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What Are the Best Tips for DIY Fashion?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

The best way to create DIY fashion is to start by committing to a small project. Using unique fabric and thread can allow a person to create impressive items. Individuals should also consider experimenting with paint, bleach, and non-apparel related materials such as CDs or old housewares. When running low on creativity, do-it-yourself designers should consider gaining inspiration from fashion icons or taking a class to learn new, motivating techniques.

Individuals who are skeptical but also intrigued by DIY fashion should challenge themselves with small projects. Many people believe that they have good reasons why they cannot make their own clothes and accessories. For example, some may think that they lack the talent or that personal fashion creations will not go over well in their professional environments. These are often just excuses and they can be countered by committing to small projects at first. Successfully accomplishing small projects often lures individuals into larger, more complex projects.

DIY fashion may be achieved by using household bleach.
DIY fashion may be achieved by using household bleach.

It is not always the size or complexity of a DIY fashion project that determines its impact. In many cases, individuals can make bold statements with small, yet creative, designs. One way to do this is using items in ways that they are not normally used. Examples could include adding buttons to shoes or using neckties to create armbands.

Another way to make unique self-made fashion is by using items that are not related to apparel. This may involve projects such as turning a place mat into a handbag or using old CDs to create decorations for jeans. A DIY designer may also be impressed with the results if she experiments with items such as as paint, dye and bleach.

DIY fashion designers can benefit greatly from learning garment-making skills.
DIY fashion designers can benefit greatly from learning garment-making skills.

Using a variety of fabrics and threads can allow a person to make dramatic fashion statements. While new fabric is generally always an option, it may be rewarding to search for used items at thrift stores and yard sales. An individual doing so may want to avoid limiting her focus to apparel and also consider items such as throw pillows, curtains, and patch work quilts. When sewing or adding buttons and accessories, the use of contrasting thread can upgrade a creation.

DIY fashion does not have to be limited to self-inspired ideas. Some do-it-yourself designers tend believe that they are violating some type of code of creativity if they borrow ideas. It is important to remember that even professional fashion designers study past and present trends and they attend fashion shows and other events where they gain inspiration for future work. Individuals who feel as if they are in a creative rut should not hesitate to also look outside of themselves for new ideas.

The more involved that individuals become in DIY fashion, the more they may want to consider taking related classes. Growing numbers of do-it-yourself designers are taking design, sewing and accessory classes. These can teach budding designers methods of creating fashion that they may not be able to readily learn on their own.

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    • DIY fashion may be achieved by using household bleach.
      By: design56
      DIY fashion may be achieved by using household bleach.
    • DIY fashion designers can benefit greatly from learning garment-making skills.
      By: berc
      DIY fashion designers can benefit greatly from learning garment-making skills.