What is Couture Sewing?

What You Will Learn

There’s no doubt about it: couture clothing is the most exquisite clothing in the world. It’s made from the finest material, features the most intricate designs, and is perfectly sized and stitched to create a simply stunning finished product. It’s almost impossible to think of all of the hard work that goes into creating couture clothing; it’s even more impossible to look at the price tag.

If you’re dying to wear couture clothing but you just can’t rationalize spending those outrageous prices, there is a solution: you can make your own couture garments! The idea might sound a bit outlandish because after all, the sewers that make couture clothing have either received extensive training or just simply the best of the best at their trade, and you may just be a humble seamstress that enjoys using your sewing machine to make hand-stitched items in your sewing room simply because you love it. Here us out, though: making couture clothing isn’t all that hard. No, we’re serious! After all, the word “couture” simply refers to a piece of clothing that has been designs, cut, and sewn to the specific measurements and tastes of an individual. All you need is the right sewing fabric, some basic sewing essentials, and a few tricks and you will be able to stitch your own garments that just may rival some of the top fashion designers in the world.

If you want to try your hand at making own couture clothing, keep on reading; in this sewing help guide, we’ll share the most basic couture sewing techniques.

Making a Muslin

With standard garment making, you can cut your fabric according to the sewing pattern you’re using; but in couture sewing, you need to create a muslin. A muslin is put together exactly like the finished piece is put together, allowing for the best fit possible.

Make Your Markings

With standard sewing, raw edges are often used as a guide for sewing a seam; but that’s not the case with couture sewing. As such, marking the material is crucial. You can mark out your fabric with a piece of chalk, thread, or a piece of carbon paper and a tracing wheel. The latter two options are the best because the marks are visible on both sides of the fabric; but, it does take more work.

Natural Interfacing

Most seamstresses that use interfacing opt for something a fusible, synthetic option; makes sense, because it’s affordable and using it is pretty easy. With couture clothing, however, the interfacing isn’t fusible and it’s made of natural fibers.

Hand Sewing

While you can certainly use a sewing machine, most of the stitches on couture garments are hand sewn, so make sure you have plenty of hand sewing needles. It may take more time, but it yields better results, as you have better control over the fabric when you sew by hand.

Finishing the Seams

When it comes to sewing clothing, there are all types of seam finishes that can be used; however, in couture sewing, overcastting stitches are the most commonly used seam finishes. That’s because it produces outstanding results, which is the exact goal of couture sewing.

While it might take more time and patience, and it certainly requires a lot of practice, if you’re dedicated, you will certainly be able to sew your own couture clothing.