Why we don’t do made-to-measure garments

We’re often asked if we can create made-to-measure garments; custom-made pieces created especially for you, so let’s talk about them.

What is made-to-measure?

Made-to-measure garments are custom pieces created from start to finish, just for one person. This might be sewing from a commercial pattern, recreating a garment from a photo or bringing a dream design to life.

Each made-to-measure piece requires a toile (pronounced twahl) to be sewn first, which is a sample garment. This toile is fitted, adjusted, and refined over multiple fitting appointments until the fit is just right. Only then is the final garment sewn in the chosen fabric.

In reality, this means creating two garments: the test toile and the final piece. It’s a very creative process, but also an incredibly time-intensive one that requires a high level of skill, care and attention.

Why we don’t offer made-to-measure

While we truly love the idea of creating custom garments from start to finish, we sadly don’t have the capacity to take these projects on. Our Sensational Sewing team is small but mighty (we have two seamstresses), and between teaching sewing classes and fitting appointments, we alter over 400 garments each year. That keeps us very busy in the studio with lots of sewing magic, but it doesn’t leave the time required to dedicate to made-to-measure pieces done properly.

To be completely transparent, made-to-measure work is also very difficult to price sustainably. Once all the hours, fittings and trial garments are accounted for, most seamstresses find there’s simply no margin left unless projects start at well over $1,000. That’s why many talented makers no longer offer this service.

Looking for someone who does?

Finding someone who specialises in made-to-measure can be tricky. If you’re on the hunt, we suggest reaching out to Rowan Couture based in Toowoomba, or asking in the Toowoomba and District Sewing Group on Facebook, as it’s the best local place to connect with independent makers and designers. If you’re willing to travel, you could also reach out to Brisbane based Couture Dressmaking and Design.

A creative alternative, make it yourself!

If you want to bring your dream garments to life and sew your own clothes, you can learn to sew with our sewing classes. Our classes are designed to help you build skills, confidence and independence, whether you’re just starting or ready to tackle garment sewing. There’s something incredibly special about wearing a piece you’ve made with your own hands, and we’d love to support you on that journey.