Making your own clothes has started to become popular again in the last few years. It used to be much more common, but with the rise of cheap clothing, it’s easier to buy them. Making and mending used to be a way to save money. Now it tends to be more expensive to make something for yourself than buy it off the rack. But even if creating your own pieces can be more expensive, it’s also much more satisfying. You can proudly wear your latest creation and tell people that you did it yourself. But what’s the best way of making your own clothes?

Elisabeth D’Orcy

Sewing

A lot of people want to start making their own clothes by sewing. It’s a very versatile craft, and you can make almost anything you want. You can begin with sewing by hand, but most people learn to use a sewing machine after a while. It’s much faster, and you can create stronger and more complicated stitches. You might want to invest in some other equipment too, from female mannequins to a sewing box. Although you might want to make a beautiful dress right away, you need to start small. Try a simple project like an A-line skirt and then gradually try new things. Although sewing is fun, it’s not always the cheapest option. Fabric can be expensive, especially if you want some beautiful patterns. Try making it less costly by recycling your clothes.

Knitting

Knitting has also made a comeback recently, and people of all ages are doing it. It’s not too difficult to pick up a basic stitch, and a pair of needles is much cheaper than a sewing machine. A lot of people stick to winter accessories when they learn to knit. Scarves are one of the easiest projects to begin with, and then you can move onto items like hats and gloves. But you don’t need to stop there. There are lots of other things you can knit, from jumpers and cardigans to skirts.

Crochet

Crocheting is another art form that uses wool, but the process is different to knitting. Instead of needles, you use a crochet hook to create patterns with your yarn or thread. It can take a while to pick up, but once you get going you can make just about anything you can think of. Although people love to crochet home accessories and even toys, when it comes to clothes, there are lots of options. You could make a shawl, a dress or a skirt. Crochet is also great for embellishing clothes as extra decoration, rather than making a whole piece.

No Sewing Projects

If you feel a bit intimidated by the idea of sewing, knitting or crocheting, there are still clothes you can make. The are lots of projects that don’t require any sewing or other skills if you already have fabric to work with. For example, you can cut a t-shirt or jumper into a cardigan by cutting down the middle and securing the sides with hem tape. Anyone can tackle these simple and fuss-free ideas.

Anyone can make their own clothes if they want to. No matter what your budget is, there’s a method you can use to create something you can wear.