If you’ve ever wanted to recycle that much loved jacket or ever thought you could just cut those jeans into shorts, chances are you are ready for your first fashion design project. However, there are a wide array of steps that go into perfecting any design process, and it can be hard to work out where to start.
Whether you choose a complex design or something simple to start with, it can be useful to seek advice. If you are ready to start now, then use these tips to start your first fashion design project.
Find a versatile fabric
Fabric choices are abundant and can be one of the hardest decisions to make. When you start your first fashion design project, take your time picking a fabric that is versatile. In my first project, I chose what some would consider quite a difficult fabric, leather. But people don’t realise the versatility and opportunity leather can provide. Using laser cutting in Melbourne, I was able to get custom cut leather pieces in the templates I needed. Choosing the right fabric is about doing your research first and making sure you don’t overestimate or underestimate the potential of a fabric, or your imagination.
Research can be invaluable
This is arguably the first step you should take, doing your research. When I refer to research, I don’t mean going online and learning about the thread count of a fabric or the scientific make up. I instead mean reviewing the fashion styles, designers or individual items you really love.
Take inspiration and ideas from designers or seasons you like. This will help guide you on the first project you can start with. Finding a project that you will be passionate about is the key, after all you don’t want to start a project that becomes a chore. When you are doing your research it is also a great idea to start a scrapbook or journal to record what you like, but also what you don’t like.
Learn the basics
One of the first steps when you actually start designing your first piece, will inevitably be sketching. To prepare for this, take some time to go online and watch videos or read blogs about the sketching process. Get supplies to start sketching your first piece, get paper, pencils, tracing equipment etc. Learning the basics to building your design will help immensely when the time comes to go out and find fabrics, and again when it comes to the actual creation of your piece.
Some people may feel like they can’t draw or don’t have that artistic flair. Sketching a design for your fashion project isn’t about replicating the Mona Lisa, it’s about being comfortable drawing stick like figures and the accompanying fashion piece. Learn to sketch videos are a great way to improve your skills through guided instruction.
Build up your supplies
If you have ever been to a Spotlight or any other fabric store, you will be aware of the myriad of design templates and kits available. Usually, you can get these quite cheaply if you look in the bargain or sales bins.
Take your time to start building up the supplies you’ll need to execute your project. Grab a whole heap of various templates and design packs to help your start thinking about your piece. Getting a variety of styles and sizes will help you learn about templating and how to follow a cut out. But it may also help you to build a custom piece using various different design elements from different packs.
Starting a design project can be a daunting task at first, especially if you haven’t experienced fashion design before. But don’t be afraid, it is likely your first piece isn’t getting picked up by a major fashion label, but never mind about that. The goal is to start and to create something unique that you have designed. Finishing your first project will give you a huge sense of achievement and also something to wear around town to be proud of.
