You have a lot of good tips here! :)I hope you don't mind if I add a few notes.
Easy Sew types of patterns may not always be easy to sew. This is true. Some pattern brands are also just better than others - better fit, better instructions, better everything. In my opinion Vogue is the best commercial pattern line, with McCalls second. I intensely dislike Simplicity and Butterick, but your views may vary.
Vintage thread is just as good as new thread This really depends on the fiber content. Cotton, if stored properly, should be fine. Silk, however, degrades with time. Generally you're better off using new thread. And while we're talking about thread - it really is worth it to spend a few extra dollars and buy the nice thread. It will break and snarl less.
Sew two lines of stitches for ruffles before you gather. YES! Sew one line of gathering stitches inside your seamline, and one outside, and they will hold the gathers in place when you sew over them. And here's another handy trick: use button weight (extra heavy) thread in your bobbin if you're gathering heavy fabric or multiple layers, and then pull on that. It's way stronger.
Say no to polyester. Really. Even for cosplay. It's just not good. PREACH IT! Arrgghh, I hate seeing kids using cheap polyester satin for their cosplays. There is literally no way it will look good, and it's a pain to sew anyway.
And finally - if you're interested in learning to sew, lessons are a great way to learn! Fabric shops frequently offer sewing classes, and private lessons are also pretty easy to find.
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Easy Sew types of patterns may not always be easy to sew.
This is true. Some pattern brands are also just better than others - better fit, better instructions, better everything. In my opinion Vogue is the best commercial pattern line, with McCalls second. I intensely dislike Simplicity and Butterick, but your views may vary.
Vintage thread is just as good as new thread
This really depends on the fiber content. Cotton, if stored properly, should be fine. Silk, however, degrades with time. Generally you're better off using new thread. And while we're talking about thread - it really is worth it to spend a few extra dollars and buy the nice thread. It will break and snarl less.
Sew two lines of stitches for ruffles before you gather.
YES! Sew one line of gathering stitches inside your seamline, and one outside, and they will hold the gathers in place when you sew over them. And here's another handy trick: use button weight (extra heavy) thread in your bobbin if you're gathering heavy fabric or multiple layers, and then pull on that. It's way stronger.
Say no to polyester. Really. Even for cosplay. It's just not good.
PREACH IT! Arrgghh, I hate seeing kids using cheap polyester satin for their cosplays. There is literally no way it will look good, and it's a pain to sew anyway.
And finally - if you're interested in learning to sew, lessons are a great way to learn! Fabric shops frequently offer sewing classes, and private lessons are also pretty easy to find.