There's something about me that you guys should know. I'm sure some of you have already suspected as much, but sometimes you just have to admit it and get it right out in the open. The truth is I've always been somewhat of a nerd. I don't consider this a bad thing, because I don't think being knowledgeable in particular subject is a bad thing. I don't feel it's necessary to advertise my inner nerd, but there's no use in denying it either. I always did very well in my education and one subject that I felt like I did very well in was mathematics. And it's a good thing too because, boy, is there a lot of math and brainpower that goes into sewing, a lot more than one would assume. And you certainly get really good at working with fractions. Fractions are friends, not foes! (I'm going to trademark that for a bumper sticker.)
Why am I bringing up math and what does this have to do with this week's new tutorial? Let's say you wanted to make a really cute basic skirt, but you wanted it to fit you perfectly. Well, let's start from scratch and, when I say scratch, I mean ultimate starting from scratch, like making your own pattern pieces. When I say pattern making, how does that make you feel? Terrified? Excited? Overwhelmed? Something that encompasses all three of those things? Me too! Well, I'm not necessarily terrified and yet I'm always surprised when I try on my skirt and it not only looks like a skirt but it does fit me. I have to say, it's a thrill and a reward when I can look at my end product and say not only did I succeed in creating it, but I made those pattern pieces as well.
Now I'm going to give you the taste of this thrill. This week, we're releasing our basic skirt pattern tutorial. We also have a diagram to download for you to keep track of your measurements. It's located in the download section below the video. If you've always wanted to try pattern making, but were kind of nervous to do so, then this is the tutorial where you can jump in and get a feel for it. Get ready to utilize your math brain, because pattern making is basically nothing but math and measurements. I can't be the only one who finds it fun! In this tutorial, I used my measurements as an example, but please make sure you use your own measurements. For example, to find out my dart's width, I use a mathematical formula based on my waist size. For me, my dart width ends up being 1", but yours may be something different. And in pattern making, it is so essential that you do the correct measurements for it to be the correct size. So if you're careful in substituting my measurements for yours, then your pattern should come out perfectly.
If you created your pattern pieces and then wondering now what? Don't fret. Next week, we will release a tutorial showing you how to sew the basic skirt so then you can wear it all over town and start you're own cute skirt fashion line in every color.
Please note that this tutorial is offered to our premium members. If you're a basic member and want to upgrade to premium membership, you can find out more HERE. It only costs $5 for a month and there's no contract. Plus you get access to this tutorial and all premium videos.
Yes you answer my question.Thank you. You are excellent…
Are you asking about the waist to hip measurement? Sorry for the confusion, this measurement should be taken on the side of the body. hope that helps.
I don”t understand when you taken the dept cause you say u looking at the side not the front nor the back but the side but it look to me like the front… please explain .
Hi Professor,
I am a premium member and I cant watch this video on my computer. Please help.
Hello professor pincushion I am new to your program, I would like to say I enjoy your videos and I am learning from them, however I have much to learn and a little ways to go. I would really love to know how to make a lady shirt blouse. I am looking to hear from you soon, I am so eager to learn you have no idea. Thank you
I am a premium member and i just loaded adobe reader,puffin and I swifter but I still can’t watch the video from ipad 3 please help. Thanks
Hi ummsaalih! Maxi skirts is one of my favorites too! You can make your skirt pattern any length that you wish. The problem is that the basic skirt as a long skirt is going to have the length, but probably not quite the fullness that you’d be looking for in a maxi skirt. You can use our method in creating the flared skirt to create more the fullness at the bottom. With the maxi skirts that I own, I notice that they all have an elastic waist so the pattern is built a little different to create that gathering at the top. But I’m with you, so I’ll definitely add the maxi skirt to my list of future tutorials. Definitely, keep that courageous spirit in experimenting with your patterns. 🙂
Hi professor pin cushion if I wanted to increase the length of the skirt and make it into a maxi skirt how can I do that?
This excellent! the wealth of information provided here is amazing. Thank you
This is very practical and amazing!