garments for a boy learning to sew

[mek42]

I understand skirts are the suggested beginner garment, but I'm not sure if I'm man enough to wear a kilt on a regular basis. Not to mention it's going to be getting cold when I might try my hand at sewing again* and I am man enough to have gone regimental when I have infrequently worn a kilt.

Anyhow, should I start by trying to make pants or a shirt?

Thanks!

* I'd be thinking to plug the machine in again after I get laid off, likely this fall.

[TigerGirl1226]

The first thing I learned to sew as a child was a pair of sleep shorts that could be used as boxers. Pretty easy with the elastic waist. Good luck!

[monkeywrangler71]

Try shorts or pyjama pants. I sew terribly, but make all my kids' pyjamas.

Shirts are hard.

[frugalwarrior2]

Pants and shirts are almost last just before tailored jackets.
A shop apron for tools is easy. (use canvas)
Ties are not too hard ( no slippery silk though)
A bathrobe is simple.
Pajama bottoms (no zipper like pants)
A gardening tool pouch (use denim)

Don't get material that needs a pattern matched. The fabric stores will have an easy to sew section. Pattern books too.

[daughter of pearl]

I'd say sleep shorts, although some men can really rock a sarong...just saying!

[frugalfranny]

Anyhow, should I start by trying to make pants or a shirt?
.

I would suggest pants.......with an elastic waist......like sleep pants......or sleep shorts for the first project. They are pretty easy. When you start making pants with a zipper it gets a little trickier.

A shirt can be real tricky with the collar, cuffs, buttonholes...........wouldn't try that for awhile.

[Lady_V]

pj shorts or lounge pants... in case you haven't heard that idea yet

[ladykemma2]

you belong to the SCA? i would say - get someone in the sca - a laurel- to teach you how to sew.

[Liane]

Joann's also offers sewing classes. The prices are reasonable and in June they have a half off day where the price of classes is half off. Check the website. They have day and evening classes. My dd and I are taking two this Summer. I used to sew by hand and have recently started using a machine. Currently I do not use patterns. I made dd a dress, several Halloween costumes and a skirt. For myself, so far I made a poncho. When it comes to my machine, it can be intimidating but it is quicker than hand sewing.

[Michelle]

Definitely lounge pants (pj pants) or shorts w/an elastic waist as others have said.

If you're looking for easy patterns, I highly recommend Kwik Sew. They're great, and they even have a line of "Learn to Sew" patterns too. :sew:

[shoiji]

You could also try making cloth napkins. I used a new flat sheet that I was not using and cut it up. You can turn over the edges and sew. Would be a very easy and simple project to get used to cutting, ironing, pinning, and sewing.

[mek42]

you belong to the SCA? i would say - get someone in the sca - a laurel- to teach you how to sew.

We aren't active now and haven't been for a few years. I kinda dropped out when I became un-oblivious to some really catty politics. Having said that, I do have a couple friends from the group I still talk with that I could ask - not laurels, but they do look snazzy.

Pants and shirts are almost last just before tailored jackets.
A shop apron for tools is easy. (use canvas)
Ties are not too hard ( no slippery silk though)
A bathrobe is simple.
Pajama bottoms (no zipper like pants)
A gardening tool pouch (use denim)

Don't get material that needs a pattern matched. The fabric stores will have an easy to sew section. Pattern books too.

TYVM for shop apron idea. Perfect suggestion as I just bought second hand an old Stanley 104 block plane that is perfect size for an apron pocket.

Definitely lounge pants (pj pants) or shorts w/an elastic waist as others have said.

If you're looking for easy patterns, I highly recommend Kwik Sew. They're great, and they even have a line of "Learn to Sew" patterns too. :sew:

If I'm planning to wear a shirt not tucked in, covering the waist, would it work to put belt loops on an elastic waist pant? If I want to add cargo pockets, they go on after the side seams but before the crotch seam, right?

For that matter, is a tie-waist more or less equivalent to an elastic waist in terms of construction?

I think I have a KwikSew pattern for cargo pants. I don't think I'd be frustrated so much by the fly (would button fly be easier than zipper?) so much as that dreaded crotch curve.

You could also try making cloth napkins. I used a new flat sheet that I was not using and cut it up. You can turn over the edges and sew. Would be a very easy and simple project to get used to cutting, ironing, pinning, and sewing.

In July, when my summer class ends, I'm planning to cut up some muslin to make reusable swiffer cloths for my wife. This might be a good way to get re-acquainted with my poor, neglected Pfaff.

Thanks for all of the replies and I'll be happy to read more.

[frugalwarrior2]

If I beg you NOT to add belt loops to elastic waist pants would you at least run that by the wife??

On the cargo pockets- I have seen both. Beginners usually make square pockets to sew on assembled. You do the top first. 1/4" under, then usually about 1/2". Now do the sides.Iron not sew. Then sew all sides on leaving the top open.
I would seriously sit at the pattern table and pick a few patterns that say easy. Open the patterns and peek at the inserts.A lot of things will snap into place.

[monkeywrangler71]

If I'm planning to wear a shirt not tucked in, covering the waist, would it work to put belt loops on an elastic waist pant?

Your age says '35', is that an error? Is it supposed to say '95'? Because that is the only way that this would be acceptable .

[frugalwarrior2]

Monkeywrangler you sure don't beat around the bush.lol
I just got this image of white socks and sandles to go w/ or maybe the suspenders to go thru the belts loops. Preferably in a loud print of stretchy knits.