How to Use Sewing Patterns: A Complete Guide

 New to making sewing patterns? Don’t worry here is a complete guide on how to use clothing patterns:

1. Using a sewing pattern:

• Before you begin

Preparing your fabric and cutting out the pattern correctly is just as important as the actual sewing for easy sewing projects. Always wash your fabric before you begin (if it’s washable!) as fabric can shrink and run, so get this out of the way before you start cutting and stitching. Once dry, press well to remove any folds and creases so that it’s flat and wrinkle-free.

• Prepare the pattern

For beginner sewing projects, you must understand that many patterns come with lots of options for different finishes, so read the instruction sheet to work out which pieces you’ll need. 

Cut out all the pieces outside the lines as it’s easier to do this first. 

• Cutting out the pattern

Choose your size using your measurements and the size chart. You may require different pattern sizes for some of your measurements, but if you have a multi sized pattern then follow the instructions for combining pattern sizes overleaf. For example measurements for making a skirt pattern, pants pattern or dress patterns for women will all be different.

• Transferring pattern markings

All the markings on your pattern pieces need to be transferred to the fabric. Don’t miss out this step as these are really important for matching up fabric pieces later on and for positioning elements such as darts and pockets especially in case of shirt pattern, pants pattern, apron pattern or any other clothing pattern.

2. Sewing Patterns Markings: Dress patterns for women have markings on them to help you achieve the perfect cut, sew and fit. Follow these markings carefully and transfer them onto your fabric for a more professional finish.

3. Pattern Matching: 

Deciding where to pattern match when you make a garment can be tricky, as it’s not always possible to pattern match on every seam. Always place your dress pattern pieces on your fabric and move them around to choose the positioning that works for you. Really, though, it’s all about what’s pleasing to your eye and what you think looks right. 

4. Choosing the fabric: The most accurate way to work this out is to measure each of your pattern pieces before you buy your fabric. Next, find out the pattern repeat of the fabric you want to use.

5. Tips for choosing the right fabric: 

- Lightweight fabrics are ideal for making lingerie, nightwear and summer clothing, and include apron pattern, cheesecloth, chiffon fabric, crepe de chine, georgette fabric, lawn, muslin, organdie, organza and voile.

- Medium-weight fabrics work well for making dresses, tops, shirts, trousers and kidswear, and include calico, cotton fabric, crepe fabric, dupion, linen, poplin and finer woolen fabrics.

- Heavy-weight fabrics are used for garments or projects that get lots of wear and so need more strength, like wedding dress patterns, pillow case pattern, tote bags pattern, coats, jackets, winter wear and bags. Canvas, corduroy, denim, tweeds, velvet and wool are all in this category.

Give the perfect finish to your sewing project with fabrics by Fabriclore.com.