If you are new to sewing, learning and understanding different sewing patterns can be a bit overwhelming. With hundreds of sewing patterns and symbols available, learning how to read sewing patterns can feel somehow like learning a foreign language. If that’s your case, however, don’t fret. In this post, we shall give you all the details that you need to know when it comes to sewing patterns. Read on for more information.
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Learning how to read sewing patterns
When you get your guide, the first place to look is the instructions section. This is the section where you can find lots of material, tips, and data that you can use before you begin cutting your fabric. Here are the most important things to master when it comes to sewing patterns:
The style lines
If you are a beginner, it’s important to understand that the pictures indicated with a pattern can be very misleading. To avoid this, always study the flat, drawn plans, as these can assist you to determine if the style fits you. The good thing with flat patterns is that they accurately show you the lines, without being distracted by the fabric. In short, flat patterns show you the importance and depth of the pattern.
Sewing levels
As a beginner, it’s recommended that you choose easy patterns. And why is this? Easy patterns can guide you in a better manner throughout the sewing process—these patterns can guide you on things like the proper way to sew as you sew and the tools you need for every project. Advanced sewers, on the other hand, can easily get bored by easy patterns and they tend to go for patterns that require more expertise.
Now, as you progress in your sewing career and you need to learn more advanced patterns, consider joining sewing classes and buying good sewing books. Never rely only on free sewing blogs and patterns if you want to perfect your sewing skills. Learning new sewing skills boost your self-esteem, and you will be more interested to learn more and advanced patterns.
In case you get stuck and you require some assistance with a pattern that you found online, consider consulting the designer for guidance. Most independent designers are always available to answer questions.
Here is an additional tip for beginners—avoid choosing patterns with different pattern pieces like cuffs, facings, and collars, among others when starting your first project. Fewer pieces will make it easier for you to put your project together.
Choosing your fabric
Usually, sewing patterns like the patterns for sewing by Fayma suggest different types of fabric that are ideal for your project. So, always make sure that you stick to the suggestions, as this ensures that your finished project will look like the picture on the guide.
The cutting layout key
This will tell you if your piece of the pattern should be on the wrong side or right side once you lay the fabric. Besides, it lets you know the right and wrong sides of your fabric when it’s in a layout section. For instance, if a pattern piece cut on the right side is plain white, the pattern piece cut on the wrong side has a small dotted pattern, which lets you know how to place the correct side of your pattern piece on the fabric.
Besides, you must be aware of the design of the fabric. In that case. A light gray fabric means the right side, but plain white means the wrong side of the fabric. Please note that this might be a bit confusing for beginners. Therefore, it’s important to refer to the cutting and marking sections as needed.
How to use a sewing pattern
The following are the most important tips to guide you when reading a sewing pattern:
- Read through the pattern – never skip this step, even if you are experienced. Reading the instructions on the pattern helps you to understand the workflow, which makes your work easier when you start sewing.
- Print the pattern – this is for those who use PDF sewing patterns. First, print the pattern, and then trim and tape together with your sheets. Using the right tools and following the directions can make sewing fun.
- Trace your pattern – tracing is very important when using traditional paper patterns. However, this is not important for PDF patterns, as it might be more tedious to re-print, re-trim, and re-tape, than simply tracing the pattern.
Always follow the right lines – this is very important when using PDF or paper patterns without the size-by-size print feature. So, it’s important to identify the right lines that you should follow—a size chart can help you with this. Use a bright pen to highlight the lines, as this makes them more noticeable and easier to trace.
