hi i would like to start making my daughters cozzies as Iam finding it too expensive to pay out all the time to designers. The thing is i dont know where to start! I am an ok sewer but iam afraid I will just mess it up! does anyone have any advice or tips of where to start? something quite simple so I can progress. Jane

Hi Jane,
I am in exactly the same position as you! I have got a sewing machine and an overlocker and I'm going to attempt a slow costume for my daughter in time for Butlins in October. Ther are lots of really helpful people on here so keep asking questions and you should get some help.Good Luck and let us know how you get on.
Charlotte xx

start with a very bacic base you can always jazz it up later with trimmings. cheet a bit and use and existing cossie or two as a pattern and have a really close look at how they are made you will be surprised.

keep on the hunt and have a box for useful finds and bargin bins especially trims hair bits etc they will always come in handy eventually

you will need a bullet point needle for lycra i just went and asked for needles for lycra and got the right thing made a huge difference.

by some really cheep lycra to practise on. My local market has some really awful patterns at £1.99 a meter but it was a great start to play with

have fun and relax you will find everyone you make will get better and better!!

hi,
if you are worried about getting the shape right, try making a full size template using an old sheet or something. that way you can mess about a bit 1st and it wont matter.
you could always buy a basic plain all-in-one or a two piece and jazz that up with chiffon or applicae (sp?) that you can buy.
hope this helps.
sharon

Hi there, practice makes perfect! Like you I didnt know where to start & guess what? I'm now on my 48th costume as we speak. Using the cheap lycra to mess around with is a great idea (didn't realise anyone else did this apart from me!) Use a ball point needle for sewin lycra and remember to slightly stretch the lycra while you are stitching (as you stretch the lycra to put it on and the stitching could burst!)

Most of all have fun & happy sewin

Luv Tina

Hi jane, to start making your cozzies, i would suggest using basic leotard or catsuit patterns as a template. i also think an overlocker is a must and wouldn't be without mine as it gives you such a nice finish, you don't have to buy the most expensive ones on the market. Once you are more confident you will find you can make your own patterns.Don't be afraid to experiment with your designs and fabrics. June

Hi ya Jane,

Glad to see you're gonna have a go and cossie making.

I don't use patterns as such, but use my daughters clothes to cut around. An old T-shirt that still fits make a great pattern
for a top. Lay it flat on your fabric- turned inside out, and adapt from there. If you don't want sleeves just tuck them away while you cut around it. Leave enough fabric around the edges for heming-about 2cms-tack together with a zig-zag stitch. If you don't have a stretch stitch on your machine you can use a medium zig-zag which will hold seams together fine.

Use cheap lycra to start with, two way stretch is best. Keep the design classic but simple, two piece probably be easiler to begin with. Play about with scraps of lycra- stretch it to curl for tassels etc., always do a final fitting before sewing up for good.

Good Luck,let me know how you get on and what you intend to make.
Holly

hi. my name is kerry johnson and im a costume designer in the north my business is called mya design. here is a few pointers
1.test on cheap lycra first
2. make sure your fabric has a two way streach or it will be a nightmare.
3. start basic flared pants off the shoulder top
4. im sure your child has clothing simular to what you want to make so copy the pattern from that.
5.finaly good luck you will make mistakes i know i did and ive got a BA HONS FASHION DEGREE if you need anymore help or advice on armbands,floaty bits or anything dont hesitate to contact me.
GOOD LUCK!!!

Dont forget when you are working with lycra you need to make the pattern smaller so that it streches on. Make the basic outfit then play around with different things to get the look you want with the accessories.
PM for any more info

Mikki
devilish designs

hi,
can anyone tell me please, when making the belts you see on costumes, how do you stiffen them. do you leave them 'soft', stitch them on wide elastic, or use an iron on inerface? any advice would be appreciated.
thanks
sharon

hiya, some fab advice here,think the most important thing is to get the cutting out bit right and use the right needles and if using chiffon, to get the rolled hem , roll a small hem with your fingers as you go and pull through using zigzag stitch if you dont have an overlocker and make sure one side of the stitch drops outside the chiffon and the other stays on the chiffon this will give you the fluted effect and neat finish,good luck.

louise x

OH!!AND DONT THROW ANYTHING AWAY IT ALL COMES IN HANDY!!!!

Thanks for all the advice. You have all really helped me lots! Jane x

Hi
when I was dancing, I made my own costumes and here are some tips on how to cheat:
Try buying a plain costume and customising it yourself, you'll be suprised how different it can look with a little thought!
Also, always keep your eyes open when shopping. I once found a shop selling long sleeve, high neck body suits in stretch lace for £1.99. These are already the right shape, you just cut out the bits you want, (sleeves, pants etc) and attatch it over the top of the suit you have.
Remember that great design does not just come down to more stones=better costume. Think of exciting shapes that can be made using different fabrics, cut outs or trim. Take inspiration from costumes you have seen and adapt them to your own design.
Good luck and I bet you come uo with something amazing!

Hiya, Re: Sharon, I use elastic in all belts, bands, hair wraps etc! Just get the width of elastic you need and cover it with the fabric

Luv Tina

Hiya,

Thankyou for all of the advice!!

Im sure its not just me and jane who appreciate it to

Jane is going to have a shot at making my daughter and her daughters rock and roll costumes what a STAR!!!

Love Jan ( heidis mum ) xxxx

Hi

Good luck with making your costumes. I agree that sometimes it is so expensive to have them made . I have thought about having go making my own cozzies but lack the confidence. Let me know how you get on.

Jenny

hi,
i started about 6 months ago making costumes, the best advice i can give is get a leotard or pair of dance pants that fit really nicely and cut a pattern off them. make a basic design and add plenty of floaty bits.

to make all those dangly chiffon things all you have to do is cut strips of power net or chiffon and edge then with a rolled hem on the overlocker with the blade off. if you stretch it at the same time it gives a fantastic finish.

also remember to put a safety seam on your pants in a stretch zig zag just in case.

if you need any more help let me know

Hi i am also in the same position of starting to make cozzies.

i did not know about the bullet point needle tho so i will try it thanx,

My daughter is starting to design her own costumes (she is 11) and together we made her a great street outfit for mablethorpe.

I am going to try cheap lycra first lol

luv Tats
xxx

Before my mother died she used to run ashop in the `80`s and early 90`s called `sequin city` which was very successful. I used to help design and make outfits...if you want to send me a drawing of your ideas or just your daughters likes and dislikes and a description of previous outfits I will be happy to help you and advise you on making it....I am a photographer now so this is on the house......used to be a dancer.cydara@aol.com if you want to let me know.

Some great advice there.... how do I go about cutting & sewing chiffon and edging it?

Claire's mum (Please pm me - thanks)

Hiya

Good luck to everyone who is thinking of making their kids cozzies!!!
I would not have a clue on how to get started so im sorry that i cant help you. I cant even stitch in a straight line and that is no joke. I wish i could as it would save me a fortune

loadza luv

natalie
xXxXx

hi
i know this is supposed to be for parents only but i just thought i would say my mum makes my costumes and like some of the other mums word got around and now she makes most of our dance schools.
she also makes up patterns first and in case shes worried about trying something new she trys it on scrap bits of lycra.

good luck makeing the costumes to everyone!!
Helen xxx

Hiya,

I think a post
like this should be
made a sticky,
everybody would
use.. and view this!!

I think it would be really helpful!

Love heidi xxxx

I want to wish you the best of luck with making a costume for your daughter, I have been down that road and made a few costumes in my time but I got fed up trying to keep up to date with the different styles etc that I have went back to shop made, must be mad

Hello to you all. My girls have just started disco/RnR/street (12months)and I have made all their costumes for them, as yet they are quite plain as they are both still only pre bronze but I can forsee lots of glitter on its way. I am quite lucky as I run my own business making leotards etc for local gym clubs and have now started making 2/3 piece plain outfits for people at the dance club as they are finding them soo expensive to buy from specialist shops and most have more than one child, another string to my bow!!(PS I notice that there are no plain items on the sales postings any reasons???). If you need any help with sewing I'll always be at hand to advise, and also of where to buy cheaper materials - Ebay is a good place to start.