Learn to Sew Clothes by Deborah Kreiling

Intermediate | 3 hours

Taught by Deborah Kreiling

There’s no better way to learn how to follow a sewing pattern than with an iconic gathered skirt. While this garment is fairly simple, it offers lots of learning opportunities. Deborah begins by taking you on a full tour of the pattern envelope, guide sheet, and pattern tissue, so you’ll understand how all of these elements work together. Then, starting with just your waist measurement, Deborah explains how to pick your size and cut your pattern pieces. In this class, you will also learn how to insert side front-seam pockets, apply fusible interfacing, and gather the upper edge of your skirt. You will learn how to finish your skirt in Part 2.

Learn how to:

Take measurements and determine your size
Choose appropriate fabrics
Read the pattern envelope, the guide sheet, and the pattern tissue
Transfer markings and make notches
Cut out pattern pieces
Create side front-seam pockets
Apply fusible interfacing
Create gathers

Chapters

Sewing a Classic Gathered Skirt
Overview01:43
Materials02:14

Getting Started
Take measurements and learn to read a pattern09:22
Cut out pattern pieces05:02
Sew pockets09:41

Create Gathers
Sew gathering stitches06:09

Materials

Here’s what you’ll need:

Simplicity Pattern #1369 - available at Simplicity.com or your favorite fabric retailer (see back of pattern envelope to ensure you are buying the right size)
Fabric (see pattern envelope for fabric recommendations and exact quantities)
7/8 yard lightweight fusible interfacing
Thread in matching color
7” invisible zipper
Pins
Water-soluble pencil or chalk
Seam ripper
Fabric shears
Snips
Tape measure
Painter’s tape (optional)
Iron and ironing board
Invisible zipper foot
Sewing machine

Buy materials for this project at JOANN.com

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Transcript

Learn to Sew Clothes

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Part 1:

Learn to Sew Clothes: Sewing a Classic Gathered Skirt

Deborah Kreiling

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Part 2:

Learn to Sew Clothes: Finishing Your Skirt

Deborah Kreiling

Now that your pockets are in place and the top edge of your skirt is gathered, you’re ready to attach the yoke facing to the skirt – a finishing touch that will give your garment a professional look inside and out. Deborah will also share her technique for expertly inserting an invisible zipper and stitching a narrow hem. At the end of this class, your skirt will be ready to wear. And we suspect you will be ready to start all over again, to experiment with a range of fabrics and colors.

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Part 3:

Learn to Sew Clothes: Sewing a Top or Dress with Princess Seams

Deborah Kreiling

In part 3 of this class, we’ll switch to a multi-view Cynthia Rowley pattern, featuring a timeless top and dress with prominently featured princess seams. Deborah begins by explaining how to take measurements and determine your size, and then goes on to decode this more complex pattern. You will be focusing on the bodice in this installment, creating the curvaceous princess seams, adding an invisible zipper, and then finishing the neck facings. Deborah will expertly guide you at every step, building on skills you learned in the skirt class. You will learn how to finish your top or dress in part 4.

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Part 4:

Learn to Sew Clothes: Finishing Your Top or Dress

Deborah Kreiling

Part 4 of this class is all about sleeves. Once you sew your side seams, Deborah gives a thorough lesson on how to add a short, flanged sleeve with a bias armhole facing, and insert a traditional sleeve. If you have always felt intimidated by sleeves, you will feel much more confident after taking this class. At the very end, you’ll add a pretty hand-stitched hem to finish your top or dress with style.

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