I wanted to try it out since I can never find what I want how I want in a store. I decided to start with a simple burda coat but I'm having problems figuring out sizing :lol: :shock: great start i know. anyone ever use a burda pattern before?

Burda has a great site on line, I'm sure it would answer your questions

http://www.burdastyle.com/?gclid=CLe...FQObFQodqSZY9A

if you scroll down there is a place to find a size chart :wink: it converts cm to inches.. for sizes

yeah i've been a member for awhile and tried that. doesn't seem like anyone is willing to help there. further proves we have an awesome group of people here though :-)

I've done quite a bit of sewing. Everything from casual shorts to Wedding gowns, but I can't said that I've ever used a Burda pattern. Is it just size conversion you're needing or what in specific.. I'd be happy to help if I can.

It says to go by bust size for the jacket which is fine and dandy but when i looked over the pieces the main front piece says my bust size finishes at a smaller size then the other part of the pattern states i'd be. I was going to cut out at 8 but it's saying on that pattern piece i'd be a 6. burda doesn't seem to have much by way of troubleshooting that i've found on-line. what do you think?

Aww man Ruth the chart you linked to gives me yet another size-4! Yikes! Maybe I'm not ment to make clothes!! grrr i will persevere!!! i will have my pretty blue twill spring coat!

I am pretty sure the burda patterns don't have instructions in the envelope. I think that you should start with a different pattern company. The simplicity company has redone thier patterns to make them better and easiler to use. I love the mcCall and butterick patterns the best because they have more detail to them. The way you determine your apttern size is by measuring youself carefully in the areas that are required for the garment you are making. Now, remember the patterns are standardized. You might have to alter the pattern slightly for it to fit you well. Just take a tape measure to the height and width of the pattern and make small adjustments to it. Remember to figure in ease so you can move it it right.

Well, there is a little bit of a learning curve to anything, right? Just don't buy a pattern that is too advanced to start out. Keep it simple lines and I think you will do fine. Don't forget to check the pattern for any notions or thread that you need to make it and get them while you are there at the fabric store. Give yourself time, don't rush it. I finally broke down and bought an adjustable maniquin to work with. I love it!

Oh Red i had a number of patterns picked out ahead of time so i could run into joann's and run out--YEAH RIGHT!!! LOL! They had none! None! of the ones I wanted! There were no coat patterns to speak of! Craziness i tell you. I had a mc call's that i put back cuz it was $10. This one was $7. Maybe I should go back for the mc call's!

I haven't used a Burda pattern, so can't help you there. However, I heartily recommend Pattern Review.com for help with sewing clothing. Burda patterns are discussed there and everyone is very friendly and helpful. Heres the link:http://sewing.patternreview.com/news

oh boy i tried that site too and--of course--my pattern hasn't been reviewed. Egads! I sure can pick them!!! :lol: :lol: :wink:

I have found when I buy patterns that I can't go by the size. I have to go by the measurements. I wear a size 12-14 and the patterns show I wear an 18-20!! I usually buy the McCalls, Simplicity or the Butterick. I wait til Joann Fabrics or Hancock have them for the 99cent. Then I get what I think I want. Sometimes there is a limit to 5 or 10. I would rather pay a buck and be out that then the $15-$20 they have stamped on the package.

Barb

As for sizing, I would use my high bust measurement to choose the size. Measure your chest just under the armpits and above the bust. This will give a better fit through the upper chest and shoulders. A garment like a coat generally has lots of ease. Depending on your bust measurement, you may not have to make any alterations. Generally, a full bust alteration is easier than having to alter the upper chest area which can affect the neckline, shoulder and armscye.

Can you post a link to the pattern? Maybe we could be more helpful.

http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-...atternid=26720 view A--the one only given in the line drawing.

I've done a lot of sewing clothes, I have some Burda patterns but have never used them, because I'm too lazy to add the seam allowance. They are older ones, and I think I read somewhere that they now have the seam allowance added. The measurements are the most important. PM me if you need some help and I'll see if I can help.

i was/am a custom dressmaker for a loooong time(now only when i feel like it).

burda is not a good choice for a beginner. it has very strange shapes. look for a pattern company that offers instructions for size changes. if you are a size 8 bust and a size 10 shoulder, you need help making that change, especially if the neck opening is too large or small. there is no beginner that knows how to decrease a collar neck size. on bottoms, hips and waists need change instructions. many of the european pattern companies don't give any. if there is a set-in sleeve, that adjustment is not as easy as it may sound.

telling a learner to buy for the high bust and increase for the full bust is absurd. most of the time they don't even know what that means.

start with a pattern that has no set-in sleeve and a neckline that has no collar. either a boatneck or u-neck is perfect. something loosely fitted , but with some little bit of fitting is a good start. look for side slits, a good learning technique. knits are easier to fit, but harder to handle. you should preferably use a serger with knits and be very careful about cutting. don't let it roll up. if you use slippery fabric, use a walking foot.

soooo........start easy, but with one or two lessons in mind for yourself. buy inexpensive fabric and be prepared to make a mistake or two. stay away from stripes and plaids. don't beat yourself up over it. take your time and don't do it when you're tired.

each time you make something you'll learn something new and your confidence will build. or, you may decide you hate it and it isn't for you. big deal. no one has to do everything.

VERY IMPORTANT: learn what your machine will do for you. will it blindstitch? overcast or zigzag? roll an edge?

believe me, you can do it. if you decide to go ahead and you run into problems, you can pm me and i'll try to help you out long distance.

I tried a Burda pattern a while ago and found it to be more challenging than it's worth. As far as size goes, what is the pattern (if you posted, I missed it)? Is the garment supposed to be loose-fitting or tight fitting?

All right I am officially giving up on the burda. From all your wonderful help here and my mom's insight it's not something to start with. Eventually I want to make this one http://www.butterick.com/item/B4463....h=b4463&page=1 but I will find something easier to start with. I tend to forget I'm a newbie and not all that advanced when I pick projects :oops: eventually i will make me a cute coat though!

i tried that site and it's a good site. did you look at the photos? on the burda tops, there isn't one that fits right. the set-in sleeves are not smooth and most are wrong-sized. some of that can be attributed to the sewer, but some to the lack of fitting instructions. IMHO. i have found that burda is generally oversized and the inclination is to take it in too much.

yikes that would mean a lot of the free patterns i've downloaded from burdastyle will probably have the same problems.

try this, it's a good beginning:
http://www.kwiksew.com

yep! sorry.

If you are new to clothing, I would start with an easy pattern- say pajamas. I think either Simplicity or Butterick ( can't remember which one) has a line of real easy, quick patterns. Clothing is way different than quilting. Darts, adjustments for differing body measurements, pleats,gathers, etc. Also, if you really want to learn, get a good book. And check your local PBS station to see when Sewing With Nancy comes on. She taught last week how to resize patterns. Very helpful.

Be sure to take your measurements before you buy your pattern.

Ready-to-wear sizing and pattern sizes are sometimes different.

Also, read the size descriptions at the back (I think) of the pattern catalog.

The suggestions to try something easy to start with are very good.

Another of my Mom's quotes: "Nothing succeeeds like success."

Which is why I like making quilts - almost any size can be used for something. :-)

If you have a consistent fitting problem with ready-to-wear, you will probably need to make some adjustment to your pattern for that same thing.

Also, patterns are drafted for a B-cup breast.

Here baby girl...start with these to learn the basics...they're about the easiest to learn with. If ya need help give ma berry a call. Huggers! (Use the bottom scroll bar on the page for the patterns)


http://www.sewingpatterns.com/index-itssoeasy.html


they have a wide variety of things to pick from too :)

OOh boy I have quite the few links to browse through now! I don't think dinner is a necessity.... everyone is old enough to fend for themselves lol! i did all the hard work! Thanks to everyone for helping a gal out!

http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...idence+book.do

You may be interested in this book and video. I watched it on TV this afternoon and it is very informative. I plan to get the set soon myself.

The one and only Burda that I used was for a bridesmaid dress for my neice's wedding. It was awful! No seam allowances and I had to completely raise the shoulders for it to fit the girl it was for. I would never use one again! I love Butterick, second choice Simplicity, for clothes patterns. And yes, get them when they are on sale. Might there be a sewing class at your local high school or college that you could drop in on and ask for help?

never, ever pay full price for patterns. go yo joann's.

if you can't find a $.99 sale, use the $1.99 patterns. they are all easy.

yeah i just missed the 99cent sale. gonna have to wait for the next one!

Did you say you bought the pattern already? If so, you can CAREFULLY pin it together and try it on. It will be only one-sided unless you make a second tissue front side to make it whole. But you can see if if is even close to the right size in that way. Many women who sew make a muslin up before cutting into the fashion fabric. That way you know if it needs altering. You don't have to put the facings onto the mock up. Just see if it is the right sleeve length and width and that it has enough ease in the back area to feel good wearing it. A biggy with me is that the bust seam line hits in the right place.

I love the one you chose. Very runway chic! Yet a classic.

Butterick Patterns are my favorite, then Vogue.. Butterick is actually made by Vogue.. Their directions are the absolute best in my opinion. And I watch for the 99 cent sales.. I just got 10 patterns for authentic renaissance and colonial patterns.. some of which were originally 15 dollars or more EACH. Good luck.. seems like you got lots of good sites and advice going.

Yes, Butterick, McCall and Vogue are all part of the same company. I haven't had trouble with any of those. If you want to make a coat, look at McCall or Butterick or Simplicity or New Look. They all have some simple coats and very good step-by-step illustrations.

Commercial patterns are sized totally differently than store-bought clothing. I wear a size 6-8 in clothing from the store and a 12 in most commercial patterns. What you really need to look at is the "finished garment measurements" listed on the pattern pieces. They are usually found at the bust, waist and hip. If you don't see the waist or hip measurement on the front pieces, look on the back pieces. Remember that these are finished sizes. You want enough ease in them to move comfortably and not be skin-tight, especially for a jacket.

I also use the Pattern Review forum. There's a lot of good information there.

So I got the pattern I wanted in the mail today! It was out of print but yay ebay!! And cheap!! I'm going to do a muslin first as a practice. My mom called dibs on it--she wants to use it as a foundation piece for a patchwork jacket. I say ummm Happy Mother's Day mom!!! This is the one I am gonna do...http://www.butterick.com/item/B4463....h=b4463&page=1 the blue checkered drawing on the far right. Very simple :) Again thanks for everyone that put in their experienced opinions--I really appreciate the help!!! Youse guys are great!

May I suggest that you have someone else measure you for your patterns. Every time you measure yourself, you end up with a mis measure. Sounds like your mom has some experience and it will keep you from buying the wrong size.

Then use your pins to pin the pattern together to help you measure it for any adjustments.

It's not easy to start clothing construction from no experience to such a pattern, but take your time, mark your pattern, and go with the grain!
Good luck, you'll make it!!!

Quite different from your original pick! This pattern is simple, but boxy. The original was more fitted , with princess seams (which I love for my figure) and the seamed sleeve. I agree that Burda is not a good choice for an inexperienced seamstress. I like this jacket. Especially the belted view. I liked hearing that your Mom sews and that she can help you with fitting. Like quilting, sewing garments is an art. Rare is the pattern that fits right out of the envelope. I can't wait to see your jacket!

Yeah it is a little different then the other pattern :wink: But I am going to do a muslin mock up first and I want to try to add 3 small pleats to the back yoke seam and I want to add a faux button strap just in the back for decorative purposes and to add more BUTTONS!!!!! I'm off tomorrow and plan on working on that and possibly a quilting WIP so I can post a *gasp* f****ed project!

Adyldrop, I agree with RedGarnet....go with Simplicity, McCall's, or Butterick. They are all good companies, and all of them have patterns geared for any level of sewing. (I had tried Burda patterns years ago, but did not like them for same problems you are running into.)

And costwise, have you tried Walmart? I know many of their stores have opted out of the fabric departments, but those that have them yet do carry Simplicity and McCall's patterns. They run anywhere from around $6 to $7 in the pattern books, or if purchased from the revolving racks, are $1.99. (At least that's what I've found here in our Walmart in Worthington, MN. The fabric department has downsized, but at least they still have one!)

Hope this helps!

Joanne

P.S. I miss JoAnn's...We did have one until Walmart moved in!

:D Oh hey that is one pretty coat. Take your time with it and enjoy each step. If you are unsure about anything, practice on something else first. Then you will feel more confident working on your project. Make sure you use a topstitching thread and a good sharp needle when ou get to that part. It makes a difference.

I am very excited to see your new coat. This is way cool, a new designer! I like your ideas to make the pattern your own. I do that all the time. There is a thread over at the pattern review site that talks about making home sewn clothing look more like "store-bought". It is a good thread, if you have time to read it.

Most of all.... Have fun with it! Nobody dies if it isn't just perfect.

Stick with the Burda patterns. Once you get onto how to use them, you will love them. They always have very nice styles and the fit is good on them. I usually make paper pattern pieces in my size so that it is not too confusing. Do all your adjustments for waist length and whatever other adjustments you need before cutting out the patterns. I always keep the main pattern page without cutting into it so that I have it to keep for another outfit. Read over the instructions as many times as you need to so that you understand the sequence of sewing before you even start. I just finished sewing some baby outfits for two new grand-children and they turned out very well. These particular outfits weren't very complicated but I have made some of their more complicated designs and had good luck with them, Do read the pattern pieces carefully as they seem to put a lot of important information right on the pattern. Take it step by step and you will do fine!!