5 reasons to make a toile

Make a toile!

Come on, we know that making a toile is boring. But what a joy to make all the mistakes you'll avoid later!

1- Be sure that the garment fits well, that it hangs well. If the size is right (sleeve length, hem...)

A pattern is made according to size. In France, we generally go from 34 to 46, which is the average of the measurements collected by the designer. But we are all very different, almost no one fits exactly to the average. You may have a smaller bust, longer arms or wider shoulders...

But when you sew a pattern directly, you are sewing an "average" size.

To make a garment that you like to wear and that fits you best, you need to make a toile and check the small details that may not fit, such as the length of the sleeves, the shoulder seam or the general volume of the garment.

2- Check if the pattern is correct or not. The notches match up well, if there are all the seam allowances in the right place.

After sewing a lot of patterns, I have rarely seen one that had any errors in the pattern. Often it's missing notches, or a hem that's too short, or a slit rectangle that's missing.

All those little details that cause you problems when you start sewing, force you to stop or possibly mislead you.

I often have a problem with patterns and their sewing allowances, which are often incorrectly stated. The same goes for my choice of fabric, which will affect my hem, I need to be sure that I have enough seam allowance to make a good finish.

3- Think about the finishing touches or things you might have forgotten to think about, step by step. 

As mentioned above, the fabric will affect the finish and therefore my sewing allowances. A toile, therefore, allows me to check if the pattern gives me enough allowance.

As for the finishes, the toile allows me to test them. Despite years of sewing, I still forget how to make a fly once in a while. I have to take some time to think about the different steps. Making a toile allows me not to be stressed and to try once or twice to be sure!

It also allows me to see the order in which I will sew the garment.

4- Save money

You won't make any mistakes with your super-expensive fabric. Because you will be thinking about the finishing touches, checking the pattern and making sure the volume is right, you will not waste that beautiful fabric that you have just enough of to make your project.

You won't have to buy more fabric or go through three rounds of trial and error to get the sleeve just right.

Making a toile not only saves fabric but also time and energy. By taking the time to think through all the steps, you won't panic when it's time to put the sleeve together, simply because you've made it before!

5- Go green

Making a toile is the best way to make a garment that you will wear for a long time.

You will avoid being disappointed with your creation and throwing it away as soon as it is finished. You won't fill your wardrobe with clothes that you never wear because they fall off or are badly made.

Making a toile in sewing is a conscious process of creation to get better, not sewing, then consuming and throwing away like a packet of sweets.

Do you make a toile before starting a project? If so, tell me what it brings you!