How to Design Clothing
Designing clothing can be a fun and fabulous adventure. Even if you have never looked at a sewing machine, you can easily learn how to design clothes. You will need to do a bit of research and learn to look at clothing in a completely different way. Once you have grasped the basics, it will be easy to design your own clothes.
Before you can design clothing, you will need to understand how clothing is constructed. Anyone can draw an outfit, but to be a designer you need to be able to explain how you want the pieces attached. If you have never worked with garment construction before, a quick trip to your local fabric store will get you started.
- Pick a simple pattern from the easy pattern lines that most pattern companies offer. Pick a very simple piece of clothing. A simple dress, similar to a maxi dress will work best and will help you learn to tailor the fit as well.
- Read over the directions and learn how to put the pieces together. This includes how to cut fabric the correct way and get familiar with the common sewing terms used.
- Follow the directions, cut out your dress and then sew it together.
- Check the fit. Then use chalk to mark areas you want to take in or remove.
This is how you make a simple dress pattern your own. Once you have experience, you will find yourself using multiple pieces from different patterns and now instructions. Most of your tailoring will happen before you sew the pieces together.
Now that you understand construction, you are ready to sit down and draw what you want.
- Collect pictures of elements you like and recreate them on paper.
- Add in other elements you feel go well together.
- Decide how snug you want the garment.
- Take measurements to help you gauge the fit.
With time and practice, you will be able to draw what you want, take measurements and then cut your fabric with nothing more than a few chalk lines. Becoming an amazing designer will not happen overnight but with practice and experimentation, you will get there.