Finding a Pattern / Re-making Clothes

20 years ago

I'm looking for a specific type of dress pattern. I've been through all the major pattern books and can't find anything exactly like it. I used to have this pattern but can't find it. All I want is a "casual dress" sized for stretch knits with a long/short sleeve option, a waist in the usual waist location (not empire) a full long/calf length skirt and no zipper (it's stretch, don't need one). I'd prefer no buttons in front because they don't flatter my figure.

Doesn't seem like I'm asking for much. But it's really hard to find a "casual dress" - something one can wear every day like jeans & a t-shirt. I just prefer dresses/skirts, but don't want to look like I'm "dressed up" all the time. :)

Now, I have one dress like this in my closet (not the one I made from the pattern I can't find...that's long gone), but it's seen better days to say the least. I'm thinking about taking it apart and making a pattern from it. I've never done this before. How would I go about it? What would I use to trace the pieces? Any tips or warnings I should know about? Or is this something a new-to-intermediate sewist shouldn't even attempt?

Thanks all,

Pam

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Comments (4)

webfoot88
20 years ago
So you're looking for an adult women's pattern? You can probably find a vintage one on ebay, I'm thinking Ottobere had one recently, I'll have to look through my books for it. Do you have a secret source for cute knit fabrics? I can never seem to find them myself.

Tanya
Rene54
20 years ago
Hope you can find something to take the place of your lost pattern, seems simple but!!
click on the link below and search the most varity of patterns , I have found some here. Maybe it will help

Rene

Here is a link that might be useful: sewingpatterns.com
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msmeow
20 years ago
Pam, have you seen a pattern that is nearly what you're looking for? You may be able to buy one and alter it to what you want. You'd definitely want to start with a pattern designed for knits.

I've been sewing for a LONG time (like 30 years or something) and I've made one pattern by copying from an existing garment. It worked out okay. You could check your library to see if they have any books on pattern drafting. I got the instructions I used from a magazine - probably Threads - so you might want to do a web search for pattern drafting and see if you can find any information there.

Donna
glassquilt
20 years ago
Once you get, or make, a pattern you like, you might consider copying it on a nonwoven interfacing. It would last much longer than the tissue copies.