How to prepare your patterns

Here's a checklist to help you prepare your pattern once it's all assembled. Follow it step-by-step to apply each correction in the right order.

1-Sizes
Check the body measurement chart. When you choose a size, find the measurement that is closest to yours. Sometimes your measurement is not exactly the same as the chart. In this case, choosing the size will depend on the garment fit. On a loose fitted garment, you can easily go with the largest size.  On the other hand, to keep a jersey dress, top or skirt closely fitted, you should choose the smallest size. With any other fitted garment, try the larger size so you can remove the excess as you are sewing, namely by sewing larger seam allowances in the side seams. If you are not comfortable with this technique, it is possible to grade the pattern in between sizes (see entry no.3).

Croquis templates UPDATED (FR + EN)

Each single page contains a fashion figure, front and back view, with very light outlines so you can draw on top of it. There is also a dedicated section at the bottom for fabric swatches and one for the trims & notions. Organize your sewing projects and note down any alterations or measurements in the note section. We have one for regular and plus size. All you need is to save the pictures below... And don't forget to print them in ACTUAL SIZE! 

English

 

Tips to make your own jeans

To make its own jeans is somewhat of an ambitious project but if you want to improve your skills, you must up the game! Pretty much everybody wear jeans so why not try this out? Not only you'll be able to adjust the pattern to get the perfect fit but you will also have full control on the design and stitching details.

To make its own jeans is also an ethical choice! Globally, the jeans industry is not so great. Everyday, employees working in jeans factory are in contact with many chemicals (like the one used to wash the denims) which are compromising their health and the environment. Ethically made jeans can be very expensive and hard to find so making your own jeans equals perfect solution!

We hope you like this new tutorial to help you organize your DIY jeans project. We even have this cool template that you can use here.

Pictures by Anya Tsinko (www.anna-zoe.net) wearing her handmade skinny high waist jeans (TR803).

Stay stitch

A good sewing pattern is useless if it is paired with poor workmanship. Stability and control are very important when sewing because your finished garment measurements must match with the pattern measurements. Straight edges which are cut along the weft or selvage are obviously stable and will resist against stretching. On the contrary, curved and oblique edges are unstable and can easily be deformed which can alter the fit of your garment and create plenty of unaesthetic details. This is when stay stitches enter the game, so let's have a quick look at these and how to use them.

One shoulder maxi dress, by Mugler
Wrap mini skirt, Won Hundred

Tips for sewing with corduroy

Whether it is for a vintage seventies look, in earthy tones or for a modern look, in vivid colours, corduroy fabrics are right here for you! Versatile, it can be used for  a wide range of garments such as pants, skirt, overalls, dresses, bodices and jackets. Its iconic ribbed texture and sturdiness require some precautions, and for this, we advise you to read our quick guide before you start your new project.

Trousers with wide leg, by P.A.R.O.S.H. 
Super long skinny trousers, by  Société Anonyme 
Jacket with lapel collar, by Yohji Yamamoto Vintage