The Design Process

Fashion is all about illusions, line, color, space and texture. These concepts are based on the Principles and Elements of Design. It doesn’t matter if we are talking about designing couture gowns, tailoring, fashion accessories, kids wear or pet clothes. These foundational art principles become primary considerations in construction. Sewing is an art, that of making beautiful clothes. It takes time, thought and practice.

Why Construction Should Matter

Clothing construction refers to the stitching of garments and all the sewing techniques involved in the process. Every choice and detail: pockets, seams, seam finishes, zippers, facings, linings, interfacings, closures and hems, as well as a good understanding of fabric are all intertwined.

Having a strong understanding of construction will help you to become more confident in handling your sewing projects. You will no longer be beholden to the pattern as written. Understanding construction will allow you to confidently move a dart or eliminate an unwanted detail. You will begin to understand how and why pattern pieces are joined in a particular way and order.

So many of you are discovering the possibilities that open up when you learn to sew. With even a basic set of skills, you can begin to make simple clothing, fashionable accessories and home decor projects. Soon you may find yourself searching for patterns, fabric and fancy new sewing machines. Suddenly a whole new world opens up- it really is an exciting time.

Well, that is until it isn’t.

There are so many frustrating moments that you will encounter when learning to sew. Tangled threads, broken needles, machine malfunctions. All normal stuff- I promise. You see, there is a difference between knowing how to sew and how to sew well. Learning to sew well takes time and patience. Yes, you will continue to make mistakes, I still do! But it is through these mistakes that you can begin to really learn why things need to be done in a certain order or way – and what happens when you don’t.

The Basic Principles of Garment Construction: Functional, Structural and Decorative Design

Introducing: The Basic Principles of Garment Construction, A New Blog Series