How to Make Teen Clothes

Clothing a growing teenager can be costly, but there are ways to make building a trendy wardrobe fun and inexpensive. Sewing is a great hobby that boosts confidence, gives a feeling of satisfaction and has a tangible product in the end. Creative teens love to express themselves through style, so why not start them on the right track with easy sewing projects? Of course, teaching your teen to sew their own clothes is easiest if you're already a sewer, but a good reference guide can be of invaluable help if you're not.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine Measuring tape Tailor's chalk Scissors Iron and ironing board Pins Magazines or pictures for inspiration Easy-to-understand sewing reference guide, such as "Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Guide" Hand sewing needle and thread

Instructions

1. Have your teen gather inspiration for their wardrobe. This can be a truly fun task. Go to the mall and try on outfits--which pieces fit the best, or look the nicest? Take pictures of favorite garments to reference later when selecting sewing patterns. Another way to gather inspiration is to go through popular magazines and clip pictures that appeal.

2. Take measurements to figure out which size pattern to purchase. There may be a chance that your teen is in junior sizing, which has slightly different proportions than misses' sizes. "Industry" sizing is nowhere near retail numbers, so taking time to measure is crucial. Consult the sewing guide for details on the measurement process.

3. Check out sewing pattern sites to find patterns that most closely match the garments selected. Stick to sites like Fitz Patterns, Burda Style, Simplicity, McCall's or Butterick. Purchase the patterns that appeal.

   When selecting patterns, start out with ones that use woven fabrics, not stretchy knits, jerseys or Spandex. Woven are a lot more forgiving of mistakes than knits, and require less specialized stitching.

4. Purchase fabric and trims to use in constructing the garment. This is an excellent opportunity to teach the difference between good and poor-quality fabric. Touch, smell and feel what you're buying, and equate the different sensations with familiar brands. If your teen doesn't like Forever 21's quality, but likes Abercrombie & Fitch, pick up different fabrics and say, "This polyester is what Forever 21 would use. Abercrombie wouldn't use it, though. They'd use this cotton fabric over here." These small lessons will affect buying habits down the line, helping your teen select well-made merchandise when shopping.

   For sewing practice, purchase some cheap shirting or broadcloth. Buy the same amount of yardage as the real garment so that your teen can construct a sample garment first. Tack on an extra quarter yard for practice stitching.

5. Before cutting fabric, it's time to teach a few stitches. Cut some pieces out of the practice fabric and have your teen practice straight stitching, backstitching and zigzag finishing. If there's a problem following a straight line, purchase a magnetic hem guide that stick to the stitch plate and guides the fabric.

6. Read the pattern instructions thoroughly and then cut the pattern and practice fabric, including any markings and notches. Use tailor's chalk to mark darts and special seams.

7. Construct the practice garment. Watch for difficult areas, especially with turned hems or sleeves. The first garment can be frustrating and time-consuming, but ensure your teen that the finished product will be worth it. Stop every so often and fit the garment, making any adjustments as necessary.

8. Once the practice garment is completed, cut the fashion fabric and begin sewing the actual garment. For more complicated processes like zipper stitching, do a lot of basting first. Make sure to emphasize the little things like pressing along the way to make a really clean garment.

9. Once finished, take a picture of the new garment and your teen designer. The first garment is always something to be proud of, so make it a special occasion!

Tips & Warnings

• There are lots of websites and projects for beginning sewers. Burda has many free patterns and projects available for download in several different languages. These are a great way to start your teen sewing at little to no cost. When buying trims, don't forget neat additions like iron-on rivets, appliques and rhinestones. Many of these accents have become more fashionable and sophisticated than they were in the past, and make handmade projects pop with little work.

• Vogue Patterns look very fashionable, but are pretty advanced; save those for several projects down the road.

Resources

• Fitz Patterns
• Simplicity Patterns
• Free Patterns on Burda.com
• Beginner Sewing with Lucy
• Sew Trendy: Sewing for Teens