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First sewing project (Moderated by EleanorSews)
Posted on: 2/26/12 9:22 AM ET
Ok, so I am sewing my first ever shirt, while I am having some difficulties it's coming along fairly well. I have had to re-do some part over and remove stitching here and there, like the pocket due to my learning curve and somewhat bad technique.
So my question is can you make a shirt at home that looks professional? Any suggestion or techniques would be appreciated.
Thanks
So my question is can you make a shirt at home that looks professional? Any suggestion or techniques would be appreciated.
Thanks
Re: Sewing a mens shirt (posted on 2/26/12 9:34 AM ET)
Yes you can make one that looks professional, although my experience with them runs more to the bespoke side, then RTW.
Measure. This is one of the most important things of a dress shirt. It has to lay flat, smooth and not be too large or too small to fit under a coat properly. Neck, shoulders and length are very important.
Fabric choice is also another thing you should not skimp on. Quality fabrics are important to having a really quality shirt.
Baste, baste, baste. Collars and cuffs especially will benefit from this to ensure that they are laying as properly as possible.
Bespoke always seemed to use french seams, at least the guys I dated that wore them. If you do not use it all over, at least do the sleeves. This makes the inside be able to be rolled up and give it a higher end appearance.
There is a lot of information on the web for bespoke as well as books and shops to see what they offer that can be a great help to you.
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Measure. This is one of the most important things of a dress shirt. It has to lay flat, smooth and not be too large or too small to fit under a coat properly. Neck, shoulders and length are very important.
Fabric choice is also another thing you should not skimp on. Quality fabrics are important to having a really quality shirt.
Baste, baste, baste. Collars and cuffs especially will benefit from this to ensure that they are laying as properly as possible.
Bespoke always seemed to use french seams, at least the guys I dated that wore them. If you do not use it all over, at least do the sleeves. This makes the inside be able to be rolled up and give it a higher end appearance.
There is a lot of information on the web for bespoke as well as books and shops to see what they offer that can be a great help to you.
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Elaina
SewDucky.com
334.5 yards in stash...and still counting >.<
SewDucky.com
334.5 yards in stash...and still counting >.<
Re: Sewing a mens shirt (posted on 2/26/12 10:24 AM ET)
Use high quality interfacing. My husband has noticed that the collars in the shirts I've made for him aren't as stiff as RTW.
Posted on: 2/26/12 12:22 PM ET
In reply to sewington
Sure, you can make a professional quality shirt at home. Lots of practice will do the job--but it helps enormously to start with a good pattern, because these often include fine techniques. Several have been particularly well reviewed here at pr.
You might do an "Advanced Search" here (on the left side of the screen at the top of the dark orange bar). When it opens, there will be a pull down menu with a lot of pattern companies to choose from. Look for men's shirt patterns by Colette and Kwik Sew.
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You might do an "Advanced Search" here (on the left side of the screen at the top of the dark orange bar). When it opens, there will be a pull down menu with a lot of pattern companies to choose from. Look for men's shirt patterns by Colette and Kwik Sew.
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Elona
Posted on: 2/26/12 1:03 PM ET
I second the idea of using a Kwik Sew pattern. I was teaching a few guys how to sew clothing last year. The Kwik Sew patterns had the best directions by far and great illustrations too.
I also used "The Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing" which is available on Amazon. I have a few editions but like the earlier ones better because they cover menswear better.
Kathy
-- Edited on 2/26/12 1:06 PM --
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I also used "The Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing" which is available on Amazon. I have a few editions but like the earlier ones better because they cover menswear better.
Kathy
-- Edited on 2/26/12 1:06 PM --
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Sewing and reading about sewing are daily pleasures.
I hope to use up lots of stash in 2023. I am also starting to give away fabric, tools, etc that I am not going to use in an attempt to downsize.
I hope to use up lots of stash in 2023. I am also starting to give away fabric, tools, etc that I am not going to use in an attempt to downsize.
Posted on: 2/26/12 1:56 PM ET
In reply to sewington
You can make a good one at home, but it's easier to make a lined jacket. The Kwik Sew men's shirt pattern is a good one, although the pocket is more complicated than it needs to be. I'd replace it with a simple rectangular patch pocket.
The easiest way to do the side/underarm seam is to do a French seam, then stitch down the SA.
The KS pattern has no ease at the top of the sleeve cap. If your pattern has any, remove it.
I've gotten tired of using cotton interfacing in the collar and cuffs. If you don't want to iron your shirt every time you wash it, use a synthetic fusible interfacing.
The easiest way to do the side/underarm seam is to do a French seam, then stitch down the SA.
The KS pattern has no ease at the top of the sleeve cap. If your pattern has any, remove it.
I've gotten tired of using cotton interfacing in the collar and cuffs. If you don't want to iron your shirt every time you wash it, use a synthetic fusible interfacing.
Posted on: 2/26/12 2:13 PM ET
Yes, the pocket instructions on Kwik sew patterns is more complicated than need be, I finally just winged it and a few times I had to rip everyhing apart, but finally got that hang of it.
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