Huh? What’s a muslin and why do I need it? What is a sloper? What does any of this have to do with design? I could not believe so many people on the internet knew about these things and I didn’t! I went to school for fashion. It was 30 or so years ago, but, I went. I should know something about these things, right? Oh, yeah, it was fashion marketing. That does make a difference. So, I’ve done some research. I’ve found that I was using all these things and did not even know about it!
A muslin has less to do with muslin fabric than it has to do with preventing a mishap with the beautiful fabric you are dying to make something with. This actually takes practice and a lot of trial and error. I was lucky and didn’t mess anything up or actually need to use a muslin until I had gotten pretty confident in my sewing. I didn’t take risks. Boring! I make “wearable” muslins. Mainly because, my time is precious. But, a little more because I am cheap and do not want to waste my expensive ($6 a yard fabric). I buy flawed fabric online for under two dollars. I find it at Girl Charlee online and Walmart locally. I use these because I don’t feel guilty messing up my garments. I tend to adjust the pattern as I sew instead of when I cut. I’m just too excited for new clothes! I try the clothing on and then add fabric to make it fit, or make the seams bigger to make the fit better.
Slopers are very confusing to me. I have never in my life heard that word. I have always called it a base pattern. The definition of a sloper is a pattern without a seam allowance. The same site I found that information on also said only nubes use this term, if you are with catty people they will probably laugh at you. So, having said all that. I use two of my favorite patterns for pants and tops. I make a fabric bodice or pants form out of some discarded fabric. I try to keep it in a place readily available. Then, when I’m dreaming of this cool idea for sleeves, pant rise or flare, neckline or any other component of my clothing. I pull out the bodice, and add a few inches for gathering, make the neckline higher or whatever I’m dreaming of trying. But, I don’t call it a “sloper” I’ve always called it a bodice or a pant pattern. So, combining the two sloper and muslin you are able to design your own clothing. BAM!
Enjoy your life!