Replies

1. 
   FitnessNut | Mar 21, 2006 04:15pm | #1

   Its really up to you how far you go with muslin construction. I always put zippers in because I find it easier to evaluate fit that way. I don't bother with some details like pockets (I just mark them on with pen unless there is some reason that I should practice making them), but always do others such as collars. Sometimes I skip the sleeves and sometimes I just put one in, unless there is something unusual about them. I never finish edges such as sleeveless or collarless necklines - I simply sew along the finished seamline and press it under. I pin or machine baste hems. You have to do what works for you and it may take some experimentation before you figure out exactly what that is. Just keep in mind that the time/effort involved in rarely wasted.

1. 
   Rosiem | Mar 21, 2006 04:33pm | #2

   Thanks so much for your helpful answer. I'm off to sew - everyone have a great day.

   Rosie

2. 
   jibgirl | Mar 22, 2006 12:28am | #3

   I use my muslins to work out/practice the techniques I need to use on a new pattern.  Typically, I do every step except the hems and buttonholes/buttons.  That way, I am very comfortable when I get to my real fabric. 

3. 
   Guenevere | Mar 27, 2006 11:40am | #7

   [FitnessNut's post... "Its really up to you how far you go with muslin construction. I always put zippers in because I find it easier to evaluate fit that way. I don't bother with some details like pockets (I just mark them on with pen unless there is some reason that I should practice making them), but always do others such as collars. Sometimes I skip the sleeves and sometimes I just put one in, unless there is something unusual about them. I never finish edges such as sleeveless or collarless necklines - I simply sew along the finished seamline and press it under. I pin or machine baste hems. You have to do what works for you and it may take some experimentation before you figure out exactly what that is. Just keep in mind that the time/effort involved in rarely wasted."]I would definitely agree with everything FitnessNut said in this post! Zippers are important and it gives me a chance to use those zippers in odd colors I've had laying around for way too long. I think the most important part of a muslin is the part you are questionable about, that is the part you are not sure of so that's one of the reasons you're doing a muslin in the first place. If there's an odd hem or something you haven't done before then incorporate that into your muslin so you can practice.

1. 
   cafms | Mar 27, 2006 07:45pm | #8

   I like to put in both sleeves so that I can check how much movement I have in the garment.    The body could fit nicely but you may not be able to move once the sleeves are in place. You can also check if the hemline will be in a flattering place or if the elbow will bend in the right part of the sleeve. I like to find this out before it's too late on new patterns.

1. 
   Teaf5 | Apr 08, 2006 12:48am | #9

   For garments that will require major alterations, I construct only as far as I need to in order to figure out the fitting problem, and I try to use a fabric with the same qualities as the fabric I've chosen. If I put in a zipper, I use a very long basting stitch so that I can remove it after I've made the changes; I can't bear the thought of throwing away a perfectly good zipper!However, when I'm trying a completely new style, or if I have to make a second muslim because of so many changes to the first, I like to make it out of clearanced fabric that looks fairly decent on its own. Then I finish it and wear it, enjoying two versions of the new garment. Sometimes I get just as many compliments on the test garment as I do on the "real" one!

1. 
   cafms | Apr 08, 2006 04:15am | #10

   Me too.  My muslins usually are worn a lot.  It has happened that that's about as far as I get with the pattern, too.

2. 
   sueb | Mar 22, 2006 12:55pm | #4

   I just took a pants fitting class with Sandra Betzina yesterday and she had us put the zipper in.  We left out the pockets and the waistband and did all the fitting with just the zipper in.   It was a great class by the way and I highly recommend taking one with her if she gets to your area.  I would have never thought to do some of the pattern changes tht she had me do to get a perfect fitting pair of pants.

    

    

3. 
   SewNancy | Mar 22, 2006 04:17pm | #5

   It depends on the pattern. On a jacket I don't add details or facing, or even collars, sometimes I put in the sleeve. In pants, because I like to sew contour waist pants I put in zipper and I interface one side of the waistband. This I find more accurate. If I was sewing a pants pattern with a waistband I probbly wouldn't.
   Nancy

4. 
   myca99 | Mar 25, 2006 01:11am | #6

   I've been sewing about a year, so I do the whole garment in muslin before I invest in fabric.  I do it mostly to assure myself that the order of construction is right or to tackle a detail or trim I've never tried before.  That way, when I do invest in fabric, I've isolated the unknowns to variables in the fabric, not the construction. 

   -Michele-