasunshine83]

Thank you so much for watching 😭💕💕💕

[@vvvviiiicccc100]

im literally so jealous of people who can sew, like- i bow down to your talent

[@JuliaSkottMakes]

I wonder if the front part was supposed to be cut on the fold, to make it twice the width and thus as wide as the back.

[@tinamiarosie1076]

Yes this is what I was thinking

[@rachellynncreates2703]

Probably.

[@laceym3662]

Yup

[@alexasunshine83]

I honestly don’t know because on all the ones that needed two it said x2 but the front it only showed 1 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ still so confused!

[@faeriesmak]

I am sure that it was.

[@TheZombieMe]

I think you did a great job. This looks much better than my first project ever looked! Ironing every seam as you go helps a ton to make the final garnet look "professional". Also it helps to only guide the fabric from the front of the machine, pulling or guiding the fabric from behind the presser foot can throw off the tension and make it harder to sew straight lines.

[@katrinauch]

90% sure that you were supposed to cut one of the front panel ON A FOLD, so it would be twice the size the piece was. You fold the fabric along the edge of the patter piece, so it's the width of two pieces without having to sew it together. Also, the lining would be sewn to the top edge of the dress, which is why it doesn't call for the hem at the top.

[@samiansley5740]

Thanks for sharing! Would you ever consider doing a “what I wore” for a week or something sort of video? It would be great to see how you wear what you have thrifted.

[@NatLovesFashion]

omg i am cringing BUT as an intermediate sewer, i applaud you for just jumping right in and trying. i love that you can just accept that you know it won’t be perfect and you still did it!! that’s one of the hardest things about learning to sew in my opinion.

[@itsthemadster]

The dress turned out great! I enjoyed seeing the process and I look forward to seeing any sewing projects from you.

[@alexasunshine83]

Thank you 🥲💕

[@StellaMariaGiulia]

I sewed a pair of shorts as my first project and honestly I like to pretend they don't exist 😂 Pro tip that can feel a bit of an hassle but I swear it's a game changer: *iron things as you go! Sew dart -press flat and directionally, sew seam -press, sew strap - press, attach to dress, press the hem before sewing it! It helps keeping the fabric flat and it moves less and you get a more professional finish to your garment.* Keep it up, Alexa! 💪❤ looking forward to your next sewing endeavours

[@katherinerhodes4211]

Amazing job Alexa !!! A little sewing tip that will help you - iron each seam that you make as you go along. Good luck with more makes

[@alexasunshine83]

Yes! I was gutted that I lost my iron cord and couldn’t straighten it out 😭

[@dawnrhoads8794]

I watch a KZbinr I think her name is well loved, she uses a straight hair iron, when she forgot her iron.

[@kellysledge8043]

I suggest when pinning your fabric to put your pins in horizontally instead of vertical. It’s easier to take them out as you go or sew over, and It can prevent the fabric from shifting around as much! Congrats on your first dress! 💞🎉

[@fromutreavonoertzen3428]

I would recommend going for indie pattern companies for beginners. They often have very thorough instructions and/ or sew-alongs. The true bias ogden cami is a really easy beginners pattern and looks great!

[@KP-us2id]

I agree, I tried sewing satin before, it is the devil in fabric form!! You need to give yourself more credit, you're better at sewing than you think, you did an awesome job, the dress is so cute!

[@aksez2u]

I'm not cringing at all - I'm proud of you! Patterns can be super confusing, even for an experienced sewist, so...good job! I bet the front skirt panel was supposed to be cut on the fold, which would make it twice as wide; a zipper wouldn't add much if any width. Another tip is that an iron can be almost as important as your sewing machine. You'd be surprised what a difference it makes to press your seams flat. Not a commentary on your dress, which turned out cute, just a general tip.

[@monicasimmons7571]

Love this!! I took some sewing classes years ago but have never really applied those skills to any substantial projects. I LOVE the idea of making personalized clothing for yourself, though, so I appreciate following along with your very honest experience!

[@dookyy]

YOU DID GREAT!!!☀️ It reminds me of my 3 year study to become a fashion designer 😅 hahaa I totally feel you, understanding patterns (and creating them from scratch) is a struggle in the beginning! You'll see, with time and experience, every new piece of garment will be easier xx I'm so happy to see you learn something new, I'll turn 27 this year and love to always learn new crafts and skills!!

[@sarahpan]

omg i can't believe you made this from scratch!! it turned out so good 😭😍

[@alexasunshine83]

I’m still shocked!!! AND I DIDNT CRY DURING THE PROCESS, anytime I’ve taken out the sewing machine I’ve cried out of frustration haha

[@averypearl]

the last time i sewed was like 4 years ago and i’m scared to sew again bc the machine always gets jammed :// but at the same time this makes me REALLY want to try ahh

[@ebubechiabonyi5149]

Your definitely better than a beginner don’t sell yourself short

[@zoe4514]

This video inspires me to make a pinterest board of pattern pieces and DIY clothing ideas that I will never make but can dream about forever

[@alexasunshine83]

Haha I have one of those as well 😂

[@_anicold]

dont be so hard on yourself, its the first time you try to saw a piece of clothing, you should be proud of it and give yourself more credit! i really loved the form of the dress, yes you could've shosen another fabric but it worked! 💖💖💖💖💖

[@AlyssaRubio]

good job!! loving these "create from scratch" type of videos!

[@alexasunshine83]

They are my favorite ! It’s just fun to go through the journey ya know ☺️

[@LotsofXoXos]

Fantastic effort!! I hope you try it again. I'm not an experienced sewer. I could be completely off base. I don't think you hem as you go. The top became shorter with the hem and it, for lack of a better word, "self" hems because the two pieces become a new piece never exposed. Also cotton has zero stretch and then zipper allows you to put it on easily so a hook & eye closure might be a good solution.

[@aksez2u]

Yes, hooray for Alexis that she was able to get this dress on without a zipper!

[@emilyanderson4069]

I think it's so good how you just gave this a go and documented it regardless of your sewing experience. Hopefully this will inspire more people to try sewing. I sew quite often and think you've done a fabulous job!! Well done girl! 💗

[@allisoniwatake]

i used that pattern like two years ago, it was one of the first things i sewed by myself!

[@tobythomas3413]

For sewing tutorials and fun sewing videos I like to watch Coolirpa. She is fun to watch and learn from!

[@andreabelec7852]

Girl I think you’d love the Great British Sewing Bee. It’s the British bake-off but for sewing and it’s delightful.

[@virtualsandra]

It turned out so cute Alexa!! i love that green on you

[@leoniiiie]

did you add seam allowance? this also might be the reason for why the dress would have been too small originally ;)

[@victoria-e]

Sewing pattern sizes are notorious for being wrong with sizing! I always just take out the pattern and measure the actual pieces bc they are always way too big based off the back

[@JennaMcCallister]

I thought I was reading wrong when she said she was a size 12 and those measurements were nowhere near a size 12! Good to know. It’s sad because I can see someone getting upset because that’s like a size 6 in commercial clothing. Is sizing just way different if you make it yourself?

[@izzywillynillyful]

Another tip that I ignored for a really long time when I first started sewing: Ironing is your friend! It makes everything lay nicer, go together easier, and look a lot more professional and finished when you're done!

[@joydeaton3286]

You did really well! You're not ironing it kind of made me cringe a bit though lol. Any sewing teachers I've ever had have all said that sewing is more cutting and ironing than actually sewing😂.

[@PowerageOf1970]

Vogue: VERY EASY PATTERN Also Vogue: Make this with one of the most difficult materials to sew with lol

[@susanma4899]

Exactly. I think ALL Vogue patterns are hard.

[@elenadoeslife]

This is a first time sew?! Girl, you're talented!

[@hannadoka9384]

Quick tip: If you put the pins perpendicular to the seam it is so much easier to remove them when they get closer to the foot. I usually leave them there, since the sawing machine needle just finds its way around them😅

[@ErinR1213]

This is amazing! I don’t know how to sew either but definitely want to try one day! I love the cats in the background!💚🐾

[@rosemoon89]

I once worked with satin and it was really difficult to work with it 🙈 But maybe you have more luck with satin. The dress looks stunning for the fact that it was the first thing you sew 👍🏻 so definitely a great job.

[@alexasunshine83]

Yeah I’ve seen some helpful tips on ways to make sewing satin easier but the general consensus is it’s a difficult one 😅😅😅 but may give it another go !

[@leahjasmine792]

Sewing bigger things and straight lines is WAY easier than little details, you are so right!!!

[@giftedafflicted]

I love that you made this from scratch, I’m so thrilled to see how your sewing journey evolves, I’m a newbie too but it’s sooo empowering so far, I especially love thrifting vintage fabrics and sewing with them to reuse them again in a new way💜

[@LaurynAmini]

I have to say, I really love that color! The style of the dress and the color look very elegant to me. Gorgeous

[@bathulhu]

The colour is beautiful! Not green screeny at all. Just a tip - you should wash fabrics before cutting and sewing (iron after washing) to get rid of any chemicals/in case it shrinks. Fabric storage in warehouses before going to the stores is... Ick. Iron to ensure it's all flat and no creases etc. :) You should also trace patterns and cut the traced part if you want to reuse for different sizes (e.g. make a friend it or if you grow idk).

[@khicks1124]

I love that you posted this! You did a great job and can't wait to see more!

[@sarabyrne6495]

This dress would be amazing in crepe which is lovely to sew with! I do adore the colour though :-), I only started dress making recently and it's amazing how quickly your skills build up. I do enjoy seeing you have very similar confusing moments to myself!! Well done on your first make, patterns can be like double dutch!

[@alexasunshine83]

Thank you love ☺️☺️

[@Rachellese]

I think this is a great skill, imagine all the options.

[@kelseystone3]

This has inspired me and I want to get back into sewing clothes. I took sewing classes at our local rec center as a kid and it’s been so long that I’m having to re-learn! I think your dress turned out lovely!

[@elainebakke1338]

One helpful suggestion. Put your pins on the seams vertically rather than horizontally. I think you'll find that easier to sew.

[@francescadarrigo3911]

You could make a fun sheer overlay!!

[@alexasunshine83]

Yes! That’s what I was thinking !!

[@susancrotto6428]

That was awesome for your first try! Think of the possibilities now!!!!

[@JennaMcCallister]

Yay for trying new things! I love the color. 🖤

[@valecontrerasvz]

I can’t deal with the fact that Alexa rocks every single color in this Earth!!! You did such an amazing job, I’m so proud of you 😍❤️

[@RubyStar92]

Thank you thank you for showing all your mistakes. This has really made it way more approachable to start trying to sew 😊

[@gabrielleb.9220]

A lot of people, especially professional shops, make a sample first in cheap scrap fabric (muslin) and then use that to adjust the pattern for a better fit!

[@artistinahammock3885]

Fabric "suggestions" aren't just suggestions, they're the kinds of fabric the pattern was made for and the ones that will be the most successful

[@angelaoriel5912]

you're so freaking gorgeous and you did so well!!!

[@alexasunshine83]

Omg you are so kind !!

[@caissa6187]

Thanks so much for this video! I'm new to sewing and you did a great job reading those confusing patterns. The dress is a beautiful color and congratz on your first garment!!

[@crazycatlady7866]

Don’t be scared of putting in a zipper. I’ve been sewing with a sewing machine for only a year now and it was much easier than I expected! There are lots of videos on KZbin that explain how to sew a zipper.

[@amicban]

So proud of you queen! Ngl, when you sent the update that you wouldn’t upload til Sunday I was worried about this video. But you did amazing! And I’m so glad that you gained the experience and the confidence to keep learning how to sew/ create. 🤗

[@alexasunshine83]

I almost deleted it because it wasn’t like as cute as I wanted BUT we all gotta start from somewhere and this video wasn’t necessarily about making something perfect but instead trying so I really appreciate that you enjoyed it 🥲😭💕

[@alexandrasayeedi4557]

Hi! Just a tip, the "pleat" on the chest area would be called a dart. I think when you took it in on the sides, it got a little weird because the placement of the dart shifted. I think what I would do is extend the dart a little further when you took in the sides. Also, I think you would make it a lot easier for yourself if you hemmed the whole bottom of the dress at the end instead of doing it piece by piece. I think sometimes you overthink and doubt yourself when you're actually doing great! Honestly, for your first project you did a super good job, and I think it ended up so cute! :) I think to practice you could totally make the dress again in another fabric and experiment!

[@blueangels8103]

Pretty cool, not bad at all. I only know how to sew holes but making something to wear not at all, I tried it once in school and only got the one sleeve done and it didn't turn out good. So I will leave the big sewing stuff to the professional and the small ones I will do.

[@hannahlaubacker7686]

I'm so excited for you and your sewing journey!

[@UniceLiu]

only alexa can sew a dress from scratch and have it look good wow!!!

[@alexasunshine83]

🥲🥲🥲🥲💕💕💕 TOO KIND

[@katiechambers1319]

Aww that’s so cool I want to try this!

[@alexasunshine83]

Yes 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@umwilcos88]

I find indie patterns generally have better instructions than the "big 4". And a lot of times you can find sew a long videos too. There are also a lot of great free patterns available and if you have a printer you can just print them out!

[@meret3261]

To make sure the seem you are sewing is inside in the end just always put the nice sides facing eachother down :)

[@leahjasmine792]

Girl, I'm sort of where you are now with the whole sewing thing, it do be super trippy in the beginning! I totally recommend using patterns that also have video tutorials to go with them, it's way easier to see what you're supposed to do than just reading instructions and trying to make it based on that. Great job tho! Can't wait to see your next project!!

[@flowerrrrchild]

You did a great job on the dress and I loveeee this color! If you don’t already you should def check out the diy designer! She’s one of my favorites on here. She does very easy and easy to follow (some no sew) projects, she’s great for inspiration if you don’t know where to start!

[@patriciac4562]

You did a great job! Wear it with pride!

[@amazingvictory5224]

Wow love the color and the dress you made from scratch sis. I am very proud of you. I need to try one too. Take care and Be safe. Love you sis. 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@thriftinlindsey]

QUEEN OF SEWING

[@alexasunshine83]

🥲 so kind AHHH

[@laurmainedelosreyes6714]

Wish i have long lashes like yours!! So pretty 🤍

[@alexasunshine83]

🥲💕

[@aikanae1]

The pattern of the front piece should have one side marked "place on fold". For future reference since sewing to get what you want is addicting. Congrats grrl. I wonder what a gingham ruffle would look like?

[@Iridescental]

I think if you iron the dress it will look even better! Great first project :) Pressing is a very boring side of sewing, but it makes a huge difference. Next time you should press your seams along as you sew, it makes it a lot easier as well

[@debbiekeefer476]

Cheers to you. I tried sewing many years ago & I sucked at it! LOL

[@alexasunshine83]

Yes! Reminding myself I have to start from somewhere is the only way I can get better ☺️☺️☺️

[@sarbearr4]

I’m so excited to see what you create ❤️

[@alexasunshine83]

💕💕💕

[@magpie06]

Use a stretch jersey, or some other stretchy fabric if you don't want to put in a zipper...then you can make it fit your body more closely and still get it over your head. Looks great!

[@barborapetlakova]

So proud of you Alexa!! The dress looks amazing and not like a green screen at all. I’m obsessed with the colour and it really suits you 😊

[@michelle_jasek]

the dress turned out really cute!! I've been sewing for like 15 years and i still don't know what i"m doing half the time 😂like recently i made a quilt jacket and i was making it up as i went along haha

[@haileywasheree]

Girl I really want that cat shirt you are wearing it is so cute!

[@artistinahammock3885]

Hey Alexa, quick tip: don't decide to change up the pattern of you're a beginner and plan on improving your pattern-following skills, just follow it flat out (I know vogue is confusing, maybe try simplicity or McCall's). Not everything you make you're going to wear/like. Making things in the beginning is more about experience/how well you manage to do it, and if it's wearable? great! but if not, you have another garment worth of experience under your belt. All the best :)

[@clairesauzel]

This was so interesting and fun to watch !!

[@mariamoller9269]

congratulations 🎊 its beautiful and great for a first time

[@cbyerchickful]

I love the color.

[@alexasunshine83]

It is such a pretty deep green ! 💚

[@michaela2797]

Alexa! I want to get in to sewing but I literally have no experience. Would it be dumb to buy a sewing machine? Should I practice hand sewing first?

[@rachellynncreates2703]

buy the sewing machine! there are tons of sewing channels that can help you get started.

[@alexasunshine83]

I’d recommend getting a sewing machine because hand sewing is so different !! My first one was the cheapest that Joann had! Gave me a good base to start!

[@deborahelizabeth8113]

I'm pretty sure green screen is lighter. I made videos in high school and in the equipment room there was green screen and it was a completely different shade alot lighter than that... so your good💖 plus it turned out super cute

[@coreychatman6332]

Love your dress. This is a great success. Thanks for sharing this sweetie.

[@alexasunshine83]

Thank you 😭😭😭

[@fitzyfitz95]

Good job Alexa! It is really nice you are starting to sew!

[@Gabsfinds]

Great job! I think you were supposed to cut one front skirt on the fold which is why it was so small originally!