How to design and sew costumes, make your own costumes, make and sew a costume

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Designing and Sewing Costumes

Jamie designed and made her teacher this very easy Indian outfit.

Jamie designed and made this Indian costume for her teacher from a simple nightshirt pattern.

Designing and sewing costumes is a great way to have fun and learn a skill that could become profitable in the future. It’s also a great way to bond with your mother, daughter, family members and friends. The next time there is stormy weather, or it’s too cold to play outside, invite some people over and design costumes or clothes for that next special occasion. Make sure to have all of the supplies you need and some refreshments on hand for a great day of sewing and costume design with the people you love.

About Designing and Sewing Costumes -	In every case when I have had to design and make costumes, my biggest challenge has always been that I was put on a budget, but yet had to do a large number of costumes and/or of course do a great job!!! It seems hectic at times but everything always seems to work out just right. So whether you are making one costume, or 20 have fun, and use your imagination. If you are using a pattern, change it a little bit, make it yours, not like everyone else.
Best Fabric to use -	There is no "best" fabric to use when making costumes, because the fabric will 100 % depend on the costume, and the "era" or "time" of the costume. You must be the best judge for the fabric.
Easy Type Pattern -	If you are designing your own clothes the easiest would be to buy a BASIC simple pattern and then do pattern alterations from there, or if you are experienced enough with patterns, design you own pattern from scratch.
Difficult Type Pattern -	Simple patterns with few pieces work the best for beginners to intermediate seamstresses. If you do challenge yourself to a more difficult pattern, take your time and really study the directions before you begin.

Pattern Pieces -	Most of the time, the least amount of pattern pieces there is, the easier the project is to make.
Cost & Fabric Usage -	Cost depends on the type of fabric you will need for your costume/s. If you are making costumes for a local or school play, look in the "bargain" section in the fabric stores.
Comments -	Making costumes can be very fun and creative. I have made many costumes from NO PATTERN at all. Just thought of one in my head and went from there. I have also made many costumes from patterns which is easier to do. Use your imagination, and have fun with it.

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Maddie's adorable poodle skirt she made.

This is an example of a "simple" costume design. Maddie took an easy full skirt pattern, added a poodle that she designed herself and "woola" she has a 1950's poodle skirt!

"Annie" the musical has easy costumes to make!

This was definitely the easiest costume group I ever made for theatre. I made simple dresses with aprons and head scarves. Then I pained them brown here and there to look dirty and I ripped them. It was easy and fun to do this play, "ANNIE Get Your Bible". A story of orphans with a mean head master.