Dressmaking: A beginner’s guide to patterns.

A sewing pattern is the place for a beginner to dressmaking to make a start.  As well as an envelope containing pattern pieces and instructions there is the envelope itself which is full of information. Not all pattern envelopes are laid out in the same way but the information provided is the same.  To be successful as a dressmaker you need to understand the pattern. 

The back of the envelope shows two measurements:  body measurements and sizes for the finished garment.  You will find fabric recommendations and the amount of fabric you will need for the different sizes.  In addition, there will be drawings of the variations of the garment, sometimes called technical images or line art.  You will also see a list of the notions or haberdashery you will need ie zips, interfacing etc.   The information may also be provided in French or Spanish alongside the English.

Most patterns give you a guide as to how difficult the pattern will be.  Easy/Intermediate/Complex.  If you’re a complete beginner, try an easy pattern to start with.  Some manufacturers have “learn to sew” patterns created with a complete beginner in mind, full of tips and advice.

Fabric & Notions

Recommended Fabric   For you to make the garment and achieve the intended look follow the recommended fabrics.  A flowy skirt or fitted jacket would look wrong in t-shirt jersey.  As a beginner it is important to follow the advice from the designer.  You don’t want to spend hours creating your garment to be unhappy with the finish because of the fabric you’ve chosen.  You may also need a lining fabric and contrasting fabrics.

If you’re unsure, have a chat to any of our staff who’ll be very happy to help.  Visit our website here to see a small selection of what we offer.

Fabric Requirements    This tells you the amount of fabric you’ll need based on your chosen size and the width of the fabric you are buying.  Always buy the amount advised – you don’t want to run out if you make a mistake.  Most dressmaking fabrics come on rolls or bolts in 2 approximate widths: 110cm/44” and 150cm/60”.

Notions     Don’t forget to buy these.  This is things like buttons, zips, elastic, trim. 

Not mentioned on an envelope but needed are needles and threads appropriate for your chosen fabric.  A denim needle will leave visible holes in a chiffon fabric.  An extra fine thread will not be appropriate for heavy duty corduroy.

You can see our haberdashery here and needles and thread here.

Drawings

The line art or technical drawings show you the design details that are not always obvious in the photos.  You will see the variations of the pattern, for example sleeve options, different necklines or skirt lengths.  Things like darts and fastenings are more easily seen in the drawings.

Measurements

You will see two sets of measurements:  the finished garment and your body measurements.  Sizes on the high street are not the same as dressmaking sizes.  Take your body measurements accurately and then look at the pattern for the size you’re going to make.  Many of us fall between sizes.  This is completely normal and you will use a pencil and a curve ruler (also called a French curve ruler:  click here to visit our website) to draw on your pattern to create a smooth cutting line between to two sizes.

The finished garment measurements are intended to give you an idea of how your garment will fit once finished.  These measurements allow you to choose with even greater accuracy the size you’re going to make.

This is where making your own garment allows such flexibility with size and fit.

We sell patterns from 3 manufacturers.  Visit us in store or our website.

Newsletter 10th May 2019

If you are thinking of buying a sewing machine make sure you talk to us first, we have some Amazing Janome Offers
with savings of up to £500 plus FREE Quilting Kits available on selected Janome models.  All machines purchased from us include 1hr FREE tuition tailored specifically for you.
Don’t delay all offers are subject to stock availability 

This month you will find us at the following events: Saturday 18th May  Makit LQ&N Fair Peterborough, followed by Springfields Quilt Show Spalding on Friday 31st May & Saturday 2nd June. If you don’t manage to visit a show you can catch us on the UK’s leading craft channel HOCHANDA TV on Sunday 19th May where we will feature our latest kits. We are currently putting together our July to December Workshop Schedule, check out the website as new classes available for booking are being added every day. 

Have a go at Wet Felting
It’s easier than you might think! and with the help of expert Clare Bullock in just two days you will create your own unique needle case, perfect for yourself or to make as a gift. Friday 31st May & Saturday 1st June 10am to 4pm  Book Online Here

1/2 Price McCalls Patterns Offer ends soon…… 20th May 2019
Calling all dressmakers, available in-store only don’t miss out on the opportunity to purchase the latest spring/summer McCalls Patterns at 1/2 price.

Project Linus – “A Quilt is a hug you can keep”
The next workshop here at Tudor Rose is this Friday 10th May, if you would like to come along and join the group please just give us a call on 01234 824983 to let us know you are coming or for further information you can email the Bedfordshire coordinator at elainegreatex2@gmail.com 

If you are thinking of buying a sewing machine make sure you talk to us first, we have some Amazing Janome Offers
with savings of up to £500 plus FREE Quilting Kits available on selected Janome models.  All machines purchased from us include 1hr FREE tuition tailored specifically for you.
Don’t delay all offers are subject to stock availability 

Is it too early to talk about Christmas? Not if you want to get a statement quilt finished in time, and grab a bargain fabric! Summer is the best time to stock up on themed fabric supplies, before prices start to rise.

The Inprint at Jane Makower Christmas fabrics are one of our more unusual collections, featuring such themes as ‘Christmas in Britain’ (note the Angel of the North), ‘Santa in Snow’, and ‘Narnia’. Currently all at 50% off – just £6.40 per metre

Lewis & Irene – Timsbury Lane. Summer blooms and modern paisley swirls on pastel backgrounds. Reduced to £5.48 per metre till 21st May.

Don’t forget to check out Lewis & Irene’s website for lots of inspirational free projects!

And finally…Pretty And Co-ordinated from Sugar & Spice Textiles. Spools and buttons make a perfect compliment to all your sewing-themed projects. 50% off = £5.45 per metre.

Star Buys 23 April – 7 May

If you are thinking of buying a sewing machine make sure you talk to us first, we have some Amazing Janome Offers
with savings of up to £500 plus FREE Quilting Kits available on selected Janome models.  All machines purchased from us include 1hr FREE tuition tailored specifically for you.
Don’t delay all offers are subject to stock availability 


Janome Atelier 9 
Sewing and Embroidery Machine 
SAVE £500
Plus FREE Digitizer JR Software worth £249
Now Only £1,999 while stocks last

Pfaff Creative 1.5 
Sewing & Embroidery Machine 

SAVE £400
Now Only £999


30% off Heritage Craft Kits

Star Buys 30th January 2019

15% OFF 
High Tea Collection 
by Lecien

A pretty fabric featuring tea cups, teapots, flowers and buds in pinks, reds, greens and blues on a taupe background. Part of the High Tea Collection designed by Jera Brandvig for Lecien.  

NOW £11.00 per metre Offer ends 12.2.2019
20% OFF 
Mrs March’s Collection
by Lecien

These pretty floral fabrics featuring both small and large flowers on soft shaded backgrounds give a feel of an antique fabric.

NOW £11.00 per metre Offer ends 12.2.2019
Now Only £4.50 each
Selected Panels featuring Children’s Characters, Sport
and Christmas themes
Offer ends 12.2.2019
Shop Star Buy Fabric & Panels
Glitter Film Kits
20% OFF 
Glitzy Flowers Panel Kit
This fantastic wall hanging, with a Baltimore Quilt feel to it, has a charming appeal and catches light from every angle.  It demands attention from everyone who views it.  A masterpiece for any home. This kit contains everything you need to create this beautiful wall hanging except sewing machine and thread.  It is made easily with our Heat Applied Glitter Film. The kit is packaged in a sturdy plastic box which can be used as a project box for this and any future projects. NOW £18.36 each
Offer ends 12.2.2019

20% OFF 
O for Coffee and Cake 
This kit is designed by Kathleen Laurel Sage and creates a stunning heat applied glitter film wall hanging.  Perfect for the baker in your family. The completed wall hanging measures 35cm x 48cm. The kit contains full instructions and everything you need except your sewing machine and thread. The kit is packaged in a sturdy plastic box which can be used as a project box for this and any future projects.

NOW £19.96 each
Offer ends 12.2.2019
Shop Star Buy Glitter Film Kits
JUST ARRIVED IN STORE….. NEW YARNS FROM ADRIAFIL
10% OFF 
Adriafil New Zealand Print DK/Aran This kaleidoscopic yarn from Adriafil is a must for those who like a splash of colour. Every colourway has its own unique variegated rainbow. Knit jumpers, accessories and blankets this yarn contains 75% wool, so will keep you nice and toastie.

NOW £7.19 per 100g Ball 
Offer ends 12.2.201910% OFF Adriafil Pintau 
Aran 
A very colourful and catchy yarn. It is a pictorial yarn with an elaborated printing process making it unique from other yarns. It has bright eye catching colours with a serpentine thread and is fun and creative to use.


NOW £4.46 per 50g Ball 
Offer ends 12.2.2019
Shop Star Buy Yarn

Great British Sewing Bee 2019

The Great British Sewing Bee is back on our screens for 2019! It will return on 12th February, with new presenter Joe Lycett stepping into Claudia Winkleman’s shoes. Take a look at the new trailer.

Patrick Grant, Esme Young and Joe Lycett from the Great British Sewing Bee
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06ybskh

Did you spot the wiggle dress? Fancy joining in and making your own? You can find some amazing wiggle dress patterns online. Check out our Pinterest board for some fun patterns and fabrics – https://goo.gl/kaxpsK

These dresses work really well in Jersey fabrics, but if you’re a little less experienced, cotton is a really good starting point that is easy to work with.

If you really are inexperienced, but are inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee to have a go at some of the simpler projects and learn the basics, we have a GBSB inspired evening class coming up at the end of March. This class will really help you master your sewing machine and create some fabulous items with a variety of techniques. It’s only a small class size, so make sure to book in quickly!

Beginner Dressmakers at the ready!!

Three Days, New Clothes! with Linda Radley on Saturday 10th February, 10th March and 14th April

Make 3 different clothing items on three different days with Linda helping you create a complete outfit and bringing some freshness to your wardrobe.

You will make:

  • A skirt on 10th February
  • A top for Summer on 10th March
  • A jacket to finish the outfit on 14th April

Linda will guide you to achieve the best fit and look for you, along with lots of helpful tips throughout the three days.

You can chose from a selection of patterns – which can be purchased from Tudor Rose Patchwork in advance of the course and at a 20% discount!

 

The patterns recommended by Linda are:

M6654 – a classic

skirt in stretch fabric

M6927 – Simple top

M7059, M6970 and M7368 – a selection of skirts, tops, and easy-to-wear jackets.

 

There is a wide range of fabric suitable for the McCalls patterns available at Tudor Rose Patchwork, however the type of fabric you can use may be impacted by it’s suitability for the chosen pattern.

At the end of the three days you will have a completed, new outfit, have met lots of new people and really enjoyed your time with Linda.

Each day will run from 10am to 4pm. Book a place here.