How To: Pattern Match Fabric for a Garment

Welcome to video 2 of 4 tutorials on pattern matching. In this video I will show you how to cut out your fabric whilst pattern matching a check, stripe, plaid or pattern around a garment you are making. I will be sharing tips and techniques that can be used on any garment, however I will be working with my free Copen pattern.

I will discuss pattern preparation techniques and show you what to consider when patter matching the Front, Back, Sleeve and Facing of the pattern. How to cut out in a single layer and what to do when you need to 'cut 2' (cutting the second side) pattern pieces. Watch the Intro To: Pattern (Plaid) Matching to understand the rules you need to follow based on your individual body.

If you are looking for a specific part of the tutorial see the below timings:
0. Introduction: 0:00 - 1:58
1. Preparation: 1:58 - 8:31
2. Front: 8:31 - 16:44
3. Back: 16:44 - 27:37
4. Sleeve: 27:37 - 36:15
5. Facing: 36:15 - 38:19
6. Cut 2 (Cutting Second Side): 38:19 - 42:43

LINKED TUTORIALS
How To: Copen Shift Dress / Top (Beginners Dressmaking) -

ANEKA WEARS:
Red Crepe Fabric

FEATURED
Tracing Paper: Coming Soon!

FEATURED - US

[ethelmacrory]

I'm self taught sewer, didn't have these wonderful tutorials back then, so I am learning so much more about how to cut, make and complete projects. Your my favourite so clear and direct instructions.Cant wait each time you bring out another tutorial.Thank you for sharing.

[pinkderdlesews]

lovely clear instructions, trying to pattern match stripey jersey for a Breton top and this made perfect sense. my weird pattern means the back of the sleeves don't match the back piece at all, but now I know that I know the front is the important bit, I've stopped stressing and shall leave all rooms by walking backwards so that people only see the perfectly matched front of my top. thank you

[shonafox]

As another self-taught lady, I can’t tell you how amazing your videos are! Thank you so much for the work that goes into them, they are the most helpful I’ve ever seen!!

[anitacharlton]

Restarting after many years and only a basic dressmaker. This is wonderful and clear tutorial with pleasant delivery. Thank you.

[jennymcdonell]

I am just getting back into sewing after learning at school and sewing a free things -mainly stretch sewing in my 20's. I have started watching the British Sewing Bee from scratch and saw how important pattern matching is. This tutorial is just brilliant. As a teacher myself I am in awe of your wonderful explanations and use of visual representations. Thank you so much, I feel like I have learnt so much and I can also come back and revisit it.

[pamelaaverill]

Thank you so much for including the cut on fold instructions. I looked everywhere for that information.
I couldn’t finish my top without your help. Now I am excited to start again. Thanks so much

[allisonjoel]

This is an excellent tutorial on fabric matching. I have been looking on YouTube for several months for someone covering this area of interest that all good sewers, etc., need to know and somehow I managed to miss this most valuable and comprehensive video up till now.

[loiskubota]

Thank you so much for the details. I’ve watched it twice now and hopefully I can pull off pattern matching thanks to your detailed video!

[s.w.a.l.k]

Thank you for your great tutorial. I have always struggled to sew and match plaid or patterned material. You were easy to understand and there was nothing to distract from the actual lesson. thank you so much.

[phyllisgordon]

You are a great teacher. I hope I will be as professional as you one day. Thanks for sharing your insight.

[CM]

These videos are fantastic - invaluable! Don't think I'd get a more comprehensive lesson if I had attended a class in person. Although I'm doing a jacket so will have to work out what piece to do first but this will definitely help. Thank You!

[heartsewfull]

What an incredible tutorial, Aneka. I'm so grateful for your lessons. Thank you! I was so nervous about doing this (matching plaid), but now I feel like I can attempt it with your shared knowledge.

[norma]

Loved the sleeve matching explanation.

[seestellysew]

Fabulous Aneka, I really appreciate you for being so detailed. Thanks again.

[ruthirwin]

Love ur videos very clear and lovely to listen to

[belindasews]

Thank you so much for your amazing tutorials. I am a rank beginner and wish I could take classes with you (I’m in Canada though). This has given me back my inspiration and hope that I’ll be able to make something that will look neat and professional.

[bsbs]

Thank you for the excellent pointers! I think I’ll give it a try now. ❤️

[patriciaingraldi]

I so appreciate your sharing all these techniques. Thank you

[ver]

Really in-depth, very helpful! Thank you for the video 😊

[danielleCatslivehere]

Thank you this video was very informent.