In this chapter, you will learn to create and use your own personal croquis. A croquis, according to the “Dictionary of Fashion,” (Fairfield Books, 4th edition 2014), “In fashion illustration, refers to a rough sketch of a figure used as a base on which to show garment design ideas.”
A croquis is a valuable design tool to unleash your inner fashion designer and envision silhouettes and design elements on a scale figure illustration drawn to resemble your unique shape. When you create or download a personal croquis, you can copy it and use it over and over again.

This detailed tutorial is one video in the comprehensive Teach Yourself to Sew series.

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Teach Yourself to Sew

Judith got her first taste of sewing when she took the free lessons that came with her mother’s sewing machine purchase. Judith was 9 at the time. Soon after, she was sewing her own clothes and feeding her passion for the craft. In her Teach Yourself to Sew series, Judith shares her enduring love of sewing and her invaluable years of sewing experience.

Getting started

She starts with discussing the equipment and the essential sewing notions for anyone who sews. You’ll learn about shopping for fabrics, choosing patterns (including selecting the correct size), and planning the perfect pattern layout. From machine-sewing simple seams to inserting zippers and stitching buttonholes, Judith demonstrates the key steps to making a custom garment.

Discover methods for clean-finishing seam allowances and applying facings so all edges are neat. To add shape to garments, Judith explains how and why to sew darts, and how to gather fabric for volume. Other garment elements, such as sleeves, pockets, and elasticized waistbands, are shown in easy-to-follow video tutorials.

Advancing your skills

When you’re ready to challenge yourself further, tune in to Judith’s overview…