How to understand sewing patterns (for beginners!)

Would you like to make your own clothes? Do you find yourself lost and bewildered at the mere sight of a sewing pattern?...

Congratulations, you clicked on the right video.

In this video I go through the basics of understanding sewing patterns - from tracing, to cutting, to what the heck all those symbols mean. This one is for all the budding sewers out there! Hopefully I can give you some of the knowledge and sewing wisdom that I've gained over the years.

The pattern I used for the palazzo pants:

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Find me on Instagram: @vintagethirsty

A bit about me (not very interesting):
Where are you from?
I’m from Scotland. Yep, that is a Scottish accent you’re hearing.
How old are you?
Born in 99’
Do you study fashion?
Yes! I am a fashion student still very much learning. I am by no means a professional, but I’m sure my videos make that obvious.

Equipment:
Camera: Canon M50
Mic: Rode Video Mic Pro
Editing software: Final Cut Pro
Sewing machine: Janome 7025
Overlocker/Serger: Singer 14SH754

[wehavealwayslivedinanxiety]

I have a question: when you cut the pattern, do you need to leave some extra space for where you're going to be sewing? if not, where do I sew it, to make the right size? because I imagine that if you sew too far from the edge the garment will be tighter... or not? Sorry, I'm just learning and I still have never sewn anything!

[crashofthemoons]

I've been sewing for 15 years and my mom taught me all these things. But you rarely hear them on sewing videos these days. I approve

[jacquig]

I'm jealous of your patterns idk if that's a normal one but in the US ours are made of tissue paper. Its so thin it rips if you look at it wrong

[janetsteiner]

I'm thrilled to see all of you young people sewing!
Janet in Idaho. A young 77 years old. And still enjoying sewing and quilting

[greenwoodcounseling]

I'm a 58 year old man just learning to sew for the first time. Thank you for your videos!

[Rei-mnpl]

Basics:
Tracing - 2:14
Notches - 4:27
Darts - 5:05
Grain line - 5:30
Cut on fold - 6:14

6:58-Cutting
8:07

[martinajay]

This is - hands down - the BEST tutorial I’ve seen about ANYTHING so far. You’ve definitely earned a subscription and you didn’t even ask! Thank you! 🙏

[daniellebissonnette]

I have been sewing for 30 years and studied fashion design, professional sewing, pattern drafting and draping. My two adult daughters have recently expressed an interest in learning how to sew, so I thought we might watch a few videos together before we go buy patterns, fabric and notions. We watched a video from a different blogger before this one, and we thought it was a bit all over the map and unclear. Your video is very clear and starts with the most basic concept. Well done! Hope you will make other videos like this one.

[phild]

65 year old guy in Iowa appreciates your skill in teaching, sewing and modeling. This was great.

[ChristineTay]

I’ve learned so much from just 10mins 🥺💗

[viv]

I think I'm gonna have bookmark this for 7 weeks from now when I'm finished with uni for the year. I have grand sewing plans and I am gonna need all the help I can get 🙃

[njinji]

can we talk about how the 'snips' every time she says cut sound so good?? it's very satisfying 🤍

[summermucha]

The pants turned out super cute! Very well explained. My only request would be to have a visual when explaining the “grain line”. It’s probably pretty simple and I may be making it more complicated than it is but perhaps a ‘correct’ example. Then, an ‘incorrect’ example as a visual -if you would be up for it next time. Thank you 🙏😊

[dalepark]

I'm a 64 yr old man, and I've never used a pattern before and came across your video. It was very informative, helpful, and so well done. I'm trying to make a Star Wars couch cushion, but a pattern is a pattern. Thank you very much, this helped me feel a bit less intimidated by it all.

[hollylanders]

THank you SO MUCH!!!
I AM A COMPLETE BEGINER AND HAVE BEEN SO FUSTRATED AS MOST OLDER WOMEN INCLUDING MY OWN AGE AND OLDER NO LONGER HELP OR WANT TO
GOD BLESS YOU FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO HELP OTHERS.
YOUR PLAZO PANTS ARE ADDORABLE

[timmorris]

At 56 years old I find myself as the stay-at-home parent for an 11-year-old boy who just joined Boy Scouts. I am now having pants, sewing on patches, and trying to make a vest for said patches to hang on. I haven't touched a sewing machine since 9th grade home ec. Thank you for helping me remember things I forgot a billion years ago.

[anndon]

I’m an embroider who is wanting to start handsewing as a Hobby and cus clothes are too pricy (and i hate shien.) So this really helped with making pattens!

[DemiKnightmusic]

I just had to pause at 2:43, come here, and comment: That highlight tip is a hidden treasure!! Can’t believe I’ve never thought of that, so smart 😍

[tinkersdinkers]

Your voice is so calming, thank you so much for this tutorial!! 🥺

[jazlinshai]

I really want to start sewing! I’m 22 and I’ve never sewn anything in my life. I’m so glad I found you because your videos are so gentle and informational! Everything I needed to get inspired to make some cool clothes :)