Your first garment

Choose a simple pattern, prepare the fabric and make an elastic-waist skirt or shorts.

Who it's for
People who can sew a straight seam and want to make something to wear.

1. Pick an easy pattern
   Look for "beginner" patterns with few pieces, an elastic waist and no zip.
2. Choose a stable woven
   Medium-weight cotton, chambray or linen-look viscose blends are easier than slippery or stretchy fabrics.
   US fabric shops
3. Prewash and straighten the grain
   So it fits after the first wash.
   Prewashing and grain
4. Measure yourself, then pick the size
   Use the pattern's body measurements chart, not your shop size.
5. Cut on grain
   Line up the grainline arrow with the selvedge before you pin.
6. Sew and finish the seams
   0.6 in (1.5 cm) seam allowance unless your pattern says otherwise; zigzag the edges.
   Seam finishes
7. Press every seam
   Before crossing it with another one.
   Pressing
8. Hem it
   Try it on, pin the length, then a double-fold hem.
   Double-fold hem

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Tilly and the Buttons: how to hem (Miette)
2. Sewing.org: preparing to sew (PDF)
3. Ourlette: prewashing fabric