HOW TO READ AND UNDERSTAND A SEWING PATTERN (commercial & indie)

Learning to sew can be overwhelming, it can feel like there is so much we don't know. So in today's video I am giving you a step by step very detailed guide to both reading sewing patterns and understanding them

If you watch this video until the end you will develop an advanced understanding of every part of the sewing pattern. Using a commercial and an independent sewing pattern I will be taking you through understanding the front and the back of the pattern envelope, the leaflets inside and then we take a look at some pattern pieces too.

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#sewing #sewingpatterns #understandingsewingpatterns

Mentioned in the video:

Chapters
00:00 How to read a sewing pattern for beginners
01:01 Overview of commercial and independent sewing patterns
03:16 Understanding the front cover of a big 4 sewing pattern
04:40 Comparing the front cover of a commercial and independent sewing pattern
06:27 Understanding the back cover of a big 4 sewing pattern
14:05 Comparing the back cover of a commercial and independent sewing pattern
15:32 Reading and understanding the sewing pattern leaflet & instructions for a big 4 sewing pattern
22:50 Comparing the sewing pattern instruction booklet for a big 4 and indie sewing pattern
24:27 Looking at the tissue sewing pattern pieces for a commercial sewing pattern
29:15 Comparing the sewing pattern paper & pieces for a big 4 and an indie sewing pattern

If you enjoyed this video you may enjoy these:

HOW TO PUT TRIMLESS PDF SEWING PATTERNS TOGETHER (USING A LOVE NOTIONS PATTERN)

HOW TO STORE YOUR SEWING PATTERNS

HOW TO DRAFT ANY FACING

SEWING TIPS AND ADVICE - YOUR Qs ANSWERED

BEING PRODUCTIVE WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS

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[mamamack]

Claire, you are everything I want in a teacher: warm, knowledgeable, real, and not pretentious! Thank you!

[cherylp.]

After viewing this, I’m reminded of what it felt like as a beginner. That’s A LOT of information to take in and can seem overwhelming. . If you’re a new sewer, don’t give up you’ll get there! Well done, Claire.

[oldladyhen]

Knowledge, experience, professional but also and the best like a chat with your best mate 😊

[ishachayil]

It is a wonderful resource for beginners! I learned to sew with commercial patterns more than 40 years ago, but I do find Indie patterns simpler to read.

[hollyhock]

Excellent info that would really encourage beginners to feel more confident

[robynlaszlo]

Great info you put in the details for everyone you explain very well

[alisonwilliams]

Great instructions Clare, you are a great teacher.

[newcreations]

Oh that was a great help Claire, i am really enjoying this series.Thank you. hugs Jean.x

[christinetangeman]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge of pattern reading! I have been dealing with patterns for a very long time and this has been the best explanation I have ever heard, thank you! The F on the pattern is for Australian, and other countries, for pricing. Different letters letters, different prices. The price here is usually between $15 and $30. When the US have their $0.99 sale, I almost cry. The best offer I have seen here has been 3 for $15, then I hope I can get there and have some money as well, I don't buy patterns often! Regards Christine 🙋‍♀️🇦🇺👍🏻👌😉

[lesleyharris]

Thank you Clare, I've used patterns but always crossed my fingers and hopefully it would work, lol, but now I know what it means, 💖

[victoriahannah]

Thank you for all this info. I have done a bit of sewing but review always helps and I always learn something new. I am really looking forward to more of your instructional videos. Hello from Virginia.

[kewikid]

Well, I could have thought of that...🙈
Great video! Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[stanjones]

Love your vids! You're entertaining and you break it all down girl!! Thank You!!

[helenhart]

lots of fantastic information, thank you for sharing

[qormi]

Very well explained. Thank you Claire. xxxx

[elaine]

That was so good and very informative Claire, it really helps, i look forward to the pattern sizing, I find that so confusing and is the worst part of dressmaking, you are a real star ⭐️ and very clearly explained, thankyou for sharing as always 😘!!

[juadonna]

Hello, from Florida! Thank you, Claire, for the in depth look at the pattern contents. The commercial patterns look quite a bit more detailed than they did in the 1960's when I started sewing! This was pre-Indie patterns and pre-knits (except for dreadfully stiff double knits, lol). Got away from sewing in the 1980's and back into it when mask-making became a must. That is one of the few good side effects of these difficult times, I suppose. I subbed to your channel (about a year ago) when I acknowledged the reality of my body Now vs Then. BTW, I like the bright colors you were wearing on this post! See you next episode! Take Care!

[prof.mommyarty]

They can be intimidating at first. Woah, so cheap in the USA! I haven't used an indie pattern yet, they look so simple to follow. Very handy video Claire, Tfs 💖

[KLeonardM]

Oh my goodness . All those lines and dashes. I hope this series is a long one. Thanks so much Claire. I do like the Indies better. Now to Google

[mrs.knecro]

So helpful! My first commercial pattern project is still sitting unfinished because the instructions were not very good when it came to doing the lining and it’s an older pattern so no tutorials on YouTube. What did we ever do before YouTube!