This set of lessons on how to sew Geometric SCA Garb, is being created for a friend who I am currently teaching how to sew. As they have a Yeminite Persona, a majority of these items will be Middle Eastern in origins. Unlike the traditional faster approach I usually use to teach sewing, these slower lessons are intended to give an incredibly sound base knowledge in not only sewing but pattern making. The intent is that by the time that someone is through with all lessons and have created a complete set of garb, they will be able to create there own geometric designed patterns and clothing. Because of this, this set of lessons is intended for someone with NO or very little sewing or pattern drafting experience. New lessons will be added as they are created. (We have weekly sewing class) We will be creating a FAQ for the Geometric Lesson plans, so if you have any questions or comments please fill out this form.

Lessons FAQ

Lessons 1: Measurements and Pattern Covers how to take the measurements and how the measurements get turned into the pattern. Also covers some general pattern terminology. PDF Files Needed: Kamis Pattern Lesson 1 Handout Optional (External Site): How to take measurements Lessons 2: Fabric Width and Pattern Layout Covers natural fibers, their pros and cons, and general fabric widths. PDF Files Needed: Lesson 2 Handout Lesson 2 Worksheet Additional Reading- Preparing your fabric Lessons 3: Fabric Cutting and Tearing Covers cutting and tearing fabric, as well as how to tear out your pattern.. PDF Files Needed: Lesson 3 Handout Additional Reading- Choosing and using Scissors and Shears Lessons 4: Sewing and Seams Covers sewing machine basics, seams, and flat felled seams PDF Files Needed: Lesson 4 Handout Lesson 4 Homework- "About Your Sewing Machine: Additional Reading- About Sewing Machines on Wikipedia great demonstration on how sewing machines work. Additional Reading- Straight Stitch by S&CA Additional Reading- Simple Seaming Techniques by SC&A Additioanl Reading- Seam Finishes 1 and Seam Finished 2 by SC&A Additional Reading- Flat Felled Seams by SC&A Are gussets and gores both triangular? I always thought of gussets as smaller than gores but used for the same thing in tight spaces as it were. Everyone uses the terminology of gussets and gores a little differently and some people use them interchangeably. In my opinion gussets are used in the middle of the garment to make it temporarily larger. An example of this is under the arms. The gussets temporarily enlarge the garment in the underarm/shoulder/chest area. After the gusset, the garment goes back to its original size. Another example of this would be in the crotch seam of pants. It temporarily increase the width of the crotch, and after it tapers back down, the size of the garment in the legs goes back to the size it was before the gusset. Opposite of this would be the gore, which permanently increases the size of the garment. After a gore is inserted in the waist of the skirt, it flares to its largest point at the skirts hem. The dress never goes back to it's original size, as the skirt ends. Gores and gussets can be triangular or square, though I have yet to see a square gore. How is this (Kamis) different than the Qaba pattern besides the gores in the sleeves? A Qaba is a Persian coat, worn as the outermost garment and is the Persian equivalent of a "kaftan". In contrast, the Kamis is an undergarment, usually the undermost garment worn. Pattern wise, the Qaba is also done using geometric construction. Though, like the kamis, the qaba is made of all rectangles, the position, shape, and size of those rectangles are different. Most qaba patterns consist of 2 rectangle pieces for the body, 2 long thin rectangular for the sleeves, gores on each side (for a total of 4) underarm gussets (for a total of 4) and an uper-body gusset. The more rectangles or pieces you have in a pattern, the more fitted you can make it. The qaba has more ability to be form fitting or fitted then the under kamis.