How to Sew Fine Clothes
Whether you sew fine clothes because you enjoy sewing or because you enjoy saving money (or both), homemade clothes don’t have to look homemade. Here are some tips for sewing fine clothes and making them look as professional as possible. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Pick a pattern for the style of fine clothes you want to create. In general, the more pieces a pattern has, the more difficult it will be to sew. Designer dresses and unusual styles may also be more difficult, but if your sewing skills are ready for them, these patterns can add sophistication to wardrobe. However, simple patterns can be elegant as well.
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Choose fine fabric that suits the style of outfit you’re making. Fine fabrics often cost more than synthetic fabrics with a similar look, but they can be worth the cost if they look better and are easier to work with. For example, satin is usually made from polyester, and very high-end satin is made from silk. Good-quality polyester satin is thick, shiny and low-raveling, while cheap satin imitations, such as acetate, have the shine but can unravel easily and be flimsy and difficult to iron.
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Choose good-quality thread that matches the fabric as closely as possible. Cheap thread from the bargain bin can break while you sew and cause unnecessary lint buildup in your sewing machine. Thread that matches the fabric will help hide any stitches that show and make your fine clothes look more professional.
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Prepare the patterns for your fine clothes by cutting them carefully. Press the patterns gently using a cool (low-temperature) iron to smooth out any wrinkles and make the patterns as accurate as possible. Transfer any markings on the patterns to the material to help you line up everything in just the right place.
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Use the seam allowance recommended in the pattern (5/8 inch is standard for many clothes). Most sewing machines have the seam allowance marked on the plate below the presser foot, but if these marks are missing or difficult to see, you can make a seam allowance guide with a piece of masking tape.
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Iron each seam as you sew to help your fine clothes fit together smoothly and look more professional. Press the seam allowance open, or to one side. If you’re sewing a dark and light fabric together, press the seam allowance toward the darker fabric to keep it from showing through.
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Trim the end of the threads close to the fabric after each seam. Make sure to trim both the top and bottom thread ends. This will make your fine clothes look good and prevent any loose threads from catching as you sew.
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Tips & Warnings
Have patience when you’re sewing fine clothes, and give yourself plenty of time to complete the project. If you get frustrated, set the project aside for awhile and come back to it refreshed. The results (and the process) will turn out much better.
Use caution when working with scissors, irons and sewing machines.
