How to Read a Sewing Pattern

Are you ready to try sewing a garment using a pattern? You can do it! This video shows you how to read a sewing pattern, which is easier than it looks! When you first unfold the tissue paper pattern, it can look a little intimidating, but once you know what all of the markings mean, you'll see how much information is there to truly make the sewing process easier for you. You'll learn how to choose the right fabrics, how much fabric to get for your size, how to cut out the pattern pieces and how to properly lay out your pattern pieces on the fabric to get the most out of your yardage. Once all of your pattern pieces are cut out, it's time to get sewing!

[ditzymuffin]

This was a much better video than what simplicity put out!! Thank you so much

[martiejohnson]

I have found that it is always easier to cut a pattern when the fabric is placed with outsides touching each other so when you get ready to sew they are already to sew on the machine without having to bother to match front side with front side. This is if you aren't using the French stitching with will also have you buy an extra amount of fabric yet this way you can almost always use both sides of the garment if you like. Also if you don't want to cut your size out for whatever reason ( saving the pattern for when you might gain weight, or if you share the pattern with a friend that is either smaller or bigger than your self ) you can carefully cut little cuts inward on the size lines to the size you need your pattern and carefully iron the little tab cuts back so that when you cut the size you need you don't cut the tabs. . I learned that technique from a seamstress that makes Brides Maid Dresses for a living. Hope this was of some help. Thank you for your video on this subject. This is slowly becoming a lost art. So when I see videos like this it simply makes my heart very happy. There is so much joy to make your own wardrobe with the fabric you choose and style patterns you like. Usually you'll find that there will be very few if any people that will own a wardrobe like yours. It seems as now a days most of the clothes we buy is so un -unique and we all seem to run into some people that are wearing something that you have purchased even if that something is hanging in your closet . Thanks again for continuing the art of home sewing.

[katielove]

I did not know until now that the tissue pattern can be dry ironed. Wish I had known that years ago.

[BROUBoomer]

Hi! Thank you for the video, it's very informative.
I do prefer tracing the patterns on to craft paper to save the original. And zip top bag everything together.
☺️ ✌️ 🖖 😷

[lucky]

I've been sewing but this was good.

[gypsygirl]

I always dry ironed low the pattern as if it’s wrinkled you won’t get a smooth measure or cut.you can trace atterns on a tracing cloth and have it for keeps and at the cost of patterns one should do it .

[srcworm]

Can anyone tell me what “with nap” is? I bought my 1st pattern & im so confused. Also is the pattern including the seam allowance? Or do I cut my fabric a half inch around my pattern paper?

[lizann]

Re: size. No mention of choosing the finished garment size?

[scorpionattitude]

So upset that you didn’t show exactly where to put the curved pattern after you said the edge. Beachside then you moved it, as if there was a different edge somewhere in the middle that needed to be flush with the fabric’s own edge. A little confusing but the rest of the video was fantastic!

[RestWithin]

Blurred video can’t see anything she’s pointing to!

[dongraham]

This answered questions that the simplicity video didn't.

[mekak.stilldesigns]

Wow, this brief tutorial is very helpful. Thanks!