How long does it take to make a handmade outfit?

Handmade outfits, depending on the needs of the wearer, can take anywhere from 1 day to several weeks. What is the final decision in that process?

That can be summed up in one word: Fit.

I make many handmade outfits. Some are ready to wear like the featured photo where I do provide a fit chart so that you can select the best size, but in the past, I have made outfits that required much more than just knowing a size.

When you purchase something that is handmade, you have the opportunity to have that item custom made to your specific measurements. In order to provide you with the best fit, you would come in for measurements, a muslin replica would be made that you would try on, and the final adjustments would be made for the final product. Instead of purchasing a garment and then having it altered to fit perfectly, you having it made to fit your personal measurements. The alteration comes both before the muslin shell, and after.

Why can’t the garment be made from the first measurements?

Those first measurements that are obtained are a part of size choice and any alterations that need to be made to the pattern. While that is great for a base measurement, it doesn’t take into account for people who may have shoulder roundness or how a garment may actually drape once it is worn. These measurements need to be adjusted once you have the garment on. Perhaps you will wear a different bra from the one you were wearing the day you were measured? Or you will be wearing heels with the final product?

All of these things will be considered in final try ons. In fact, you may try on the garment several times before it is finished.

Handmade garments require time because so much goes into the perfect fit. They are custom made to your body, and not just a mannequin somewhere.

Even if this is not a custom fit, but a handmade garment that is being made, homebased seamstresses do not have the equipment- or the staff- to create hundreds of garments in a day. That is why it takes much longer to create a handmade item.