Kwik Sew?

Question

Hey all,I've stuck with mostly patterns from the Big 4, but I was browsing aroundon Kwik Sew's site and saw some patterns I kinda liked. How are they tosew? What other smaller pattern co.s have fun and interesting stuff forthe 30-something crowd? I saw some Jalie patterns I like but haven't foundthem anywhere locally to buy. I suppose I can buy them online but it wouldbe nice to have some feedback on the fit and quality of the directions.##-----------------------------------------------##Delivered via   Community of the NetWeb and RSS access to your favorite newsgroup -  - 30029 messages and counting!##-----------------------------------------------##

Kate XXXXXX · Accepted Answer

Kwick Sew are usually fairly straight forward, with good instructions. But do be aware that they OFTEN have much narrower seam allowances than the traditional 5/8" or 15mm. Read carefully and check, adding a wider allowance if you like one, where needed.

I have a host of smaller companies bookmarked. as most are in the USA, I tend to buy on line. It's never been a problem. What sort of clothes are you looking for? This will determine which pattern companies I feed you! No point in sending you to look for historical or swimwear if you want business suits... ;)

Sarah Dale · Answer

Check out  for lots of online reviews of particular patterns - should give you some good ideas as to what people think of the particular companies that produce them.I've not used or seen Jalie patterns, but I've heard good things (on this group) about them.HTH, Sarah

larisavann · Answer

is a GREAT site and you can look through LOTS ofreviews!!I had never sewn anything by Kwik Sew either and went based on thereviews posted there.  I have a bra pattern as well as a pattern forpanties and one for children's accessories.  SO far, I've only donethe panties, and following a review posted there, made them from old t-shirts!  The directions were fairly easy to follow and they turned outgreat!!

firecracker · Answer

firecracker had written this in response to

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:Thanks everybody. I usually sew business-casual and casual clothes, anddresses. Stuff I can wear. Sometimes kid clothes as gifts for friends. I'll check out the review site, thanks!

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trisha f · Answer

The baby and infant patterns run large. I made a nightgown in a 0-3 month size and my grandson, now 4 months old, is just fitting into it while in RTW he's wearing a 6-9 month.

I have used 2 of the bra patterns and really like the second one but both require some alteration to make them fit my lopsided figure.

Another lingerie site...

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BEI Design · Answer

Pattern sizing is not even remotely comparable to Ready To Wear sizing, and has not been for many years. True for kids, and especially true for adult women. Always measure the actual body you're sewing for.

Beverly

trisha f · Answer

I think that is true for ALL patterns, not just Kwik Sew. While RTW garment sizing has changed so that what was once a 12 is now an 8, the sizing of the patterns hasn't followed suit. As sizes get larger, it takes more of a variation in measurements to go up or down one size, but even with a 20-pound leeway, I wear a 20-22 in RTW and a 28 in some patterns. I agree that measuring the body and not having a heart attack at what the size says is the best thing to do.

Trisha in MO

BEI Design · Answer

While I was responding in a thread about KwikSew patterns, my comments were general ("Pattern sizing...") and apply to all commercial patterns AFAICT. In the sixties, I wore size

10 RTW and bought size 12 patterns. Then the entire pattern industry initiated "new sizing" and for a while the RTW and pattern sizing were similar and I bought size 10 patterns. Soon after, the sizes began to drift apart again, with patterns measurements staying the same and RTW going increasingly for "vanity" sizing. An 'adult' woman wears size "0" RTW??? Give me a break!

Beverly

Pogonip · Answer

RTW sizes also depend on the cost of the item.  The more expensive the garment, the smaller the marked size.

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