Whether you’re an expert seamstress or a beginner, it’s always a good idea and well worth the effort to make a muslin before sewing a garment. A muslin is essentially a practice garment made from a cheap fabric similar to the type of fabric that will be used for the real garment. Typically, you make one to check for fit as well as determine whether a style is good for your body type.
I know! I know what you’re thinking.
How am I going to find the time to sew a muslin in addition to the regular garment?!!!
But believe me. There is nothing worse than spending oodles of time and $$$ sewing the garment of your dreams only to find out it doesn’t fit or the style looks horrible on you.
It’s well worth your time to create a muslin first.
So, grab my hand, click here and come with me so I can show you how to make a muslin. You’ll be “sew” glad you did. (Ha! That “sew” thing never gets old. 🙂 )
Don’t miss the rest of the Learn to Sew Series:
Part One: Essential Sewing Tools
Part Two: Basic Sewing Machine Stitches
Part Three: Choosing Fabrics and Patterns
Part Four: How to Mark the Fabric Before You Cut
Part Five: How to Read a Sewing Pattern
In other news:
The winner of the $100.00 Joann’s Fabric gift card is:
Dawn Jones
Congratulations! Send your address to bhunting@eoni.com and I’ll get it out to you ASAP. 🙂
For more sewing and refashion inspiration click here.
The Renegade Seamstress 
You know, I’ve always been too lazy to make a muslin and there is always something that just doesn’t fit right on my finished garment…then I’m not happy and don’t wear it and have wasted good time and money. 😦
You have shown me that it’s not that difficult to make a muslin with your techniques…nor scary!
Thank you for posting this because I will make a muslin for my next project.
BTW, I’ve been enjoying your creativity…thanks for sharing it with us.
Making a muslin really does reduce the frustration of getting things to fit properly. Plus, you can see if the style works on your body type before you cut into some real fabric.
Congrats to the winner!
🙂
This is a great post. I tend to shy away from muslins but I think I will revisit. Jane
You’re so right, it’s always hard to take the time to make one, but it really is a time saver in the long run. I have to remind myself of this, too. 🙂
Beth, I’ve linked to your Learning to Sew series with my Bandi Tote pattern for those just learning to sew. I have a friend who’s dying to learn to sew because of grandbabies on the way and we just don’t have the time to connect. Your series will be a huge help.
Thanks for sharing, Mary!