Wearables Learning to sew...

I’ve wanted to learn to sew for a while, but the few times I tried have been a disaster. I have a doll, Ori, who is made up of a free head and a body that didn’t work for any others. He was dressed in an old jumper but having got quite attached to him, I’ve decided to give him a makeover, beginning with proper clothes.

So, armed with a book on sewing for complete morons, I managed to make him a shirt that actually fits, and even has some decorative embroidery!

I want to make a tunic, some boots, a cloak, arm bracers and possibly some other things (like underpants that aren’t made of old sock...). His tunic is in progress but only tacked, not sewn. I want to make decorative frogging for it too, something I’ve never done before.

This is where I am so far:

(Apologies for pixelating, but I don’t have a backdrop and the whole world doesn’t need to see my house! ^_^)

I’ve actually made three frogs that sort of match. I need to make some Chinese knot buttons.

So the full list:
1) Shirt - ✅
2) Sew tunic.
3) make frog fasteners and buttons.
4) soft leather boots
5) cloak
6) Arm bracers
7) underwear!
9) new wig?!

Hopefully this won’t end in disaster!

 

Thanks everyone! I spent ages today finishing the rest of the loop frogs, then swearing a lot at the button knots. In the end I gave up with the double green cord and decided the buttons will be gold rattail instead.

I hope to sew his tunic together properly this weekend, with some very short sleeves too.

 

So, I didn’t finish his tunic yet (the seams are rough because I’m putting decorative cord over them!). But I did make his arm guards, a leather quiver and a little leather bag. I’ve also decided to try tablet weaving a decorative belt and using a lucet to make some of the cord.

So far, I have this:

His tunic will have short sleeves, hence that messy bit with no sleeve attached! I also finished the frog fasteners and buttons, but didn’t sew them on yet. As an aside, my dad has offered to make a wooden bow for him!

What I’ve learned: leather is an absolute to work with. Especially if you’re weak, like me.


1) Shirt - ✅
2) Sew tunic.
3) make frog fasteners and buttons - ✅
4) soft leather boots
5) cloak
6) Arm bracers - ✅
7) underwear!
9) new wig?!
10) quiver and bag - done ✅
11) bow

 

Yes, I have a leather working kit. Unfortunately, I have joint problems (particularly my right wrist) so it’ll always be difficult for me.

 

Thanks. Mine was cheap so maybe I’ll try a better quality one. The one I have doesn’t seem to punch through very well, and I end up making the holes with an awl.

 

Well, a lot better since I got a new machine! I’m now able to make the basics. I’ve also managed to make some combat gear, tactical vest, a really nice quilted jacket and even a baseball cap! I don’t see as much as I’d like, but I’m happier with my skills. I never did make the outfit I’d planned at the start of this thread though.