This story was originally published on May 3, 2021, and has been updated. Thinking about taking the leap into making your own clothes? We asked some experts how to get started. You don't need much ...

The goal is not to win a CFDA emerging-designer award but to develop a basic understanding of how clothes are made. Play. Experiment. Pay attention. You will mess up.

When you finish your doll-clothes project (s), you can mail them to me at Pam MacKenzie, The Courier News/Home News Tribune, 92 East Main St., Suite 202, Somerville, NJ 08876.

Extend the life of your clothing with this creative sewing technique. All you need are a few basic sewing skills, thread and scrap material to get started — oh, and maybe a pair of ripped jeans.