WHAT'S THE BEST FABRIC TO USE FOR A TOILE OR MOCKUP? Muslin? Calico? Bedsheets? What about knits???

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Share your tips on where you get your toile and mockup fabric from! ✂️ Learn what to do with your toile after you have made it! Develop you your garment sewing skills with me at Vintage Sewing School www.vintagesewingschool.com/

[@marymoore3585]

I despise microfiber sheets. I like to buy a cheap set of sheets from places that sell closeouts, and curtains, too, and make mockups that I wear for every day, and fabric store fabric for nice stuff like church. Sometimes I wear the toille. Depends on how it came out.lol

[@deannastevens1217]

My Salvation Army store is fabulous for sheets and panels of items. Also pillowcases and table cloths. The sewing section is my favorite for yarns and sewing accessories.... sometimes for fabrics. There's not usually too many 'bought' fabrics. The Goodwill is terrible. Always overpriced even for the small stuff. there's a couple second hand shops on the coast I love to visit for all of this when I take my Mom to spend time with my Sister. Thanks for a great video.

[@sohv1s]

Two suggestions how to not waste your mockup. 1. You can use it as a garment after alterations or if it's already fine enough. 2. You can use it as the liner of the finish garment. I'm sewing a corset dress to my sister and I used the corset mockup as the liner of the corset itself. I've heard some vintage garments are made like that too.

[@c.c.1366]

But if you achieve a very well-fitting garment that hangs properly, how is the toile a "waste"?

[@mc_lara2230]

​@@c.c.1366I believe it's more of a waste product, a discarded item, rather than a waste of time/energy. I took this comment as a tip on how not to waste the fabric/item itself

[@tinamcdonald93]

Crazy quilts, samples for screen printing, fabric dying, stamping, embellishment

[@swiinka]

Fellow 'bedsheet junkie' reporting for duty! I've even made a wearable muslin out of one sheet, because I loved the colour so much. The only drawback about the bedsheets is that all the cheap stuff has a high percentage of polyester, which means that no matter how hard you press it, it tends to straighten itself in the creases over time. It's obviously an advantage if you're using the bedding for its primary purpose, but not so great in sewing ;) Re: the knit fabric mockups, I have three tips: 1) make your muslins wearable! even if the end result is not amazing keep in mind that knits are more forgiving, so your muslin will be at least okay-looking for casual wear or as PJs 2) buy remnants and deadstock, it's much cheaper and you relieve our planet of some textile waste 3) use old clothing - buy oversized garments second hand or grab a garment you no longer want to give it a new life as a wearable mock-up (this way requires some seam ripping, which is not ideal, but IMO the benefits are much bigger than the inconvenience)

[@ElloraWilson]

This is why there's no such thing as vintage plus sizes or second hand clothes in plus sizing. Because everyone buys bigger sizes for mockups or more versatility in upcycle projects. As a plus size person who has been very broke at times, this practice has brought me to literal tears more times than I can count because I couldn't find clothes in stores or even in thrift shops that fit me. Consider that upcycling and using bigger sizes for your mockup projects is selfish and taking clothes out of thrift stores that are meant to help people in need is actually a crappy thing to do. Just consider it. anyways, have a good day ✌️😊

[@swiinka]

@@ElloraWilson I understand what you're saying and I had considered all that in the past. However, where I live (Ireland) people on low income prefer buying fast fashion rather than thrifting, and that goes especially for plus size people because charity shops have never catered for them in the first place.

[@samaratreadwell2136]

Clearance section at the fabric store is a go to for me. Especially and the end of a “season”. Right after Halloween is great for knits and specialty fabrics.

[@ladyariananorth]

I grab bedsheets from thrift shops and rummage sales. The cotton/poly blends and ugly fabrics get used for mockups. The cotton sheets get saved for actual garments, and if I don't like the color, I can dye them. I also save any cotton crochet trims and ruffles off the sheets to trim up garments I make. Best time to find the sheets are bag sales at the thrift shops and rummage sales. All you can stuff in a bag for only $2-5.

[@judyjennings-gunther4022]

I too love using sheets. But I use them for wearable mock-ups. I figure if I am going to go to all the trouble of making the garment, I might as well have my mock-up be wearable. Mom taught me how to sew and she never made mock-ups, so I never really thought about it. About 20 years ago I was in a belly dancing performance(completely out of my comfort zone! hahah)and naturally was going to make my outfit. Luckily I did a mock up of the top I was going to wear. On the pattern the woman was modeling it with her hands barely lifted. I know why! When I lifted my arms up the whole top slid up over my boobs. Although the pattern was actually a costume, I don't think it was intended to be worn to dance in. Luckily I didn't use my "fancy fabric" on it. I ended up making a coin covered bra and a vest/top thing without sleeves attached. My outfit turned out beautifully and everyone thought I was advanced. Certainly not by my dancing! I had to tell everyone that I just love sewing but barely could do belly-dancing.

[@thecurator2626]

Hello. I don’t know if you still check comments on your older videos but I have been binge watching and adding your videos to my sewing list. I truly appreciate all your helpful information and the pleasant spirit you have whilst conveying all of it. I hope to soon be able to subscribe to your Vintage Sewing School with one of my online friends and I pray for healing and peace for you and your loved ones. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge in these formats.

[@suesue7175]

Thanks, Evelyn. I was at 3 stores today. I always look at bed sheets, some blankets, drapes & curtains (larger the better), some shower curtains, & some table cloths. I bought a lace table cloth - beautiful - to use as overlay & trim. Thrifting for supplies & toiles are great ways to save & reuse. I follow your posts. You're pleasant, lovely, & very knowledgeable.

[@cynthiastraub1912]

I buy the fitted ones as well. If you carefully cut out the corners you have elasticized fabric for sleeves or cuffs

[@patriciajrs46]

​@@cynthiastraub1912I knew they had to be good for something.

[@SparkyOne549]

When i restarted my sewing, I was shocked at the prices of calico fabric. So i cleaned out our linen closet and took all the older sheets to use for muslins. When i ran out of our own sheets, i asked neighbors if i could clean out their linen closet for free but take anything they didn’t want. When i ran out of that option, i go to thrift stores to buy single sheets. Saved me a ton of money. Any good sheeting in a particular color or pattern get made up into blouses. Flannel sheets i make flannel pjs out of.

[@sharryjones5200]

I never thought about the pjs out of flannel sheets, that's excellent! My husband could use some more sleep pants.

[@Ellaodi]

That is brilliant! I was able to acquire some flannel Sheetz that I'm going to turn into a flannel dress, because I really want to be cozy and cute but also sustainable

[@judyjennings-gunther4022]

Years ago I made some curtains out of patched wool with 12" squares. Our windows are huge and unfortunately single paned and we live near the beach. Did someone say, "Drafty......" . I wanted them to be warm so I lined them with flannel flat sheets. Love your idea about pj's with the flannel. So creative!

[@SparkyOne549]

@@judyjennings-gunther4022 Thats a great idea regarding the curtains.

[@margaretf667]

I am making my first garment, I ripped apart a pair of pants I love that had reached the end of their life and traced them on an old bed sheet that's ready for the bin too. I have fabric ordered so this how I start when I wait. So far the pattern and mock up is free 😊

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Perfect!! ❤ Have fun making them!

[@marymoore3585]

How did they come out?? Do let us know! Good luck!

[@TheUnevenStitch]

Since being in lockdown in the UK and unable to get to my favourite fabric shops I've been using bedding from the local supermarket to get my sewing fix. Not even for toilles, just actual products 😅

[@LAM-eh6oe]

Yes, me too! 😉

[@judyjennings-gunther4022]

I learned to sew from my mom when I was 12 yrs old. It just so happened that that was the year she went back to work in a fancy department store in Bath & Bedding. She would bring home discontinued sheets all the time. I made so many sun dresses with those beautiful sheets. I would be walking around school and someone would say, "You are wearing my sheet!" So naturally I would stop and do a bit of modeling for them. hahaha 48 years later and I still love making dresses with sheets. My favorites are the vintage ones. If I went to the sheet area in a thrift store with a blindfold on and felt the sheets, I could easily pick out the vintage ones just by the feel. :)

[@TheUnevenStitch]

@@nope66755 any money I could have saved during lockdown was spent at B&m 😅

[@Kinster2]

I also purchase bed ruffles at thrift stores for tracing patterns. It’s very durable and can be stored folded. The area that goes between the mattress and box spring is semi-transparent and is perfect for tracing patterns for storage.

[@pdxcyn]

Cool idea!

[@marymoore3585]

Wow! Fantastic idea!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Great idea thanks for sharing!

[@grandy2875]

I remember years ago, when I was at TAFE, we would get our fabric from this little liquidation (Clarkson's) place in town to make our mock-ups with. More often than not, the mock-ups turned out as good as the actual garments, so we would end up with 2 new garments. I was just a kid (15/16) at the time, so I didn't have a lot of money to spend on fabric, so I would buy my finish fabrics there too, the most I ever paid for any of it was about $2or$3 a metre. They had everything we needed, down to zippers, cottons, buttons, you name it, it was great. One of my classmates got all the fabric to make himself a beautiful 3-piece wool suit and his wife a gorgeous 40's inspired crepe-de-shine/shantung suit for their wedding for under $30. They both looked stunning on the day. I wish that shop was still around now...we had a ball digging through the shelves and racks and barrels of fabric... I would get lost in there for hours...

[@lpm82]

For knits, if you can get your hand on jersey knit bedsheets, ( I have some that I tend to use in the winter for warmth- I don’t like flannel sheets). They’re starting to get a little hole in them so I’ll buy new ones for next winter and use these ones for toiles.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

I've never heard of knitted bed sheets! 😮 If there is such a thing, yes this would be a wonderful source of toike fabric for knits!

[@susanbuskirk4034]

Walmart in the US has Jersey knit sheet sets.

[@mrs.knecro7044]

I was actually going to say this same thing! I buy sheet sets and tend to only use the fitted sheet so the flat sheet goes to my fabric stash and I’ve got one or two jersey knit sheets in there.

[@lizbrennan9081]

Aldi and Lidl always have jersey sheets coming into winter.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

I was lucky enough to have someone give me their stash of fabric, but they were mostly hideous prints from the 80's. I've been using them and an old duvet cover (so much material to work with on a duvet cover!) as my toile fabric. Heavyweight old tablecloths also work well for bottom weight toiles.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Good job saving these! I also have a stash of 80s polyester satiny horribleness that I have saved for just this reason...silk satin toiles 😄

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

@@Evelyn__Woodthe only drawback is sometimes the fabric is so ugly it's hard to see if the garment looks good or not, lol.

[@grandy2875]

@@nataliestanchevski4628 when the fabric is so eye-bleedingly ugly, try working with the "wrong" side, it doesn't hurt the eye as much, and you can better see what you are working with... ;))

[@kyselinaaa]

We are renovating a house, there were lots of fabrics as old bedsheets, tablecloths, etc. Perfect for throwing over furniture when painting the walls and... sewing mock ups! I got there one weekend a little bit later then usual. My man and family who wanted to help us were already there.. and I found out that ALL the fabrics were cut into pieces.. as cleaning cloths. Which we never used. Because we already had cleaning cloths.. Now with pandemic and all the thriftstores closed I was happy that one our bedsheets ripped so I could use it as a toile.. 😁 Lesson learned - slow down. It is sometimes better to NOT do something, do not help, just enjoy, have a cup of coffee... 😁

[@lunzie01]

Yes, I'm a bed sheet junkie :-) I buy all the white flat sheets I can.

[@kapgray]

Thank you for all the helpful advice! Evelyn; I have learned so much from you over the past six months since I began sewing again. I learned as little girl here in California, and am returning to it after 50 years. It is such a creative and wonderful outlet!

[@shellbell8062]

That's such a good tip about the bedsheets. When I buy fabric online I always have a look at their remnants or cottons on sale, and they often have the really ugly colours and low quality cotton at good prices on sale as well. Will definitely try the sheets now! :)

[@catladylion5186]

I love getting plain bed sheets as mock-up fabric from op shops since I use cotton type of fabric to make clothes. And also I find many vintage bed sheets are so pretty ( yep, I love floral fabric) and they are perfect for vintage dress pattern

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Lower quality bedsheets and curtains for mock-ups, higher quality bedsheets and curtains for actual garments. Because why not use them if they are of a decent quality? I managed to find a set of curtains that are a really nice white cotton twill - and that’s really useful.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Definitely use the good ones for real fashion fabric!!

[@SparkyOne549]

Yes, thats what I do.

[@tinamcdonald93]

And tablecloths!

[@willdryden971]

I will have to wait until the 12th of April thrift stores open in the UK, However I have seen some bargain dealing with various fabric store in the UK. Evelyn love you videos as always

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Woo hoo! Mark your calendar, that is not too far away really! Thrifting again, yay!!

[@R83145]

I'm lazy as usual and choose a flatlining fabric for my project. Then I use the flatlining fabric to make a mockup with corrections if necessary. Then I rip it apart again and use the already-cut pieces as flatlining for the actual project. It means I produce no waste and I still get to do the mockup using the actual fabric that I'm planning to use. And if I do any corrections in the first iterations, the are not super visible from the outside.

[@stephenrobb8759]

That is brilliant... Very clever

[@kimberlycooper4170]

R83145 , I hope that Evelyn Wood does a video to show and explain that you are talking about. I'm not understanding everything that you write. A video would be so helpful!

[@R83145]

@@kimberlycooper4170 It is quite simple actually. Flatlining is a style of lining where the lining piece is attached to the outer layer before sewing the pieces together. However, what I described initially also works with other styles of lining, as long as the lining pieces are more or less identical to the actual pieces forming the garment. Of course, this works only for lined garments. Basically, to make the test project, you sew just the lining pieces together as if they were the actual fabric you would use for your actual project. Make adjustments on the lining as necessary. Then use these pieces as the pattern to cut your actual fabric. When you make the actual project, you can reuse your original test pieces as lining. Flatlining isn't normally used much in modern sewing, but here's a blog post that basically describes what it is: thenotsodramaticlife.com/techniques-and-tips/fun-with-flatlining/ I use flatlining a lot even for modern garments :D I also think this trick for mockups works the best with flatlining because you want to avoid the fit issues that Evelyn discussed. With flatlining the actual shape of the garment will be determined in part by the flatlining, so I think using the lining for your mockup gives you the most accurate impression of how your fabric will behave.

[@kimberlycooper4170]

@@R83145 , thank you for the details! Now, I understand.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

This is a fantastic way to bring in reuse of fabric in your work process! Thank you for sharing it with us 😄

[@JulieLeonard-oj8gz]

Thank you, you’re full of inspiration. I love 💕 to sew and I’ve been sewing since I was 7 with my grandmother. Love it

[@jessieratledge4308]

I started sewing in the early 1950's and I had never heard of making a toile not even when I was a high school. I used to sew a few seams tried it on did the alterations needed then took it of sewed again but it would never be right, so I had to put it on again and had to do this a number of times. I was so glad when I found out that you made a toile. I too found that a visit to the op shop quite often had bed sheets etc. that cost very little. I then watched the fabric stores when their sales were on and would pick up some material for sometimes 50 cents to a $1 a meter and if I was lucky perhaps a bolt very cheap. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@karenmcdaniel708]

Great advice on using thrift store bed sheets for mock ups! And yes cleaning your machine occasionally is a must…lots of dust under the hood! Good day💕

[@refashionrose9499]

I use bedsheets for my toile as learn from you 😘. I didn’t used to toile and wasted much good fabric and time by having to try to correct my mistakes on my garment. It’s such an important lesson x

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Ooh we all do it to start rightfully! We think, it'll be OK, don't want to waste fabric, etc etc. But then we learn it's just worth it if you want nice garments in the end that you can really love!

[@lorr.jones8887]

My daughter wanted me to make her lilac lace and satin corset to wear for graduation (don't worry, very modest!). I have no experience with these fabrics but I lucked out. The fabric store had a 50% off all white fabric sale. I was able to get the exact fabrics in white to make the toile. It was well worth it as I encountered several issues. I'm finishing up the final version now with confidence.

[@lindaanderson8329]

I have a huge stash of muslin left over from costumes I was commissioned to make that I use for everything (included tea towels I embroidered as a gift) I am always looking for ways to use this material:) And I recently cleaned out my closets and found a huge stack of bed sheets that I can use either as costumes (I work in a children’s theatre) or will now think of using as toiles!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Excellent! It sounds like these fabrics are going to be put to good use now, and you don't have to buy any new fabric for a while by the sounds of it! 😄

[@karenmanson1782]

👋 Evelyn. Thank you for tip of the week. All my linen is white because unfortunately I have a Bad Habit of pinching the pattern fabric into FAB skirts or dresses or tops. I’m sure the recycle ladies cringe when they see me 🤣 mind you I do end up tidying the shelves. 🙏

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

If you can find sheets from the 70's and 80's that were cotton/poly blend, usually 65 cotton/35 poly, these can be very high quality fabrics compared to what's out there now. A poly blend back then was there for colorfastness, less shrinkage and less wrinkling/ easier to iron. Today's polyesters are specifically woven to disintegrate and are often shiny - not so with vintage style blends - they were "built to last". I also thrift mens' silk neckties to use for Hong Kong finishes in unlined summer jackets. Fun coordinating colors. The silk tie is already cut on the bias. Best to use a rotary cutter. I take the ties apart and then wash them, easy to press dry. The interlining of the tie also makes great sleeve headers for jackets. Each tie only makes one header, but there seems to be only a couple of interlining manufacturers, so it's easy to get interlinings that match.

[@melissafrick3997]

Definitely a "Bedsheet junkie"! Lol I actually love picking up fun sheets and using them to make clothes. I bought a flat sheet that has ice cream cones on it to make my little girls matching ice cream dresses for summer. It has to be lined... But that's why I bought a solid white bedsheet too lol. After all my sewing each dress will cost ¢50 with the only real expense being the zipper. I catch sheets all the time for $1 on half off day. I end up coming out with a cart full of sheets and curtains lol!

[@odetteboudreau5970]

I use second hand bed sheets and curtains. I am currently making a mock up of a simple unlined jacket with a really lovely rose pattern curtain. I have had to unpick and redo a few things (a few times) but every time I understand the construction a bit more. I have also used second hand sheets to make woven throw rugs. Love the tutorials Evelyn, I always look forward to them. 🙂

[@daisymaizedotjpg]

Depending on the patterns of the bedsheets you use and how close you were in your first try, sometimes the mock-ups come out as useable garments too! I like the prospect of a first-try practice run actually yielding something I'd wear or repurpose too, depending on the fabric.

[@somebodyelse138]

Oh this - I've got a pair of pyjamas and a long, gathered skirt that were my toiles, but they turned out well enough to be put to use. I also made trousers the other week - using some undyed medium weight cotton that I bought from IKEA during their sale last year. They fit beautifully. If if wasn't for the fact that they're practically see through, have a side (pink! I knew I'd find a way of using that up) zip that's very visible and it's got no pockets, I'd be happy to wear them, too. I shall keep my toile, there's always a chance that one day I'm short of clean clothes and need *something* to put on, but I think in future I shall prioritise making toiles from fabrics that I can wear in public. And of course, one can always make a new toile from an old toile - or use the old toile for smaller projects.

[@emilyann2581]

Vintage linen bedsheets are also a good way to find good quality linen fabric for cheap

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😉 Yes it is!!

[@auChevalierRed]

I used different kinds. Bed sheets -- or rather duvet covers quite often -- I do use, either the type you've mentioned or a flannel type for when I want to do a moke-up for a light jacket or coat in a woolen or felt fabric to get closer in drape to them. Canvas/thick calicot shopping bags are also an alternative as I get some for free now and again from a shop or company using them as publicity stunts and I already have my own shopping bags. Other than that, I don't mind using real couture toile since my sewing is better, for you can get some for around 5$ a meter at larger fabric halls in France and if what I'm doing is in a big part a kind of shape I would use again on a different garment, I can re-use most of that moke-up for the next garment, so saving a lot of money and not wasting fabric. Also real couture toile can be used as a good interfacing for coats and some parts of other garments (front panels, cuffs,...) , and I therefore can always use most of the moke-up either as interfacing for the garment it was a moke-up of or for parts of another garment. I mean, as moke-up it doesn't necessarily matter if the bed sheet is coloured, has an ugly pattern to it or if I had to use different sheets with different patterns, but as interfacing, I wouldn't want to have part of it in a dark colour and other parts in white as it would make the outer fabric look uneven, so it all depends on whether I can get enough of the same fabric for use as interfacing throughout in the garment I'm making.

[@cwbrownCaroline]

Confession, I have never made a toile, but the project that I am working on has convinced me that the first time I use a pattern I will from now on...I also now know where all the flat sheets up I have donated to the Salvation Army have probably ended up! But no more. I’m loving the videos, learning a lot, getting motivated, and when I am working again will lookin into Vintage Sewing School.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Cotton/polyester sheets are what I usually use. However, I have an old white cotton sheet that I will be using to trace a pattern on to from a pair of new pants that I found and bought Thursday. These pants fit me well (not tight) and I love the way they drape on me from the hips down. The cloth pattern can be written on (and changed when needed;) and, it should last me for the rest of my life (and go on to someone else).

[@grandy2875]

what a brilliant idea... don't forget to finish all the edges though, so your pattern doesn't fray and change size with repeated use... ;)

[@AndersWatches]

Remnant bundles from printing companies could be a good option too! Massively wide variety of types and weights of fabric for super cheap that would otherwise be thrown away.

[@mycats7321]

I was going to ask this question in response to another video of yours but when I clicked "show more" I saw this link. Thank you!

[@tempesttormented]

I tend to buy wholesale direct for fashion fabrics (which usually comes in widths of 150-160 cm) so for most of my projects I'll have quite a bit of leftover fabric. Depending on the project I'll use this leftover fabric for mockups. Since I only use wovens and it's usually the same fabric types every time it gives me a really good idea of how my fashion fabric will behave! When I first started out though I would use old bedsheets and thrifted fabric, which is great if you don't have leftover "cabbage" from previous projects. If the fabric is thinner (say a solid-color cotton muslin) and my project is using a thicker fabric like wool I'll reuse the mockup as lining for the project, to avoid waste!

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

Save the cabbage, and use it to stuff pillows and soft toys.

[@lindabrown7374]

I just bought a curtain at Salvation Army. It was only $2.99. The fabric is beautiful! White background with small purple flowers all over. I'm going to make something out of it. Not sure what, but there is lots of fabric.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Great find!! And it will be a bargain make!

[@deannastevens1217]

That was a wonderful video. I Love my Salvation Army Store!!! I find some of the best things there. Yes... Love curtains too. I mostly use them for medievel costuming and handbags because they are so heavy usually. But I Love going second hand. Only truly specialty fabric for my costuming endeavors gets purchased from a fabric store. My friends and family call me a horder because I have so much... but I always have what I need when they need something or I need something. So I'm okay with the label. Thank You for a great video. I always learn so much.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

We are part of the same hoarder club I think 😆 I like having things on hand, when I need them too!

[@deannastevens1217]

@@Evelyn__Wood Yes. Yess. Exactly. :D

[@CRRBennett]

Never thought about using sheets. Definitely going planning a thrift store trip soon 😊

[@marymenatti9175]

My daughter bought me an incredible knit fabric. I’m going to practice the whole pattern before I wreck the expensive knit.

[@KlinikSygeplejersken]

Love the beautiful clothes that you are wearing. Looks professionally sewn but I bet you've made them yourself.

[@michellecornum5856]

Hardest toile I ever made was for my oldest's wedding dress. I used EVERYTHING! I used cotton, I used satin scraps, I even bought the same fabric but in different colors. I think I was more nervous than anything, trying to get it right before I cut into the real thing. Any other toiles I have made, I have gone into my stash and tried to make a wearable mock-up. Something nice, but if it failed, I wouldn't feel bad. I also have a pretty floral bedsheet that I have set aside for a redingote, that if it works -- YAY, wearable mock-up. My only actual thrifted fabric I have was a remarkable find of two dark green taffetas that I am hoping to combine in a Christmas skirt. I couldn't believe I found them, and I will definitely make a mock-up in something else before I use them.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Nice find!!

[@catherinerw1]

I used up all my mother's old cotton sheets (from the days when coloured sheets were fashionable). Many of them had previously been patched etc. The other material I like is cotton curtain lining (plain, not blackout!) I used to live near Abakhan Fabrics in North Wales, they had this amazing remnant section where you could pick up big pieces of all sorts of fabric by the kilo, including plain cotton sateen, sold as curtain lining. Lovely and stable, ideal as a mock-up for an evening or wedding dress! I live in the UK, haven't seen so much fabric in charity shops (maybe I'm looking in the wrong shops...)

[@KlingonPrincess]

Thank you for pointing out the curtain idea. Excellent advise for making mock ups of specialty fabric.

[@annettefitzgerald1379]

I also love to use Bedsheets for my Mockups for the sustainability, but I find it sometimes difficult to work around the colorful patterns

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Definitely plain white ones are gold in it the bedsheet/toile world! 😄

[@atrifle8364]

I don't really shop at thrift stores anymore as I try to avoid shopping in general for several reasons. I have very little room and quite simply, having a bolt of muslin just for mockups is a huge help in space and time considerations. It's very possible to buy them on sale/online, etc. I am planning to attempt the flatlining technique someone else outlined here to save even more time and avoid waste with the next project. Even without that however, old mockups are useful as stuffing and smaller mockups can be made. I also work on vintage machines that require regular oiling. With the leftover muslin around, my hands and work stay much cleaner as they excellent for getting up excess oil.

[@catrinlewis939]

I've started making toiles only recently, and I've been using purpose-bought muslin. I'll definitely look into using old bedsheets. Cheaper, and I think they'd drape better than muslin. I have a stretchy dress to sew, and I'm thinking of picking up some old extra-large men's T-shirts and cutting them up to make the toile.

[@marymoore3585]

Newspapers and tape, esp. Masking tape. It's nearly free, you can manipulate it pretty easy, and when you're done, you can send the hubby out to clean windows. J/k

[@margiecook6379]

Thanks for your encouragement! My family has always teased me for buying sheets, pillowcases, and even curtains for my projects. I have been known to get shower curtains. My grandkids now bring me their old sheets and one of them uses knit sheets. Thanks again for letting me know that I am not alone.

[@barbpierce9248]

I am just reading this first time, and was wondering about Jersey sheets ! Is that the type of sheets you refer to?

[@user-pl4yq1oc1y]

For knits, I sometimes use ruined fitted jersey sheets

[@deannaworm2365]

That is a good idea. Thank you!

[@semco72057]

Those are great ideas and I will remember it when I am about to make some clothing items, but right now I am concentrating on making quilts to use up the pieces I have left by my grandmother and then look at what other things I want to make. Thanks so much Mrs. Woods for sharing this valuable information with us all.

[@Floridiansince94]

I just got some old twin bedsheets I have and will use them for practicing my cutting and recreation of garments !!!!

[@maren807]

I love those suggestions!! Bedsheets and curtains 👏👏👏👏😃. I put those on my thruft shopping list! I usually use muslin but will be changing to thrifted from now on.

[@tammymasson2343]

I have seen Jersey knit bed sheets. I also look for them brand new on clearance at Walmart. I also get really super cheap knits at the Walmart fabric section. They are usually $1-$2 per yard. I am just getting into the mock up habit. One of my favorite things about it is like you said. I get practice for each garments techniques. The real version sews up so much faster and so much more accurately and more professional looking.

[@rmonogue]

I have found some great fabrics in the “As Is” bin at IKEA. I got a big cotton curtain with a couple of paint splashes at the hem, but have already used that fabric to make a couple of bags. Other pieces are in good condition, and the fiber content is on the label. I can get a piece 6 or 7 feet long by 4 or 5 feet wide for $10. I do use old sheets for toiles. For a knit garment I saved some knit sheets that the cats have made holes in with their claws. Cutting them out of oversized used t-shirts is also good.

[@Ami5Jo]

I miss a remake and sewing video. I am definately grateful for sharing your theory wisdom but also could use "in practice" help. ☀️

[@thebratqueen]

I know it's not exactly the point of the video but speaking of fabric I love the floral on that dress in the background. Very lovely!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😀 Thanks! It's a refashion!

[@kimzachris5340]

For knits I mostly copy garments I already have that I like the fit of so usually there is no need for a toile. If I have any doubts or need to practice I use one of the knit fabrics that I have a lot of and bought on sale. Old second hand t-shirts can also be good if they haven’t lost the spring of the stretch.

[@seb2022]

I learn so much from these videos. Thank you.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Awww 😀 I'm so glad to hear that Susan! Thanks for watching!

[@colin101981]

Thank you Evelyn, great video. I'm on board - charity shop fabric, curtains etc. building a stash is a great idea. Loving your tutorials and lovely way of presenting information. Greetings from North Wales UK.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😀 Thanks for watching!

[@chelsealanae9120]

I used polyester sheets to make a mock up of my dress (cotton shwets get turned into actual clothes. The dress is made of double cotton gauze (its lovely). So while the material is different theres a similar stretch between the two.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

How great! There are some great bedsheet fabrics to use for real dress fabric too. I love that you do this! 😄

[@chelsealanae9120]

@@Evelyn__Wood i found these beautiful sheets, one light grey with white polka dots and the other is white with tiny light pink pattern. So pretty. 100% cotton. I cant wait to make some shirts out of them. I dont have a ton of spare mo ey, so buying fabric often isnt an option. Without thrift stores I wouldnt be able t make much. I've been watching a lot of your videos on refashioning. Hoping to work in that direction too.

[@monaanz6754]

@@chelsealanae9120 Your thrifted sheets sound pretty hopefully you can sew those shirts soon. Here's another way to acquire fabric: place an ad! Back in 1998 when our 6 children were still at home, remembering fabric stash of one particular aunt, I this ad published in a weekly flyer: Shop and Swap. " Want to buy your unused fabric yardgoods" . This yielded quite a large inventory that was less than 50¢/yd. Quite helpful this was as almost all of my garments and those of my 4 daughters,( the seen and unseen) were homemade. Put the word out that you sew, wear your home sewn garments and even leave your calling card so ppl can contact you when downsizing their stash or rehoming inherited fabric and notions.

[@KuroGetsumeiYami]

I'm fairly new in the sewing world and my mentor recommended to start off using jersey/knits to get a hang of it. So for mockups I usually use a black (or sometimes white) cotton jersey. Just to test it out and it still leaves me with a wearable garment most times. 😅 Black cotton jersey can be very affordable especially if you are on good terms with your local shop and buy in bulk. But I have bought myself 3 curtain pieces in a thick-ish natural (breathable) material from the thrift store. I'm thinking they would make a good underdress for a viking recreation and also perhaps lining for a denim duster jacket 🧥 ❤️ What do you think?

[@paulamiller8386]

I have a big stash that I have inherited. Quite a few of the fabrics I would never use for a finished garment but they make great mock up material. If I eventually use all this up I will start buying bed sheets from charity shops. Need some space to store them first. :)

[@roxanneash4091]

I like getting the cotton duvet covers (just the cover that comes off for washing) usually they are in with the sheets and I find most of the time are only a dollar or two more but you get twice the fabric 😉

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

I use scraps and remnants and reclaimed fabrics, but I got a really good deal on some polycotton while I was ordering something else so I bought 10m of that for when I have a project that's bigger than my bits and pieces. I've also been using a canvas curtain as mockup for a corset pattern I'm working on. Also I have The Sleeve Mockup that has been sewn into two different dresses now as I refine my design for a dress I find comfortable and pleasant to make. I've also heard of people making full mockups then if not many changes were required, using the mockup inside out for the actual garment's lining, although as of yet, I haven't made anything that needs a lining.

[@simonedias4631]

I've discarded a couple of old ripped bed sheets and just realized they would be the perfect muslin fabric and underlining for a jacket I'm trying to make for the very first time. 😕 Thanks for the very sustainable tip, I'll be more conscious next time. 🌹

[@pamrebecca108]

yes, I did the same thing when I moved house. Donated a pile of old sheets to animal shelters, so much good toile fabric there that is now gone. Well, now I know!

[@mrs.knecro7044]

Another plus to the bed sheets is you can bet they have been through the wash a few time! So you don’t have to worry about shrink so much. How ever the issue I’ve run into is finding the right fabric grain since usually it’s pictured with the salvage edges but bedsheets don’t have salvage and can be very much not on grain. Any tips for fixing that or finding the correct grain to be on when cutting a mock up?

[@Muggy1170]

Thanks for the video. I’ve been working my way through old bedsheets which I only found out about recently. So much easier.

[@tinamcdonald93]

Jersey sheets for knit mockups, sometimes can find at thrift stores, especially in twin sizes, but you can also buy them very cheap at back to school sales for students going off to college.

[@olderendirt]

Even after so many years of sewing it's great to learn fresh ideas. I generally just hope for the best, but I have old spools of thread I can use for mock ups along with sheets and curtains. Thanks for your tips and all the comments with good ones, too.

[@deespaeth8180]

I use wide light weight muslin when I can find it on sale. I use bed sheets a lot too. I found a lovely flowery print in cotton fleece which made a wonderful mock up. Depending on how well the mock up turned out, I will sometimes use it as a guide for lining.

[@missmatti]

Fellow bed sheet junkie here! 🙋🏼‍♀️ I am just about to cut up an old bedsheet that is falling apart to do a sample with... 😜 When it comes to knits I have got some really ugly (think tacky prints, weird colours) thrifted jersey/knit fabrics and in fabric stores you can sometimes find those end pieces of jersey fabric that you can buy for a really good price.

[@genny4777]

I use a toile very seldom.......not good huh!???? But after watching your excellent video I will, as soon as the shops reopen, be looking for thrift shop bed sheets etc,

[@carylhalfwassen8555]

I buy bolts of cotton or cotton/poly blend when on sale plus low shipping. Easy to use and store.

[@deannaworm2365]

Before I even watch this video, I have to mention how beautiful that dress is on your dress form!!!! Now, on to the video.

[@rmcates3035]

If I do not have bedsheets, I have a stash of Ikea muslin for emergencies. I think I gave 1.99 - 2.99 a yard. but typically I use the bedsheet method. I'm glad I'm not the only one. :)

[@kckazcoll1]

I'm glad you called the fabric calico. I get confused when the US presenters call it muslin, as in Australia muslin is a very different lighter weight fabric. I also use bed sheets, duvet/doona covers and curtains from the thrift shops for making toiles. For knits, I go to the clearance table at Spotlight and grab the marked down $2-$6 knit fabrics so I have some on hand :)

[@swiinka]

A European here, I also get very confused when I hear 'muslin' and see calico. Calling a mock-up 'muslin' did my head in as well :)

[@nv7287]

Sheets - thats such great advice :)

[@gemmasremchevich6719]

I cleaned out my linen press and have been using sheets for mock-ups. I also backed 100's face masks with the sheets. I just finished my first evening dress that involved an under dress slip in satin and a net embroidered over lay dress. I had a slippery thrift find in stash for under dress and I used a very old net curtain to make the dress bodice, I needed to make 2. Also someone gave me some very ugly stretch cotton fabric and I used that to get my swimsuit the correct length. I've made 2 full piece cozzies now.

[@snuttepinglan]

For knits I don't think I have made any mock-ups. (oops) It probably depends on the project, but i think knit fabric tends to be more forgiving when it comes to fit. But it is very important to check that the stretch of the fabric is the same as given in the pattern (if the pattern gives the amount of stretch). Otherwise the finished project can end up too tight or too loose.

[@leslietannenbaum3358]

Love your videos and the positive energy that you put into each one. So helpful for a relative clothes making newbie like me. I only recently started to make a toile for each sewing project. Could you please also do a video on how to use a dress maker’s form? I recently acquired one. Thanks.

[@helenasnopek5431]

Off topic, but I adore your outfit in this video! So cute. Great advice on toile fabric too, of course - I’ll need to check my local thrift stores one day to see if they have old bedsheets, as I’ve only ever used store-bought muslin so far and always feel a bit guilty about the waste!

[@robinshane4661]

I have stretchy jersey bed sheets that I think would work for knit mock-ups.

[@MarthaMalutNapi]

Thank you for sharing this information

[@kimberlycooper4170]

I don't want to sew something and throw it away. Maybe the toile could be ripped into cleaning rags to be used around the house or into grease rags and given to the local auto repair shop. Another possibility is to experiment first by making baby clothes so that not much fabric gets damaged. You can learn techniques to sewing, how to handle different types of fabrics, etc. After sufficient experience, go on to increasingly larger body sizes: toddlers, children, teenagers, adult friends, yourself. Anything that didn't fit right could be donated to a non-profit's thrift shop because the clothing will fit someone's body dimensions.

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

As always, so much great info! Thank you for sharing your video!

[@juliacampbell3674]

Evelyn, I had never heard of making a mockup up before I started watching you. Thank you!! I have some medium to somewhat heavier weight woven fabric, I want to make dress slacks and a blazer - I now know a mockup up is an absolute necessity. Any suggestions for what fabric to use for the mockup? I have been sewing off and on for many years but I still, at times, feel like a novice. I am so happy to have found you!!

[@Linnea2264meetspenelopie]

THANK YOU! I appreciate this tremendously!

[@autumn7143]

I use muslin, sheets, curtains, and tablecloths.

[@MisSiszY]

Alwayyyysss do toiles! I sew vintage patterns and as theyre not always my size toiles are so important. Problem is I usually make wearable toiles and then end up not necessarily doing the real thing because its good enough and also I want to set whatever garment pattern ive used on fire because I jump in with alllll the feet and very little experience. I need to find a way to grade a beautiful 40s french knicker / circle tap pants pattern. (Anyone that has tips feel freeeee to message 😂 itd be greatly appreciated)

[@catherinemckegney8344]

Some of the vintage pattern sites on Etsy have downloadable pamphlets for sale that guide you through grading up sizes. Curvy Sewing Collective (online) has some info about bust and “hip” adjustments. Any sewing instruction book from the library will have basic instructions as well.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

There are worse sewing problems than your toile turning out so good you want to wear it right 😂

[@malaikatheclassicist]

Whenever I need a 'proper' toile fabric, I use the unbleached cotton fabric of IKEA. It's around 1,50 euro per meter, so way cheaper than actual mock-up fabric and it's lightweight, thus serving as great material for flowy dresses!

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

Darn! Was just at an Ikea shop yesterday, and never considered that.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

I use sheets for mock ups but also thrift store finds. I just found two bolts of fabric looks like cotton but I haven’t done a burn test yet. Once I got them into the car I realized one is bias!! Not sure what I will do with a bolt of bias maybe cotton but I’m sure something will come up.

[@c.c.1366]

I use yellow, all-cotton gingham that's thread-dyed (because I need all the help I can get!!)

[@drivinfool9902]

Thank you sooo much! This is exactly what I need now!!! Happy New Year

[@rc31802]

Good topic! I've wondered this myself

[@rc31802]

I've used sheets, but not been sure where to get heavier fabric. Curtains are a great idea.

[@siriusley13]

New subscriber! I need all the help I can get! Very helpful video thank you!