Homemade vs Handmade

What is the difference between a homemade and handmade outfit? ‘Homemade’ means you made it at home yourself and you know how to sew and use a sewing machine. ‘Handmade’, however, implies a crafting touch to it. Handcrafting, therefore, shows your level of skills and adds a high standard of professionalism and quality.

How do you transform a homemade outfit into a handmade garment?

• When you are making something you never made before (using a new pattern for instance), take time to adjust your commercial pattern to your body measurements and do not skip the pre-fitting process before starting your project.
• Finish your seams professionally so that your outfit looks as good inside as outside. This will ensure a longer-lasting outfit wash after wash.
• Take time to press each seams (once completed) between each step of the construction.
• Opt for understitching around the neckline or facing rather than topstitching for a better and more discreet finish. This process will also secure your facing in place. Less is always more!
• Hand stitching or invisible stitching (hems, back undercollar or under cuffs) enhances the quality and the professional look of your garment. A lot of handcrafting or hand-sewing go into most Haute-Couture design!
• Finally, do not skip the interfacing process in the construction of your outfit and experiment the different types of interfacing that suit best your choice of fabric. Interfacing is not only very important to support pieces added to the construction of your garment but it should also be invisible and seamless.

Following the above steps is what will make an OK outfit into a stunning high-quality garment and when people compliment on it and ask you where you bought it, don’t you love saying: ‘I made it myself, thank you very much!!!