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You are here: Home / Sewing 101 / How To Sew Without a Pattern | Fashion Sewing Tips

How To Sew Without a Pattern | Fashion Sewing Tips

November 11, 2022 By Sewing.com 7 Comments

Learning how to sew without a pattern can be quite tricky. But it’s really satisfying once you get the hang of it. I have just the right tips and tricks for you. There are times when I come across a particularly adorable type of dress, blouse, or costume that I want. But as it turns out, it’s either unavailable or worse, they don’t carry my size. My solution? Make it myself! Usually, I turn to the guidance of patterns but when it’s not available, I have a whole range of tips and tricks that still allow me to sew what I want. Read on to find out more on how to sew without a pattern!

Learn How to Sew Without a Pattern Using These Tips!

How To Sew Without a Pattern | Fashion Sewing Tips

Tip 1: Take Your Measurements

Taking your measurements is a must for every sewer, especially when sewing without a pattern. Your measurements will serve as your guide! Make sure to measure the distance between your shoulders well.

Tip 2: Sketch the Garment

Since you don’t have a pattern to abide by, sketch the clothing you want to create first. Sketching it will give you time to familiarize yourself with the garment. You can make a mental checklist as you go!

Tip 3: Imagine the Garment Flat

Similar to sketching the garment, imagining it laid flat on a table will help you visualize more how it would look like. Imagining it flat will guide you on which sides should be sewn together and which should be cut in a certain way!

Tip 4: Use an Old Garment as Guide

If sketching is not your strength, you can use an old garment as a guide. There are two options for this trick: use wax paper to trace your old clothes, or fold the old garment in half before tracing it on the fabric (folded in half too).

Tip 5: Make Patterns Out of Paper

This trick is a good option if you don’t have a similar garment for the style of clothes you want to sew. You may pin the paper to yourself to get the approximate size of the garment. But do this with caution, as you might prick yourself. This is better than cutting your fabric right away.

Tip 6: Use a Muslin Mock-up Pattern

To avoid starting over and over again, make a muslin mock-up pattern first! A muslin fabric is essentially used as a test garment made of cheaper fabric. You could save your fabric and adjust measurements using this!

Tip 7: Invest In a Tailor’s Dummy

Investing in a tailor’s dummy might just be one of my greatest decisions! I have an adjustable one at home and it helps me see how the project looks like as I progress. This is especially handy when I sew dresses for my child – she just can’t sit still!

General Reminders:

  • Be careful of cutting. A few centimeters can make a lot of difference in a garment.
  • Iron the fabric before sewing. Get rid of all those creases.
  • Keep trying on your garment as you go. Enjoy the process.

How To Sew Without a Pattern | Fashion Sewing Tips

Learning how to sew without a pattern can be easy. Just check out this video by SEW ALDO on how to sew a dress without a pattern:

Now that you know these tips and tricks on how to sew without a pattern, you can go crazy and design your own clothes! Remember that summer dress you scrolled past Instagram? Go ahead, sew it now! How about the denim jacket you wanted, but never found a pattern for? You can try to sew it on your own. Take out your sewing kit and go forth, sewers! Enjoy!

Which of these tips helped you the most? Let us know in the comments section below! 

Up Next: Sewing Tips 101 for Handling Stretchy & Knit Fabric! 

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on March 15, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

 

Filed Under: Sewing 101, Fashion Sewing Techniques

Comments

  1. Christine Gibaud says

    July 5, 2018 at 9:53 AM

    I loved it! I never thought I could do this , but your video showed me I could Thank you.

    Reply
    • Corrie says

      July 23, 2018 at 10:35 AM

      Do i have to cut more for the neck and sleeve to

      Reply
  2. Brinda Coble says

    July 6, 2018 at 12:28 PM

    awesome! I cant wait to try it!

    Reply
  3. Kennetta Smith says

    July 6, 2018 at 1:20 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing!!! I actually did this today before I read your blog. I have to obtain a mannequin….but I’ve been doing this for awhile now. Your advice jadme smiling over here.

    Reply
  4. matka says

    August 25, 2018 at 6:17 PM

    Thank you Jesus thank you

    Reply
  5. Jillian J says

    August 12, 2019 at 8:26 PM

    #7 saved my life! Got a dummy and now I can stop poking myself…

    Reply
  6. Patty says

    March 1, 2022 at 12:29 PM

    Loved the tutorial. I like to make my clothes and often cannot find pattern I have in my mind. I will look for more ideas on your website.

    Reply

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