Wearable Muslin

who, what, when, where and why

Do you make a muslin before cutting into your favorite bit of fabric? Are you comfortable just winging it and hoping it fits?
This post is all about muslin, what it is, why we use it when to use it.  With more indie patterns released weekly, we need to talk about sizing and fit issues that may arise.

Hopefully, this post will be a reference to the most important question!

What is wearable muslin

Why make a one?

When to make a wearable muslin

You want to make a wearable muslin when using a new pattern, especially those from Indie Patterns. When using Indie Patterns (unless you’re familiar with the designer), do yourself a favor and make a wearable muslin, so you will know the actual size of the garment.

Since Indie Patterns lack governance on sizing consistency, there is no standard for the Big Box Patterns.  So, sizes will range slightly from designer to designer, ranging from small to larger than the standard patterns.  Similarly, the height of garments can vary drastically, from 4ft to 6ft, for fit models. So the adjustment of the bodice and leg length is a change.

Who makes them?

For those who want to address any fit issues before using their suitable fabrics, or those who always need to adjust significant box patterns for FBA or length, it will be to the maker’s benefit to work out those kinks first.   You also learn new techniques and ways to put the pattern together from each designer; this may reveal a shortcut or a new skill you didn’t know before. Using a muslin will allow you to practice this before your suitable fabrics, leading to sadness or regret.

I was entirely against it in the beginning, but the more I have started making garments for myself, I have learned the total benefit of the undertaking of making a muslin. Also, I now usually suggest that customers make a muslin first when switching to Indie Patterns from the Big Box.  They have come back to thank me since they realized all the patterns had an extensive range of sizing.

Where to use muslin

Wherever you want, it is up to you! With this technique, it’s entirely up to you.

You figure out what works best for you and go for it. Sewing is fun and a great way to learn new skills. You will learn something new every day in this field; it’s constantly evolving and is coming back! We are fortunate to have the resources we currently possess, as well as the knowledge gained from teachers, blogs, and our family.

Please let me know if you’d like to create a wearable muslin, and if so, how it helped you with fit or technique.

Do you like these types of blog posts?

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XOXO, Jesy