Picture this: you just ran to school, prepared to work all night on your garment that’s due the next day, and uh oh… the studio is FILLED with other students doing the exact same thing. There’s no room on the tables, not an open or working machine in site, and chaos everywhere you look. What are you going to do?!
Fear not! I’m here to show you the ropes for creating the perfect working environment at home so you never have to run into this problem again. It is vital to have a studio space at home. With all the anxiety you’re probably already dealing with, don’t let the madness of the 4th floor right before a big project is due add to it. And with the stress of the studios possibly closing down because not everyone knows how to clean up after themselves …
… you don’t want to be without your own space.
You don’t have space at home for a studio, you say? Not a problem! All these items are easily able to be collapsed, stored or transported so you don’t have to sacrifice your room to the sewing gods (although they would love you for that). For those trying to find a compact way to work from home, this is for you!
Before we get into it, let me preface by saying a lot of these products are investments, meaning they are not cheap. I know that after all the expenses of your fashion projects, that is the last thing you need, but hear me out. If taken care of properly, these are worthy investments that can last you a long time. And think about it, you don’t want to graduate from SCAD and find yourself completely devoid of all your sewing resources, so start thinking about these now.
Machines
This is going to be your biggest investment by far, but a good quality machine that’s routinely kept up will always be worth it. You’re far better off coughing up the money for an expensive and well reviewed machine than going for the cheapest one you can find. Not only will it last longer, but your sewing will look better too. I suggest getting a machine with a multitude of stitches so you can work with both woven and knit fabric.
If you’re really into knits, I highly suggest getting a serger as well. And If I haven’t convinced you that it’s worth it yet, let my mother’s 20+-year-old serger that I still use to this day be the proof.
Cutting Mats
Tired of ruining your tables at home? These cutting mats are your new best friend. Again, a big purchase, but getting a set that gives you enough space to rotary cut a lengthy pair of pants will save your hands from sewing shear cramps for days to come.
A good quality iron
Before I finally invested in one of these, I remember spending long nights at home ironing, wishing I could get the same press as I did at the studio. When it comes to constructing garments, the truth is that sewing only takes care of one part of the job. Pressing is where the magic comes in. That is how your garments go from looking like a class project to a full fledged collection.
Wool Ironing Mat
Want an ironing board that can go on any surface? May it present the GODSEND that these wool mats are. I got one for Christmas a couple years ago and if I’m being completely honest, I use it 10x more than my ironing board. They come in a multitude of sizes, so choose whatever size is best for your pressing needs. Hahah get it? Pressing needs? Hilarious, I know.
Mini Mannequin
Need to save on time, space and money? This is a great tool to kill three birds with one stone. Not only do you save a huge chunk of change by getting a half scale form (full sizes run $500+), but you also save on draping materials as well. Keep in mind that fabric will always drape differently on a half scale form vs full size, but for getting basic pattern shapes out, this is a dream come true. All you have to do is multiply all your measurements by x2 and you’re done.
Portable Drafting Table
If you don’t have a desk at home, this drafting board is perfect for sketching fashion illustrations or doubling as a portable desk. When I’m feeling lazy, I’ll prop myself up in bed and get working. And while I don’t suggest working from bed, it sure is comfy.
Collapsible cutting table
It’s pretty hard to find a space big enough to cut out your patterns. Sure you can do it on the floor but your chiropractor bill is going to be through the roof. This craft table is the perfect size to lay out fabric. Luckily, it folds in as well so it doesn’t take up too much space when not in use.
Sewing table
Yes, another collapsing table. I have this one, as well as the one listed above, and could not recommend them enough. This one in particularly gives you a bit of storage too. You can use it as a regular desk as well if you’re in need of one. When you’re done for the night, collapse the desk, and all you’re left with is a minimalistic side table
Rolling makeup case
Hear me out. Where are you going to find something that can store all your notions, finishings, hardware, needles, thread, etc. that is organized and portable? This is a game changer. Not only will you look super cool rolling around your handy dandy toolkit, but you’ll be able to transport it to and from school with ease. No more tossing all your supplies in a tote bag with reckless abandon.
Garment Rack
One of the biggest issues that plagues us fashion students is where to store all the garments we’ve made throughout our time here. My closet?? Are you kidding that’s already way too full. I’m a fashion student for crying out loud. Getting a garment rack not only gives you a designated place to hang your stunning creations, but it’s also a major flex whenever people come over. Oh, that? Yea I made it. Big slay.
Pinboards
While this isn’t a necessity, it is so helpful for your creative process to see things physically hung in your space. Everything these days is digital and while that’s made a lot of things easier, we lose the tangibility that is so inherent to fashion design. Use these to hang sketches, printouts from Pinterest, fabric swatches or whatever you can think of. Putting this around your space allows for inspiration to strike at any moment, not just when the laptop is open.
Filing folders
Who has space for a filing cabinet anyways? This isn’t 1993. Get yourself a set of filing folders where you can store old projects, patterns, project briefs, etc. so it doesn’t end up in a pile in the corner of your room like mine currently …
Fabric Bins
Face it: you will always be collecting more and more fabric as your fashion career goes on. Don’t let the heap of textiles overwhelm your space. Get some plastic drawers to save on space. I also suggest transparent ones so you don’t have to purge the whole drawer to see if that one fabric you needed is in there.
And there you go! My comprehensive list for all the supplies you’re going to need when investing in your home studio. Your wallet is probably screaming right now, but rest assured, these make a great addition to your birthday or Black Friday shopping lists! There will always be another sale so just keep your eyes open and your savings account full.
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