Can I even sew that? An honest post for all sewing beginners

"Can I even sew that?"

We've heard this question repeatedly over the past few years: from visitors at our exhibition stand or in comments and messages. And honestly, we totally understand the uncertainty. You see a finished Luanimals shirt with a three-dimensional animal face on it and think: "How beautiful... and so elaborately crafted... but I can't sew that myself... I've never appliquéd before and have only sewn small accessories."

But that's exactly what we want to clarify and discuss today. Because the short answer is: Yes... you can sew that! And you can, even if you don't have much experience. Because after 15 years of clothing and now two years of patterns, we have seen so many unique Luanimals creations. Many of them also from sewing beginners who started sewing by making things for their babies... with small items and "simple things" – but no garments until then. In fact, one of our test sewers had exclusively sewn small accessories before her first Luanimals sweater. She hadn't dared to make a garment with an appliqué before and was then surprised herself how well she managed the project, happily presenting us with her elephant Eli.

That's often where the misconception or blockage lies. Firstly, everyone starts with something simpler, and secondly, you sometimes need something new and a challenge to develop further. Our various test sewing rounds have included everything – from sewing beginners to advanced sewers with their own plotters for small details. And everyone has managed wonderfully with our patterns and instructions and has created fantastic Luanimals unique pieces.

Many later realize that when sewing garments, the biggest enemy is not the technique or skill... but the inner critic or the fear of making a mistake.

Before we get to the practical things, let's preface this: most people don't fail because of the pattern, the fabric, or the sewing machine. They fail because they don't even start. Because they believe they're not good enough yet. Because they're afraid of wasting fabric. Because they're waiting for the perfect moment to start.

But there is no perfect moment, and as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. But there is definitely that first bigger project that you then proudly hold in your hands and put on yourself or your child... and that is an unbeatable moment.

Which Luanimals animal do we recommend for beginners?

Not all of our patterns are equally complex, although the technique of appliqué is central to all of them... and that is intentional. One concept, one technique, providing endless possibilities for customization.

For absolute sewing beginners, we recommend Svenja the pig or Emma the duck as a first project or introduction to sewing children's clothing. Why? Because the number of appliqués is manageable, the shapes are clear, and the sewing instructions are designed so that you can truly work along step-by-step, without extensive prior knowledge.

The sewing instructions include illustrated steps as well as many tips and tricks for processing jersey fabrics and for appliquéing. In fact, we have incorporated a lot of experience from over 15 years of production here, so that everyone can take something away from it... regardless of whether you are sewing for the first time, haven't sewn for a long time (a lot has often changed in terms of materials, gadgets, and sewing machines), or regularly implement new sewing projects.

With some of our pieces, "only" appliquéing is involved, while with others, individual parts are sewn in or on, or various effect fabrics (as with Gerda the giraffe, Elon the unicorn, or Hansi the bunny) are incorporated. However, since everything from fabric consumption and determining the correct size to processing tips is included, you can sew your way through the project step by step.

What exactly is included in our digital file?

Many ask us this – and we notice that there are now extremely large differences in digital files among pattern providers, and here, as everywhere, there are also some black sheep.

The big difference with us: Our patterns are not quickly clicked-together files, but are based on patterns with which we have been producing ourselves for over 15 years. So we know exactly that they fit... and our customers and test sewing rounds have consistently confirmed this. And anyone who has ever sewn probably knows the saying: "A good pattern is half sewn already!"

Therefore, a brief and clear explanation of what you get when you buy a digital pattern (eBook) from us:

• A4 and A0 format and US letter format

You can either print the file on normal printer paper or have it printed as a large A0/A0+ format at a copy shop. Both work.

• Pattern sheet with layers

The file is equipped with layers. This means you can specifically select only the size you need → clear lines, no confusion, no searching.

• Beamer file

This file is also equipped with layers. If you use a projector, you can project the pattern directly onto the fabric in the desired size. This saves time and paper.

• Cutter and plotter file

For those who work with a cutting plotter, the files for small details like eyes, teeth, and so on are already prepared.

And of course, the digital pattern also includes an illustrated step-by-step sewing instruction, with tips and tricks for appliquéing and processing jersey fabrics that we have collected over 15 years.

And what if I get stuck anyway?

Then just contact us! Via Instagram, email, or a comment here on the blog. You will always reach us (not a chatbot) and we are always happy to help! Because we don't just want to sell patterns, we care that in the end, a finished, beloved Luanimals garment enriches the (Luanimals) family and makes (children's) eyes light up. 🐾

So: dare to start! Whether with newly bought fabric, fabric scraps, or even old favorite pieces that are incorporated as details in an upcycling project. Our Luanimals animals are perfect for this and are dearly loved by kids and adult kids alike!

We are already looking forward to your individual creations and new additions to the Luanimals family!

Have fun creating!

Best regards and Saludos,

Sindu and Rosalie

P.S.: A little tip at the end → All our patterns can also be sewn as casual sweaters and t-shirts "without an animal on them." So, another reason to just get started 😉.