The Construction of Style

Alterations

1. Be sure to plan the alteration before you start.  Do an online research, read books or consult others for the best way to alter your garment
2. Part of your research should include working with the type of material.  Look at the garment tag to see what you’re working with.  If need be compare it to other clothing.
3. Practice basic sewing skills on samples.
4. On your comfortable with the basic you can do your own repairs.

Distressing Denim

     Look at an older pair of jeans to see where they are naturally worn out.  For example the bottom, hips, cuffs and knees.  Mark the area you want to distress with a pencil.  Use a mild bleach solution, wear rubber gloves and mix bleach with water.  Using a sponge dip solution, wring and apply to areas you would like to distress.  Wash jean immediately in cold water.  Fray the bottom edges with scissors.  Consider also using sandpaper, cheese graters, or steel brush.

A Full Understanding of the Construction of Clothing

     Sewing your own clothes is an effective way to express you personal style and create something unique that no one else has.  It also allows you to add pockets and details to be specific to your preferences.

     To begin the process of seeing first it helps to be aware of the tools that you can use.

Types of sewing machine accessories:
Straight stitch, zipper foot, invisible zipper foot, gathering foot, zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, over edge foot, narrow hemmer, pin tuck foot, button foot

Guides: 
Seam gauge, blind hemming guide

Types of Fabrics

Plain weave, basket weave, rib weave, twill weave, herringbone weave, satin weave, pile weave, swivel weave, dobby weave, jacquard weave
Tricot knits, raschel knit, plain jersey knit, purl knit, rib knit, double knit and pattern knits
Taffeta, metallic fabric, crepe, sheers, lace, leather, velvet, double faced fabric, stretch knit

Types of Hand Stitches

Backstitch, even backstitch and half-backstitch, prick stitch, even and uneven basting, diagonal basting, slip basting, blanket stitch, buttonhole stitch, chain stitch (decorative)

Hemming
Slant hemming stitch, vertical hemming stitch, uneven slipstitch, flat catch stitch, blind-hemming stitch, blind catch stitch

Types of Seams
Pinked, stitched and pinked, zigzag, turned and stitched, serged, bias bound, net bound, French seam, mock French seam, flat-felled seam, self bound seam, double top stitched seam, welt seam, tuck seam, corded seams

Parts of a Garment (pattern pieces and language)
Facing, bodice, sleeves, cuffs, waistband, collar, belt

Collars
Strip band also called crewneck or mock turtle, turtleneck, flat collar, rolled collar, standing collar, shawl collar, rolled collar with stand

Sleeves
Sleeveless (with facing), set in sleeve, raglan, kimono

Pocket
Patch pockets, in-seam, front hip, slashed pockets with welts

Zippers
Chain, coil, invisible, separating zipper
Application-centered, lapped, fly front, invisible and separating