Creating overalls is an exciting and rewarding project that can make a unique addition to your wardrobe. Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or just starting your sewing journey, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information to craft a stylish and comfortable pair of overalls. From selecting the right fabric to finishing the details, this tutorial will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you end up with a garment that you’ll cherish for years to come. Embrace the hands-on experience of sewing and add a touch of personal flair to your attire by creating your own one-of-a-kind overalls.
Before embarking on your sewing adventure, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials and tools. For your overalls, you’ll need a suitable fabric, such as denim or canvas, a measuring tape, fabric scissors, a sewing machine, thread, a zipper or buttons for closure, and a needle. Additionally, you may want to use interfacing to reinforce specific areas of the overalls, ensuring their durability. Once you have everything you need, you can begin the exciting task of creating your personalized overalls.
The first step is to take your body measurements to determine the appropriate size for your overalls. This involves measuring your waist, hips, and inseam. Based on these measurements, you can select a pattern that corresponds to your size. Alternatively, you can create your own pattern by drafting it from scratch. Once you have the pattern, cut out the fabric pieces according to the instructions provided. Remember to pay close attention to the grain of the fabric, ensuring that the pieces are cut in the correct direction for durability and a professional finish.
Preparing the Fabric
The fabric choice plays a crucial role in the overall appearance and durability of your overalls. Here are some key considerations:
1. Choose Durable Material
Overalls are meant to withstand wear and tear, so opt for fabrics like denim, canvas, or corduroy. These materials are highly durable and can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
2. Fabric Weight and Style
The weight of the fabric affects the overall feel and appearance of the overalls. Heavier fabrics like heavyweight denim are ideal for cold weather and provide a more sturdy look. Lighter fabrics like chambray or canvas are breathable and suitable for warmer climates. Additionally, consider the style of your overalls – whether you prefer a classic straight-leg fit or a modern tapered design.
3. Pattern and Color
Select a fabric pattern that complements your overall design. Solid colors are versatile and timeless, while patterned fabrics can add a touch of flair. The choice of color depends on your personal preference and the intended use of the overalls.
| Fabric Type | Characteristics |
|—|—|
| Denim | Durable, classic, heavier weight |
| Canvas | Rugged, breathable, medium weight |
| Corduroy | Warm, soft, available in various weights |
| Chambray | Lightweight, breathable, with a subtle texture |
Cutting the Fabric
1. Determine Fabric Length and Width
Measure the person’s height from shoulder to the desired overall length plus 12-15 inches for the ankle cuffs. Double this height for the fabric length. For width, measure around the person’s waist and hips at their widest points. Add 3-4 inches to the wider measurement for fabric width.
2. Cut the Front and Back Pieces
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, aligning the selvedges. Cut a rectangle that is the fabric length and half the fabric width. Unfold the fabric to reveal the front and back pieces of the overall.
3. Cut the Ankle Cuffs
Cut two rectangles that are the desired ankle cuff width (plus 2 inches for seam allowances) by the circumference of the bottom leg opening plus 10-12 inches.
| Measurement | Formula |
|---|---|
| Cuff Width | Desired Cuff Width + 2 inches |
| Cuff Length | (Leg Opening Circumference + 10-12 inches) x 2 |
Carefully measure and cut the fabric to ensure precise shapes and a snug fit. The extra allowance provides wiggle room for movement and comfort while wearing the overalls.
Sewing the Side Seams
Once the pockets and waistband are attached, it’s time to sew the side seams of the overall. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Align the side seams
Place the overall with the right sides together, and align the side seams. Make sure the raw edges are lined up evenly.
2. Pin the seams
Use plenty of pins to hold the side seams together. Start at the top of the seam and work your way down, spacing the pins evenly.
3. Stitch the seams
Use a sewing machine to stitch the side seams with a straight stitch. Use a stitch length that is appropriate for the fabric you are using.
| Fabric Type | Stitch Length |
|---|---|
| Lightweight fabrics (cotton, rayon) | 2.5 – 3.0 mm |
| Medium-weight fabrics (denim, canvas) | 3.0 – 3.5 mm |
| Heavyweight fabrics (corduroy, leather) | 3.5 – 4.0 mm |
4. Finish the seams
Once the side seams are sewn, you can finish them to prevent fraying. Here are a few options:
* Serging: Use a serger to trim the raw edges of the seam and wrap them with a thread to create a neat finish.
* Zigzag stitch: Use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine to overcast the raw edges of the seam.
* Pinking shears: Use pinking shears to cut the raw edges of the seam. The zig-zag shape of the cuts helps to prevent fraying.
Inserting the Sleeves
Inserting the sleeves into the overall is a crucial step that requires precision and care. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure a proper fit:
- Gather the top edge of the sleeve and the corresponding armscye opening.
- Pin the gathered edges together, matching the notch or reference marks.
- Use a zipper foot on your sewing machine to stitch around the armscye, catching both the sleeve and overall fabric.
- Secure the ends of the stitch line with a few back-stitches.
- Press the seam allowance flat.
- Repeat steps i-v for the other sleeve.
1. Align the Sleeves
Place the sleeves on either side of the overall, aligning the shoulder seams with the shoulder openings.
2. Pin the Sleeves
Use pins to secure the sleeves temporarily along the shoulder seams. This will help keep them in place during sewing.
3. Sew the Sleeve Caps
Using a sewing machine or hand-sewing needle, stitch along the curve of the sleeve cap, starting at the shoulder seam and ending at the underarm.
4. Trim the Excess Fabric
Trim any excess fabric around the sleeve cap, close to the stitching line. This will prevent bulkiness and ensure a clean finish.
5. Insert the Sleeves into the Armscyes
Attaching the Neckband
1. Fold the neckband in half lengthwise, with the right sides together. Pin the raw edges together, starting at the center back and working your way to the front.
2. Sew the neckband to the neckline, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
3. Turn the neckband to the inside of the overall and press it flat.
4. Topstitch the neckband in place, close to the inner edge.
5. Finish the raw edges of the neckband by serging them or zig-zag stitching them.
6. Create a casing for the elastic by folding the top edge of the neckband down 1 inch and pressing it. Fold the edge down again 1 inch and press it again. Topstitch the casing close to the inner edge, leaving a small opening for inserting the elastic.
| Material | Length |
|---|---|
| Elastic | Measure the circumference of the neck + 2 inches |
7. Insert the elastic into the casing, starting at the center back and working your way to the front. Secure the ends of the elastic together with a knot or a safety pin.
8. Close the opening in the casing by hand-stitching it.
Adding Cuffs or Hemming
Depending on the desired appearance and functionality of your overalls, you may choose to add cuffs or hem them as a finishing touch.
Adding Cuffs
To add cuffs, follow these steps:
- Measure the desired width of the cuff on the bottom edge of one leg.
- Fold up the fabric and mark the measurement.
- Pin the fold in place.
- Sew along the fold, leaving an opening for turning.
- Turn the cuff right side out and press.
- Fold down the raw edge of the opening and stitch it closed.
- Repeat for the other leg.
Hemming
To hem the overalls, follow these steps:
- Measure the desired length of the overalls.
- Fold up the fabric on the bottom edge and mark the measurement.
- Pin the fold in place.
- Sew along the fold, using a blind hem stitch or a topstitch.
- Press the hem to set it.
Hemming Options
There are several different types of hems you can choose from, depending on the desired appearance and durability:
| Hem Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Blind hem | A concealed hem that is stitched from the inside, creating a clean and seamless finish. |
| Topstitch hem | A visible hem that is stitched from the right side of the fabric, creating a decorative accent. |
| Rolled hem | A narrow hem that is rolled and stitched down, creating a delicate and feminine finish. |
Reinforcing Seams and Hems
Reinforcing Seams
To strengthen seams and prevent tearing, use a serger to finish the raw edges. Alternatively, you can fold the seam allowance over and topstitch it down with a wide stitch.
Reinforcing Hems
1. Single Hem
Fold the hem allowance up and press it, then fold it up again and press. Top stitch close to the edge.
2. Double Hem
Fold the hem allowance up and press it. Fold it up again and press. Fold the raw edge under and topstitch.
3. Rolled Hem
Fold the hem allowance up and press it. Fold the raw edge under and roll the hem over the raw edge. Topstitch close to the edge.
4. Hong Kong Finish
Fold the hem allowance up and press it. Fold the raw edge under and pin a bias tape over it. Fold the bias tape over the raw edge and topstitch.
5. Blind Hem
Fold the hem allowance up and press it. Fold the raw edge under and stitch it down with a blind hem stitch.
6. Shell Hem
Fold the hem allowance up and press it. Fold the raw edge under and stitch it down with a shell stitch.
7. Lettuce Hem
Cut the fabric on the bias and fold it over. Stitch it down close to the edge, stretching the fabric slightly as you sew.
8. Facing
Cut a lengthwise strip of fabric for the facing, making it the same length as the hem and twice its width. Fold the facing in half lengthwise, press it, and pin it to the hem allowance. Stitch it down, turn the facing to the inside, and press it. Top stitch the facing close to the edge.
| Hem Type | Method | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Single Hem | Fold up, press, fold up again, press, topstitch | Creates a simple, clean hem. |
| Double Hem | Fold up, press, fold up again, press, fold raw edge under, topstitch | Provides a more durable hem. |
| Rolled Hem | Fold up, press, fold raw edge under, roll hem over raw edge, topstitch | Creates a delicate, lettuce-like hem. |
Pressing the Overall
1. Gather your materials. You will need an iron, an ironing board, a pressing cloth, and a bowl of water.
2. Prepare the overall. Turn the overall inside out and fasten any buttons or zippers.
3. Dampen the overall. Use a spray bottle or a damp pressing cloth to lightly dampen the overall.
4. Place the overall on the ironing board. Smooth out any wrinkles and make sure the overall is flat.
5. Cover the overall with the pressing cloth. This will protect the overall from the direct heat of the iron.
6. Iron the overall. Use a medium heat setting and press down on the iron gently. Move the iron in a circular motion to avoid creating creases.
7. Press the pockets. Turn the overall right side out and press the pockets.
8. Press the collar and cuffs. Fold the collar and cuffs down and press them.
9. Finish pressing. Once the overall is completely dry, you can finish pressing it by using a steam iron or a dry iron on a low heat setting. This will help to remove any remaining wrinkles and give the overall a professional finish.
| Ironing Temperature Guide | |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Temperature Setting |
| Cotton | High |
| Linen | Medium |
| Silk | Low |
| Wool | Low |
| Synthetic | Low |
Finishing Touches
Once you have sewn the main body of the overalls, there are a few finishing touches you can add to complete the look. These include:
1. Belt Loops
If you want to add a belt to your overalls, you will need to create belt loops. To do this, cut out a strip of fabric that is 2 inches wide and 4 inches long for each belt loop. Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press. Open up the strip and fold each end over towards the center, pressing each fold. Topstitch around the edges of the belt loops to secure them.
2. Pocket Topstitching
To give your pockets a more finished look, you can topstitch around the edges. To do this, use a topstitch needle and thread in a contrasting color. Start stitching at one corner of the pocket and stitch all the way around, ending at the other corner.
3. Hemming the Legs
If the legs of your overalls are too long, you will need to hem them. To do this, fold up the bottom hem by 1 inch and press. Fold up the hem again by 1 inch and press again. Topstitch around the edges of the hem to secure it.
4. Adding Buttons or Snaps
To close the overalls, you can add buttons or snaps. If you are using buttons, sew them on to the front of the overalls, one on each side. If you are using snaps, sew them on to the front and back of the overalls, one on each side.
5. Finishing the Back Yoke
If you added a back yoke to your overalls, you will need to finish the edges. To do this, fold the edges of the yoke under by 1/2 inch and press. Topstitch around the edges of the yoke to secure it.
6. Topstitching the Side Seams
To give your overalls a more polished look, you can topstitch the side seams. To do this, use a topstitch needle and thread in a contrasting color. Start stitching at the bottom of the side seam and stitch all the way up to the top, ending at the shoulder seam.
7. Reinforcing the Stress Points
To prevent the overalls from tearing at the stress points, such as the crotch and the shoulders, you can reinforce them with bar tacks. To do this, use a sewing machine to sew a series of X-shaped stitches over the stress point.
8. Fading or Distressing (Optional)
If you want to give your overalls a more vintage or distressed look, you can fade or distress them. To do this, you can use a variety of techniques, such as sanding, bleaching, or using a pumice stone.
9. Adding Patches or Embellishments (Optional)
To personalize your overalls, you can add patches or embellishments. This could include anything from your favorite band patch to a piece of lace.
10. Washing and Drying
Once you have finished sewing your overalls, you will need to wash and dry them. To do this, machine wash the overalls in cold water on the gentle cycle. Tumble dry the overalls on the low heat setting. This will help to soften the fabric and give the overalls a more lived-in look.
How To Make An Overall
An overall is a type of garment that is typically worn over other clothing as a protective layer. Overalls can be made from a variety of materials, including denim, canvas, and nylon. They are often designed with multiple pockets and straps, and can be either bibbed or not. Overalls are a versatile garment that can be worn for a variety of activities, including work, play, and gardening.
To make an overall, you will need the following materials:
- Fabric (denim, canvas, or nylon)
- Thread
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
Once you have gathered your materials, you can follow these steps to make an overall:
1. Measure and cut the fabric according to the pattern.
2. Sew the pieces of fabric together to form the overall.
3. Add pockets, straps, and other details.
4. Finish the seams and edges.
Once you have completed these steps, you will have a new overall that you can wear for a variety of activities.
