Welcome to HOW TO SEW CLOTHES: Series One

Here at The League, we are deeply committed to guiding you toward making the BEST handmade wardrobe of your life. Many of us are self-taught at the sewing machine, and we picked up skills here and there along our way toward making our closets more hand-sewn. That means we almost always have GAPS in our knowledge which can be difficult to fill in.

The HOW TO SEW series is designed to start at the very, very foundation of sewing skills in an intentional way so we can FILL IN those gaps. The video lessons in that series cover key techniques like sewing a straight line, pressing well, and even troubleshooting. If you haven't worked through the How To Sew video series, we think you should begin there, first! It's packed with great projects that will give you a space at your comfort or challenge level to fine-tune your sewing without frustration (and even if you're an expert, there are some lovely gift ideas with printable patterns!)

Once you're comfortable with the skills in the How To Sew series, we knew you'd be itching to start making clothes--REAL clothes, garments you're proud to sew and proud to show off. That's where the How To Sew Clothes video series comes in!

Included in How To Sew Clothes: Series One

Sewing clothing is a rewarding endeavor no matter what your reasons for pursuing a handmade wardrobe. Maybe you want better fit than you can find in the stores. Maybe you're seeking higher quality than you are finding from major manufacturers. Are you concerned about the ethics behind fast fashion? Or the ecological impact of clothing manufacture in the modern world? Perhaps you have a vision for how you want your outsides to reflect your insides, and you need to sew your own clothing to make it happen. Some of us are looking for a creative pursuit to balance the rush and hurry and demands of our workday lives.

Whatever your reason, you're here because you want to sew your own clothing. That means you'll need the skills necessary to sew garments with good results that encourage you to KEEP SEWING. The How To Sew Clothes series has been designed with YOU IN MIND to do exactly that, in a systematic and thoughtful way that guides you as you grow your sewing!

The How To Sew Clothes series is actually an evolving FAMILY of video lessons, and delivers to The League as groups of FIVE related patterns.

Each pattern in the series includes skills at a similar level, and gives you room to master each skill on a garment you'll REALLY want to wear.

All five patterns relate to one another, and can be worn together, so as you learn new techniques you ALSO grow your handmade closet!

And the best part? For every pattern, The League also gives you at least THREE variations on the basic pattern, so you can master the art of making a sewing pattern uniquely YOU.

How To Sew Clothes: Series One includes the following patterns:

  • the Get Up & Go Skirt, an elastic back gathered knee-length skirt

  • the Modern Babydoll Dress, an empire-waisted dress with a gathered skirt and a reversible neckline

  • the Drawstring Shift, a sleeveless maxi-length dress with a sewn-on casing

  • the Tuxedo Tank, a sleeveless pull-over woven top with an inset front panel

  • the Seamless Lounge Pants, a classic drawstring pant with no side seam and deep hems

Skill Level:

How To Sew Clothes: Series One is considered an INTRODUCTORY LEVEL and all five patterns are suitable for even beginners who have only done a small amount of sewing before. Each pattern is written with through instructions and full-color illustrations, and there is an accompanying video sewalong to guide you every step of the way.

Included:

  1. A downloadable pattern for all five patterns

  2. Step-by-step real time videos that walk you through every step of the sewing

  3. Links to additional League content to connect and build core skills as you sew

  4. Additional guides to create at least three variations of every pattern to expand your skills AND your closet

 

How to get started with How To Sew Clothes: Series One

Join the League of Dressmakers!  This is just ONE of the video series we have here at The League, where our mission is to create a community intent on sewing the best handmade wardrobe of our lives.  You can join with a six-month or one-year membership, or join with a mentorship package for personalized instruction!  Learn more here.