As a designer, I enjoy the creative process as a whole. The main objective as an artist is to transfer our ideas and concepts into visual form. In fashion, that usually begins with a sketch and ends with a finished garment. Here at Mood Fabrics, we’ve put together some helpful videos and tutorials to show you how to bring your ideas to life! Follow along as we show you how to sketch, drape, and sew your way to the finish line!

Purchase fabrics & tools we use:

• Sketching
  • Sketchbook or Sketchpad
  • Pencils
• Draping
  • Draping/Style Tape
  • Muslin
  • Pins
• Patternmaking
  • Pattern Paper
  • French Curve
  • Clear Ruler
• Sewing
  • 3 yards Metallic Off-White Fancy Beaded and Embroidered Lace with Scalloped Edges
  • 4 yards Pearled Ivory Stretch Satin
  • Bone Invisible Zipper
  • Steel Boning

Step 1. Begin with an idea. There are plenty of useful sources to get you inspired and your creative juices flowing! 

Design:

1. Start with a sketch to map out your ideas. Don’t worry. You don’t have to be a skilled illustrator in order to get your ideas on paper. We have plenty of illustration tutorials to help you along the way. Our free sewing planner is another useful tool complete with a fashion croquis template so download your copy now!
2. Once you have your idea and sketch, you can start mapping out your design onto your dress form. Use draping tape to transfer the style lines on your dress form.

Draping:

Begin Draping your muslin onto your form. For a more in depth look into how this is done, check out our draping series right here on Mood Sewciety! 

1. Prepare your muslin blocks. 
2. Begin draping your muslin onto your form following the layout of your style tape
3. Pin and remove excess fabric. 
4. Mark important details such as darts, seams, etc. 

Patternmaking:

Create your pattern by using your finished muslin blocks. Once you’ve pinned and marked every important detail, you can move on to creating a paper pattern. 

1. Transfer markings onto pattern paper using a tracing wheel and any type of transferable ink, chalk, wax, or graphite. 
2. Use rulers to true your lines and add seam allowances.
3. Label patterns for use.

Muslin Sewing:

Make sure to adjust your pattern according to your measurements. You will need to make a fit sample in order to test out the fit and construction of your garment. As you make adjustments to your muslin, be sure to correct your final pattern as well. 

1. Prepare a fit sample in muslin. Use a muslin of a similar weight to that of your actual garment. 
2. Check the fit and make adjustments as necessary. Finalize pattern.

Final Sewing:

Once you’ve made your fit adjustments and finalized your patterns, you are ready to cut and sew your final garment! 

1. Make sure you have all the necessary notions and tools needed for sewing. 
2. Sew your garment and enjoy the process from beginning to end! 
3. Start planning your next design!