What even is a mockup?

First off, it should be explained that there are actually several different names for a mockup. Mockup, toile, and muslin all mean the same thing. (Although some of these words can have other meanings as well.) According to the Oxford Dictionary, a mockup is generally defined as: “an experimental model or replica of a proposed structure, ect.” In sewing terms, a mockup, toile, or muslin is a garment made out of cheap fabric so that you can tweak and change the pattern and design before making the final garment.

So why make a mockup?

The very idea of a mockup might sound like it’s just a lot of extra, entirely unnecessary work. From this point of view, you might wonder why it is even a thing. But there are plenty of reasons for making a mockup of your project. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Cost

I know it might not be something you think of immediately, but sewing a mockup of your project can really save money. Imagine skipping the mockup stage only to ruin your fashion fabric. Now you’ll have to buy some more of the expensive fabric and it still probably won’t turn out as good. Even if you are able to “salvage” the project, you will most likely be unsatisfied with the end results.

Time

Sewing a mockup before the final project can actually be a huge time-saver. It might seem like a slow and unnecessary process at first, but it is often more time-efficient to figure out all those tweaks and changes on the muslin first. Then, when you do get to sewing the final project, you have your pattern all figured out and you can breeze through it. In the long run, this can save time while also giving you a final result that is much more satisfying.

Trouble

A toile is not meant to be the final project. That means you can tweak and change it as much as you need to until you get the desired result. There’s no need to worry about messing it up, because a mockup isn’t made to be worn. It’s just a mockup. But it’s also a great way to work out any changes you might need to make for the final project. That way you won’t have to experiment on the fashion fabric or worry about ruining it.

Experience

Sewing a mockup also gives you extra sewing practice. I would much rather make mistakes on a toile than on the final project. When you sew every project twice, it gives you double the sewing experience if not more! Some might argue that this will only take longer and why not just skip the toile, but I argue otherwise. We all make mistakes (yes, even the most experienced tailors and seamstresses), and it saves a lot of time and trouble to make those mistakes on a mockup instead of on the final project.

Conclusion

I must admit, I don’t pretend to like making mockups. It’s actually one of my least-favorite parts of making a new garment. But if I truly intend for my finished project to have that amazing result that I’ve been dreaming about, a mockup is totally worth all the effort I pour into it.

While mockups might not sound like the smartest idea in the world, they actually can help save you time and money while also giving you a lot more sewing experience. They give you an opportunity to perfect the pattern to fit you just right without having to worry about messing up the final garment. All things considered, mockups help you to sew better and get better results on your finished products.

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