Why and How to Make a Toile

A toile or sample garment is a practice run in inexpensive fabric and sewers often wonder whether or not to make one. In this video I'll talk you through the instances when you might like to consider making one (it isn't always as important/useful for some projects) and the benefits of making one. I also share tips for making the process quicker, but still finding out the information you need. I highlight the areas you need to mark on the toile and give suggestions for how to work out what alterations you might need for a better fit and how to transfer any alterations you make in the toile to your sewing pattern.

I also try to explain that although making a toile might seem boring or a nuisance that gets in the way of you starting sewing, if viewed the right way it can actually be a really fun process. By giving yourself the chance to make mistakes at the toile stage and experiment you will learn so much about fit and construction and that allowing yourself the opportunity to make mistakes is an important part of the creative process. If you can give yourself chance to embrace a trial and error approach you can learn so much. As always everything I mention in the video is available on our website and you can find links below.

00:00 Introduction
00:56 What is a toile and why might I make one?
03:46 How to make a toile
12:22 How to use the toile
21:11 Using your toile to adapt your pattern pieces
31:58 Conculsion

► Sew Essential https://www.sewessential.co.uk/

► Palmer Pletsch Complete Guide to Fitting book https://www.sewessential.co.uk/the-pa...

► Calico fabric (the one in the video is unbleached) https://www.sewessential.co.uk/fabric...

► Pattern, tracing and carbon paper https://www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...

► Marker pens and pencils https://www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...

► Pattern drafting tools - rulers etc https://www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...

► Prym cutting mat https://www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...

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