S’oh dear
Sunday, August 3rd, 2014
The five daft mistakes everyone makes at least once. Sometimes twice!
Not washing the fabric
Brand new fabric can shrink when washed. Everyone who makes clothes, from Prada designers to Paula at number 17 washes their fabric before doing anything else with it. Forget this and you’ll be missing out on at least two month’s chocolate before your lovingly made garment will fit you. Check the washing instructions on anything unusual or special before you pile it into the washer.
Not buying enough fabric
Remember the 2014 Sewing Bee on telly? The semi-final and one of the contestants, Linda, forgot to bring enough fabric to make her dress. I think everyone’s heart broke for her that day. But if she can do it…on the telly, then don’t be surprised when you do it too. Measure twice, buy once and don’t forget to allow for the way the pattern will be placed on the fabric too – you might need more than you think.
Not reading the pattern info before you start cutting
Have you checked if the pattern includes a seam allowance? Know how many of each piece you need? Are there any special instructions on cutting out etc? Reading the pattern instructions before you get going may seem laborious (we all love to dive straight in) but could really save you time and frustration later.
Not checking your fabric
Trees go upwards, camper vans go across. If your fabric has images or a pattern that need to go a certain way, make sure you remember to cut accordingly. Sounds simple, but it’s one of the most common mistakes and can ruin the look of the garment. But don’t panic if you do end up doing this – just brazen it out. You never know, people may think your trees were actually meant to be upside down!
Not checking the grain line
As above. Your fabric has a grain line (straight grain) and your pattern needs to be pinned to the fabric and cut appropriately. Otherwise it’ll hang like a drunken bat and the garment will be wonkier than a wonky thing with extra wonk. Look for the grain line marked on your pattern pieces and keep this parallel with the grain line of the fabric, unless it says to do otherwise.
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