Are you ready to bring your seasonal wardrobe visions to life? Let’s talk all about sketching and designing our sewing projects with a special focus on finding the perfect sewing patterns to bring your vision to life.
Hi everyone, and welcome to the 7th episode of my YouTube series on Planning and Sewing a Seasonal Wardrobe. I’m here to help you create a wardrobe that’s stylish and sustainable! One piece at a time.
Plan & Sew a Seasonal Wardrobe Posts:
Sketching is a fantastic way to bring your ideas to paper, giving you a tangible blueprint of your sewing projects. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece; even a few lines can vividly bring your ideas to life.
Sketching isn’t just about drawing; it’s a vital step in visualizing and planning your sewing projects. Here’s why sketching should be a part of your sewing journey:
- Visualizing Your Ideas: It helps you see your ideas more clearly, aiding in decision-making when you’re figuring out what to sew next.
- Project Planning: It assists in planning out the nitty-gritty of your projects, from materials to patterns and the steps involved in crafting your garment.
- Gathering Feedback: Sharing your sketches with your sewing circle can provide new perspectives and help refine your designs to something you’ll absolutely adore.
What I’m wearing in the video:
Zoey Tank Top by True Bias in Pecan Ponte & Butterick 4659 Denim Trouser
Let’s get Sketching!
Sketching is a personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Start Simple: Begin with a basic outline; you can always add details as you progress.
- Use Basic Shapes: Utilize basic shapes to draft the silhouette of your garment, helping you visualize the overall look.
- Detailing: As your sketch progresses, start adding finer details like buttons, pockets, and hems to give it a realistic touch.
- Experiment: Don’t hesitate to try different styles and details. The more you sketch, the better you’ll become at it.
Creating a Croquis Using an 8-Head Model
A croquis is a quick sketch of a figure that serves as the base for fashion design illustrations. It’s a tool that designers use to visualize and bring their ideas to life. One popular method of creating a croquis is using the 8-head model, which divides the figure into eight equal parts, each the size of the head. This method ensures proportionality and accuracy in your sketches.
Create an 8-Head Croquis
watch the video for a detailed description of this process.
Mark your Divisions- 1-8
- From the base of the head, measure and mark 8 equal sections downwards. I mark mine at 1″ intervals. You can use regular paper or gridded graph paper which has 1/4″ squares to guide you. These marks will indicate key points on the body.
- Start by drawing an oval shape for the head in the top segment. This will be your reference for the rest of the body.
Body Proportion Guidelines
- Zero Line: Top of the head
- Line 1: Base of the head
- Line 2: Bust
- Line 3: Waist (slightly below the line)
- Line 4: Hip (crotch level)
- Line 5: Thighs
- Line 6: Knees
- Line 7: Calves
- Line 8: Feet.
* Follow along with the video for more details
Refine and Add Details:
Once you have the basic outline, you can refine the sketch, adding details like muscle definition, facial features, and hair.
Remember, the croquis is a tool for you to visualize your designs, so it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s more about getting the proportions right.
Using the 8-head model is a tried-and-true method for creating a proportional croquis. With practice, you’ll be able to sketch your croquis quickly and confidently, allowing you to focus on the fun part: designing!
Finding the Perfect Sewing Patterns
After sketching, the next step is finding the right sewing patterns to match your vision. Here are some pointers to help you choose the right one:
- Skill Level: Choose a pattern that matches your skill level. Beginners might find it easier to start with simpler patterns.
- Desired Look: Keep in mind the style, fit, and fabric that align with the garment you envision.
- Pattern Reviews: Before purchasing, read reviews to understand others’ experiences with the pattern.
Watch the video to see some of the patterns in my stash I’m thinking about sewing up!
Sketching and designing are more than just preliminary steps; they are the foundation of creating garments that resonate with your style and personality. With the tips shared in this episode, you’re well on your way to crafting outfits that are both beautiful and uniquely you.
I’m eager to see the beautiful sketches and designs you come up with! Share your thoughts or your progress in the comments below. Stay tuned for our next episode where we’ll be talking all about fabric!
Until next time, Happy Sewing!
2 responses to “Sketching & Sewing Patterns Ideas”
I am learning so much about what goes into design! I had no idea! This is inspiring. Thanks!
Yay! Thanks for watching mom!