Let’s face it – most of the sewers out there belong to the female
species. Gals who love to sew usually sew clothes for themselves or their
girlfriends, and once in awhile they might whip up a men’s tie or a fancy
handkerchief for accessorizing.
If you want to explore the menswear realm, whether you are a lady
or a gent, begin by using this easy guide:
Starter Projects
Start with a vest or a pair of shorts and then slowly transition
into making trousers, a dress shirt, or a jacket. Much like any other sewing
project, you’ll gain confidence and develop skill along the way. You can also
try altering a few garments, as opposed to making a piece from scratch, to
familiarize yourself with various patterns.
Fitting a Garment
If you cannot get access to a man dress form, sew something for your
guy friend (or boyfriend, brother, dad, etc.) to get used to fitting a garment
on a men’s body. Unlike the curvaceous body of a woman, men can do without
darts and defined waistlines. In a sense, this will make it easier to fit men’s
clothing in certain areas.
Techniques
The most common techniques you might want to practice for casual
or formal attire include: tailoring techniques, flat-felled seams, buttonholes,
zipper installation, edge stitching, and top stitching.
Research resources and tips before you attempt a new project. And
practice! - That’s always a key ingredient. Good luck!
