Today I’m sharing my process for creating and sewing a handmade capsule wardrobe. I’m going to share my favorite planning tips, ideas for picking a color palette as well as a sample 10 piece collection with sewing pattern and fabric options.
The first step in creating a capsule wardrobe is planning. Start by assessing your personal style, lifestyle, and the colors that make you feel confident.
Once you have an idea of what you love, it’s time to make a list of essential items you’ll need. Today I’m going to be sharing a mini capsule of 10 pieces. For a full seasonal wardrobe, you might want to aim for around 15-20 pieces that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. You can reuse the same patterns from your capsule in different fabrics and finishes, changing necklines and hems for more options.
Remember- you don’t have to sew everything! I always start by picking my colors and then looking through what I already have to create my capsule. This includes tops, bottoms, dresses, and layering pieces. Remember, quality over quantity is key here.
So, for today’s example I’m going to share how I would design a mini capsule from scratch.
Choosing Your Color Palette
After creating a mini mood board, I like to choose a simple and cohesive color palette. Start with 2-3 neutrals as a base and add 1-2 pops of color. When picking colors, consider your favorite colors or seasonal colors. If you haven’t seen it, after this go back and watch my finding your true colors video for more ideas. For this capsule I started with 4 main colors. Two neutrals and two colors I love, navy and pink.
Here are the colors I’m working with for this Capsule: Blush Pink, Light Tan, White and Navy.
Spring Color Palette
- Powder Pink 14-1511
- Bleached Sand 13-1008
- Pristine 11-0606 TPJ
- Twilight Blue 19-3938 TCX
Choose a Theme
Next, I’ll choose my theme or season. This could be a trip you’re planning, working from home, kid friendly, or whatever you need for your lifestyle. Plan for the life you lead now- not your dream version of yourself. Unless pieces fit your daily lifestyle you probably won’t reach for them every day. I sew a lot of basics in solid colors and then branch out to create more elaborate and “extra” makes just for fun. You can read all about my personal sewing plans for Spring Summer 2024 here.
Today I’ll be designing a casual Spring wardrobe for a moderate climate with classic style.
My theme for this collection- classic, tailored, calm, relaxed, with a touch of elegance.
Pick Your Sewing Patterns
Now it’s time to pick our sewing patterns. For a 10 pc. mini capsule I would start with:
- 4 Tops– 1 Tank Top, 2 Tee Shirts, 1 Blouse
- 3 Bottoms– 1 Skirt/Mid-length Pant, 1 Trouser, 1 Pant/Jean
- 2 Layering Pieces– 1 Dress Shirt and 1 Wrap/ Jacket
- 1 Dress/ Wild Card
Because I use a variety of vintage and self drafted patterns today I’m switching it up and sharing many new to me patterns that have the style lines and look I love. Most are indie patterns from companies I’ve used in the past- but I few I haven’t tried yet. I suggest finding a pattern company that fits your shape best- it makes fitting so much easier- but remember it’s very rare for a pattern to fit out of the box- as is. Almost everyone has to do some basic fit adjustments. That’s one of the reasons I prefer drafting my own pants. Use these as a guide and look for patterns in your own personal style to create your capsule. Of course- now that I designed this I really want to make these all now!
Tops (4 Total)
Tank Muscle Tank Sewing Pattern Wardrobe by Me
Sizes US 0-24 EU 30-54
Looking for a versatile muscle pattern? Check out the muscle tank PDF sewing pattern! This jersey tank top is easy to make and can be worn as underwear or on its own. Use a jersey with 30-40% horizontal stretch and fill your wardrobe with this indispensable tank top. It’s a simple but charming piece you’ll want to make again and again.
Blouse –The Tiered Blouse– The Maker’s Atelier
Sizes 4-22
A feminine and fluid blouse that also works beautifully as a dress. Options are given for a tiered or simple flared body with round or V–neck. This style can easily be made into a dress.
Bottoms (3 Total) –
Mimosa Culottes by Named Patterns
Sizes EUR 32-56 | US 0-24 | UK 4-28
Mimosa culottes is a stylish sewing pattern for midi-length trousers with a high waist and super wide legs. These culottes combine minimalist details with impressive volume in an interesting way. The front has slanted pleats and a fly front zipper fastening. The narrow waistband fastens at the front with a concealed button and hook closure. The trousers also have subtle slash side pockets.
Pant/Jean – California by Atelier Scammit
Sizes European 32-48
These wide-leg pants are close-fitting from high-rise waist to the lower hips and largely flare out to the hem for a cool look. True archetype of jeans with its distinctive details (fob and rounded pockets on the front, topstitched yoke and back patch pockets), they are both original and stylish. Can be made into shorts finished with a topstitched cuff.
Trouser- Billy Trousers by Bella Loves Patterns
Sizes- 34 to 50 EU, 2 to 18 US two height groups: 160 and 170 cm (5’3” and 5’7”)
Billy is a loose-fitting relaxed pair of wide-leg trousers with pressed front and back crease lines. It has two sets of pressed pleats, a front fly, and side slash pockets. On the back side, Billy has two waist darts on each side and a single welt pocket with a button loop closure on the right side. Billy is a high-rise pair of trousers with the waistband sitting at the natural waist. The waistband fastens with a hook and bar and an internal button. The waistband has five belt loops. Billy is a floor-length trouser with a plain-finish invisible hem.
Layering (2 Total) –
Blouse- Jenna Shirt + Shirtdress Closet Core Patterns
Sizing XXS (31″ bust, 33″ hip) to 4X (60″ bust, 62″ hip).
Nothing compares to an oversized menswear-inspired shirt when it comes to iconic wardrobe staples, and the Jenna Button-up shirt ticks all the boxes. Perfectly proportioned and loaded with polished and classic shirting details, Jenna features a loose fit, drop shoulder, deep back yoke, chest pocket, traditional shirt collar and collar stand, and a long sleeve with a classic tower placket and cuff. A dream styling piece that pairs with just about everything, Jenna will breathe new life into your closet.
Jacket- Loren Jacket– Style Arc
Sizes 4-30 Essential three-quarter length jacket with a shawl collar and pockets.
1 Wildcard
This can be a dress or jumpsuit- anything you love!
Lea summer dress – PDF pattern Atelier Jupe
EU Sizes 34-52
Sundress Lea has a V-shaped neckline finished with a trim, gently gathered shoulders and three gathered skirt ruffles that give her a swirly, bohemian look. The elastic in the back makes sure the dress fits well. Lea is a sleeveless pattern, but you can add a little sleeve ruffle if you like.
Fabric Selection
When choosing fabric I start with a broad selection and then narrow it down as I go. If I’m shopping online I’ll pull up my color palette on my computer in a separate window and check color first. In person I bring my colors with me as well as any swatches I have in my stash.
Fabrics pinned on my Pinterest Board are from Blackbird Fabrics, Stonemountain & Daughter, Core Fabrics & Marcy Tilton.
Edit Your Ideas
After choosing a broad range of fabrics in my chosen colors I refine and edit. While I love fun bold prints they don’t make for a very cohesive wardrobe. But keeping a tight palette helps me quickly sort through fabrics and avoid what won’t easily mix. I also like to play with weave and texture for a bit of added dimension. A subtle color palette in a mix of twill weaves, linen and silk can really elevate your look.
Mixing Fabrics & Prints
The Dress shirt would look fabulous in a blue and white stripe or a simple white voile. Mix your stripe directionality or use different color ways of the same print for contrast. For tops I love a easy rib knit tank, and a classic solid tee with a pop of color in the neckband. For blouses- try some lightweight voiles or patterned rayons. Use a fun bias trim or piping on your blouse or add ruffles for a touch of whimsy. Play with pattern placement on dresses. Try mixing three coordinating floral prints in the same scale.
Opt for a beautiful natural denim or go for a tonal look with rich blue denim and a chambray dress shirt. I also suggest making a few pieces in the same fabric. Add a bold pop of color and make your trousers and jacket in a bright fun color and line your jacket in a beautiful striking silk print.
Watch the Video on YouTube
After you go through this process you may want to tweak your colors a bit. I noticed I was finding quite a few pinks that were more on the peach side- Probably because the color of the Year is Peach Fuzz. So I might shift my Pink to a Peach Color to make mixing prints easier. Also look back to your mood board and notice the fabrics shown. Most of the ones I chose were in solid colors and very light in tone. You might love that bold print but when you look at your ideal pieces you don’t see that anywhere. I like to keep my prints to accent pieces, dresses and fun linings. For print mixing pay attention to scale and proportion. With a consistent color palette all your prints should be able to mix well together.
Mix & Match
Now that you’ve completed sewing your capsule wardrobe, it’s time to style and enjoy your handmade creations. Experiment with different combinations to create countless outfits from your limited pieces. Mix and match colors, textures, and accessories to create unique looks for any occasion. A coheisve capsule wardrobe not only simplifies your daily decision-making but also reduces waste and promotes sustainability in fashion. It’s a win-win! And that’s it for today. Leave any questions or comments down below—I love hearing from you!
Until next time, Happy Sewing!