Jenni Craig majored in Patternmaking Technology at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and is now working on a line of handmade neckties and bowties called Bacon. We were interested in how Craig became a designer and the economic benefits of making one’s own clothing.

What interested you in making your own clothes and fashion in general?
There has always been something fascinating to me about clothes. My Mom sewed when I was young, and she gave me a kiddie size sewing machine when I was 4-years-old, so I could hang out and sew with her. She would make clothes for my Barbie dolls.

Why led you to study fashion and seek a degree in patternmaking technology?
I got frustrated because I am an irregular size and didn’t know how to alter my patterns, so every time I made something it wouldn’t fit right. I knew I was missing a lot of the skills necessary to make a beautiful garment, so I decided to study fashion. If you ever watch the TV show Project Runway, that is kind of what our life was like. Although instead of being out [kicked off the show], you get a letter grade. It was fun and creative in a challenging and technical way.

How often do you make your own clothes versus buying them in a clothing store?
I usually make my own dresses for weddings or other special occasions. I also make gifts for birthdays and Christmas. I like deadlines. I’m more motivated when I have something exciting to wear it to.

I really enjoy thrift shopping because you never know what you are going to find. I love taking something that is old and out-dated and recreating it into something trendy. Plus there are other benefits like saving money and recycling.

So, do you alter most of your clothing?
I do smaller alteration stuff often. I’ll take in shirts, bleach jeans, dye jackets, hem pants. Whenever a pair of jeans dies, I always try to resurrect them by making them into something different.

What goes into sewing a new piece of clothing?
The most important part is the pattern. You can make a plain piece of cotton look amazing with a great pattern. A bad pattern can make the most expensive piece of silk look terrible. It’s really important that the fit is right.

Fabric: I prefer to use natural fibers like cotton and silk. You need to match the weight of the fabric to the design and construction of your garment.

Closure: This can be a zipper, buttons, snap, hook, loop, whatever the pattern requires so you can get the garment on and off easily. Knit garments can do without because they stretch.

Thread: It’s best if it matches your fabric. You can do pretty sweet things with contrasting thread too.

A sewing machine, a good sharp pair of scissors for cutting the fabric, and lots of table or floor space help.

Does sewing your own clothes save money?
It really depends on what you’re making. Quality garments are worth the time and effort, if you have the skill. As far as t-shirts, jeans, and men’s suits, it’s probably cheaper to buy it, although it helps if you can alter those things. Most of the time what you spend on fabric is close to what the whole garment costs in the store, but then you miss the fun and pride of wearing your own creation.

How much are lessons for beginners?
It would be $20 for an hour and a half lesson. It’s helpful if you have your own machine to learn on. I’d start with the basics and then let you pick your own project within your skill level.