Is it Possible to Totally Self Produce Clothes?

[tallguy1337]

You know, like they did in the old days of America, but of course with the same quality and style, or better?

I know its a bit far fetched, I'm just wondering if its possible to do. (A totally independent business free of other resources)

 

[VMan]

My aunt is a very talented seamstress and makes her own clothes which look professionally done.

However, it takes years of learning and practice - and even then, you might not have what it takes to hand-make a suit or something complex like that.

 

[tallguy1337]

Can you ask your aunt how long it takes her to make a simple button-down shirt?

 

[Leaveitothexperts]

I have been wondering. So I bought some educational material and I will take the plunge to try making a jacket . . . .

I am pretty sure it will be a disaster, but at least I will know what it takes/involves . . .

 

[VMan]

Originally Posted by Leaveitothexperts

I have been wondering. So I bought some educational material and I will take the plunge to try making a jacket . . . .

I am pretty sure it will be a disaster, but at least I will know what it takes/involves . . .
Good luck. It could be a fun learning experience. Do you have practice with sewing? I have always wanted to try to make an item of clothing, but got discouraged and realized that there must be a good reason that tailors can charge so much for custom clothing.

 

[adamm411]

Ha ha, this is a great thread. I actually thought you meant producing your own cotton! Truly starting from scratch.

Aren't there "patterns" or kits available where you simply cut the cloth by tracing a pattern? I think I had to sew some simple item together for a home ec class back in the day. I recall the process taking a long time: buying the right thread, cloth, actually doing the work, etc.

I have a few acquaintances that do their own t shirt printing. I haven't taken the time to actually inquire about how it's done, but I understand it's a pretty simple process. Anyone have experience with that?

Adamm

 

[Sam Hober]

Originally Posted by tallguy1337

You know, like they did in the old days of America, but of course with the same quality and style, or better?

I know its a bit far fetched, I'm just wondering if its possible to do. (A totally independent business free of other resources)


Yes.

Some of our ties use silk that start with us raising the silk worms, reeling the silk, weaving the silk - all the way through making the tie by hand.

In theory if you live in the America countryside you could do the same with wool if you had a few sheep and make your own sweaters.


It all boils down to patience and practice. You will usually not save money making your own clothes if you factor in your time (learning and making).

So it needs to be a fun project like making a wooden ship model.

 

[tallguy1337]

Originally Posted by adamm411

Ha ha, this is a great thread. I actually thought you meant producing your own cotton!
Adamm

I did.

 

[adamm411]

Of course it's possible. Craftsmen and farmers were doing this for centuries. It depends on whether you want to invest that much time in it.

 

[masqueofhastur]

By hand or with machinery? You might have low overhead costs if you try to buy some stuff at flea markets for spinning wool or cotton. A loom might be more difficult, knitted sweaters would obviously be MUCH easier to do.