Table of Contents
Making your own clothes can be a fulfilling and artistic pursuit, for individuals at any skill level. Whether you’ve just started sewing or have years of experience, all the clothes you make should look professional. The distinction between a self made article of clothing and one that appears expertly crafted hinges, on mastering fundamental methods. In this article I go through eight ways to make your sewing look more professional. Lets get started!
1. Fit is Key
One crucial tip to remember is that the fit of a garment matters most – whether you’re crafting it yourself or purchasing it ready made from a store! Start by measuring yourself and selecting the pattern size that matches your part accurately. For most folks; this tends to be their hips! So for instance; If your hips are your area of the body; focus your measurements there. Make adjustments elsewhere as needed.
It’s also important to pay attention to your shoulders and bust, as these areas can be tricky to fit. If needed, create a muslin—a sample garment made from inexpensive fabric—to test the fit before cutting into your final fabric. Remember, just because a pattern says it’s a size six doesn’t mean it will fit your body perfectly. I have a measurement toolkit that you can download to help you get started.
2. Choose the right fabric for the garment
Choosing the right fabric for your sewing project is crucial for achieving a professional look in your garment. Using knit or woven fabric can make a huge difference in how your finished piece looks and fits. like the foundation of a house is essential for its stability and structure, the type of fabric you use depends on the garment you are making. Chiffon or crepe work well for dresses whereas denim or suiting fabric are ideal, for jackets.
When you’re learning to sew, it’s so tempting to cut corners, but making the right fabric choice can significantly improve your sewing game. If you’re going to sew home decor or clothes, remember that the fabric you choose will dictate the look you want to achieve.
3. Pay attention to the fabric grain
Knowing about fabric grain is very important when you’re sewing clothes or other items, at home or in a workshop setting. Usually its recommended to cut all your pieces following the grain of the fabric. This means cutting them parallel, to the selvage edge (the edge of the fabric). Additionally. there’s also whats known as the cross grain which goes across perpendicular to the selvage. Then theres bias which is cut at a 45 degree angle.
When you’re getting ready to cut your fabric using a pattern guide make sure you pay attention to the grain lines marked on the pattern. If you cut incorrectly you might end up with clothes that twist and don’t drape right on your body.
4. Make sure your sewing lines are straight and precise.
Achieving sewing lines is key, to making your garment look more polished and neat compared to an one – practice makes perfect in this crafty skillset! If needed for precision and accuracy when stitching fabrics together with your sewing machines needle and thread setup find guidance from a seam guide tool while also keeping an eye on the markings that indicate measurements like 1⁄⁄ inch well as 5⁄⁄ inch and 3⁄⁄ inch guidelines, on your sewing machines surface.
Make sure to go through the pattern instructions and adhere, to the seam allowances, for neat and straight seams.
5. Understitch the Collars and Facings
Ensuring proper understitching is often underestimated in sewing projects; however it plays a role, in elevating the look of your garment by preventing the facing and linings from shifting outward.
To ensure a finish, on the side of your clothing item and prevent the fabric from rolling over when sewing a topstitch close, to the seam.
6. Finish the Seam Allowances
Nobody likes finding threads or frayed edges in their clothes; there are methods to neatly finish seams such, as using an overlock or serger machine or using s zigzag stitch on your sewing machine for a casual look and French seams, for delicate fabrics or even binding for a more refined couture finish.
Completing the edges of your seams not only enhances the professional look of your clothing, it also aids in reducing wear and tear due, to fraying in the long run.
7. Press Everything
When it comes to garment finishing tasks like pressing and ironing people confuse the two; pressing requires pressure to flatten seams neatly whereas ironing mainly gets wrinkles out. Remember to press your seams and hems with the correct heat level, for your fabric type to prevent scorching it.
Make sure to press every seam while sewing. Don’t overlook this step!. A tailors ham can be handy when dealing with curved seams, for results.. Don’t forget that steam can be really helpful when working with fabrics such, as wool and cotton.
8. Cut All Threads
The last important sewing tip to remember is to trim any threads on your clothes using a sharp pair of scissors before wearing them out in public to look much more professional. You want to avoid any stray threads from ruining your outfits appearance.
Conclusion
By following these eight tips, you can elevate your home sewing and achieve professional results. Remember, the key is in the details—fit, fabric choice, grain, seam finishing, and pressing all contribute to the final look of your garment. To get started, don’t forget to download our free body measurement toolkit! Share your biggest sewing challenges in the comments below, and let’s improve our sewing skills together!
