Just getting started sewing clothes?

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the array of supplies, trims and accessories you see at the fabric store, or intimidated by the complicated look of styles in the pattern books. But there are lots of fashions that are suitable for beginners! And there's nothing like the thrill of adding something to your closet that you made yourself.

And on eBay, there's a great selection of patterns -- many of which you might find nowhere else! Here's a little advice on what to look for in the patterns you see.

Sewing separates is a great way to begin!

Often beginners assume that it's better to choose patterns for dolls' clothes as they learn thinking that smaller means easier. That's usually not the case. It's tough to sew neatly when you're struggling to align seams around small, tight curves. Then there are those tiny buttonholes, mastering all the needed attachments... an instant headache!

It's better to start with something that has longer, straight seams -- and not much else. Zippers, a basic element in most dresses, are a bit challenging for a first-timer, as are buttonholes and other closures. The best way of avoiding them is to sew something that doesn't have to go over your head!

Shorts are a popular beginner's project in sewing school -- with good reason. They're usually for casual wear, so you don't have to invest in expensive fabrics. And they don't take more than a yard, which makes them suitable for cutting from remnants in the bargain bin, or even old fabric you may have around the house. Choose a pattern with an elastic-casing waistband. They require only simple folding, pinning and stitching, and they're basic features in easy-sew fashions.

Skirts can be great, too. If you're slim, a basic "dirndl" skirt -- like a drawstring bag that's open on the bottom! -- can look nice with a belt to cover the elastic waistband. Otherwise, a wrap skirt can work well: Look for ones with a flattering A-shape and clean lines. 

Fabrics

T-shirts might be the foundation of casual attire, but they're anything but easy to sew neatly. Avoid knits for now, as well as sheer fabric or thin, light synthetics such as rayon. They bunch up too readily, which is tough to deal with when you're trying to keep your seams neat.

Cotton and cotton blends are your friends. You can usually tell by feel when you're rummaging through the remnant bin -- solid but not stretchy. Calico is easy to work with. Denim's not bad, if it's not too thick and if the style is basic and straight. Solid colors and small repeating prints are best bets. Large designs can be tricky to cut out and if the pattern doesn't match up at the seams, it's painfully obvious.

Style

Simple is good!

You want something sleeveless to start with. Summery clothes are sometimes easier because they're unlined. Making a lining is not hard in theory -- it's just a duplicate layer in lighter fabric stitched inside -- but it doubles the work, and you may not need that much grief your first time at bat.

Stitching a dart (a tapered fold that gives shape to a garment) is an easy next step as you gain practice. Making gathers (accomplished by sewing a row of large, basting stitches and pulling on the threads, ruffling the fabric) is a good technique to practice on scraps. Then your selection of do-able patterns expands.

The major pattern manufacturers -- including Simplicity, McCall's, Butterick and Vogue in the U.S. -- all include ample selections of starter designs, usually with a banner such as "Jiffy" or "Sew 'n' Go" prominently displayed.

Soon you'll be ready to enter... the ZIPPER ZONE!

That's it! Welcome to the world of sewing and patterns. You just might have found a new passion!

Check out the patterns in my store!