You've decided that you want to sew your clothes. But sewing patterns can be intimidating and confusing. I will show you how to choose the correct sewing pattern and how to read and understand the pattern pieces. It is vital to prepare your fabric and cut the way properly before you start sewing. Wash your fabric before you start (if it is washable). Material can shrink and run, so wash it before you cut and sew. After drying, press the fabric well to get rid of any creases or folds.

It is best to start sewing if you are beginning. A simple top, skirt, or day dress is better than a fancy ball gown. While trousers are more challenging to sew, a loose-fitting pair of pyjama pants is a great beginner project. Many patterns offer many options for different finishes. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before you cut. It's much easier to cut out the pieces beyond the lines. This is why you should use paper scissors instead of your fabric scissors. The paper will blunt the scissors. To remove wrinkles and folds from your pattern pieces, dry them on low heat.

Things to look out for first:

You want patterns that are simple and without fuss. It is a good idea to check the number of pattern pieces on the back of the package. A garment that has fewer pieces is easier to sew.

You can also find a hint in the line drawings at the back of your packet. You will notice more lines on the bodice of the top, skirt or dress if you see them. Use the size chart and your measurements to determine your size. 

There may be a difference in the size of some patterns depending on your measurements. If you have multiple-sized designs, then please refer to the instructions above for combining them. Then, follow the lines of your pattern and cut along them. You can trace the lines of your choice size using a highlighter pen if they are close together.

Consider how fastening the garment is. For beginners, a zip is more manageable than many buttons and buttonholes.

What should a beginner do?

Many beginners prefer the 'indie patterns', which have more detailed instruction. However, they are often more expensive than commercial patterns.

Because I prefer to have a more comprehensive selection of patterns, I learned most of my sewing skills using commercial practices. However, they are simple enough to follow once you have a basic understanding of sewing terminology, provided you don't make any complicated projects.

Making your clothes is a great way to make your body fit into standard sizes. For most patterns, the most critical measurements are your bust, hips, and waist. There is a chart at the back of each pattern packet that lists these measurements. You can contact victorianyc for sewing patterns with great quality and quick delivery times.

Thinking of Fabric:

It is essential to consider the properties of your fabric for each type of garment. For example, does it need to move quickly or be more rigid and structured? Again, your wardrobe can provide many clues.
Transfer all markings from your pattern pieces to the fabric. This is a crucial step for later matching fabric pieces and positioning elements like darts or pockets. These can be marked with snips or tiny tacking stitches. You can pin all your pattern pieces to the fabric until they are needed to know which one is which when you sew them together.

Using the Tables:

Use the table to find the size of the pattern you have chosen and determine the fabric you will need. In addition, you will find notes about pattern matching stripes and checks. I recommend buying a little more if you are a beginner.

You will find a list of notions like interfacing, zippers, hooks and eye, buttons, and zips in the pattern. It is a brilliant idea to order them all at once so that you are ready to sew.

It can be challenging to decide where to match your pattern when making a garment. First, you need to check if the fabric's pattern runs in one direction. This is important because every pattern piece must be cut in the same direction. It's best not to miss the pattern pieces in the fold if the fabric has a bold motif. You can cut one half of the pattern piece, flip it, and cut the other half. This is the best way to ensure that your pattern pieces are straight and aligned on your fabric.

Case of Curved Seams:

While pattern matching straight seams can be made, it is not possible to match curved seams. If you have a seam that you can match a way, such as the back seam of a skirt or a bodice, it is worthwhile to do this for a better result.
If this is impossible because you have too many seams, you should try to match the pattern horizontally around your garment. If your fabric has a large print, you will need to decide where the pattern's motifs should be placed on your garment. You will notice a more significant effect if a more prominent motif runs down the middle of the bodice or skirt of a gown, but it is crucial to see how this affects other parts of the pattern.

You will most likely need more fabric than indicated in the instructions if you plan to match your pieces.

Measuring Patterns before Purchasing:

Measure each piece of your pattern before you purchase your fabric. This will give you the most precise measurement. Next, determine the pattern repeat for the fabric you wish to use. The pattern repeat refers to the size of the entire pattern printed on the fabric.
This can be done by laying the fabric flat and marking a prominent pattern spot using a pin. Mark the location where this pattern is repeated with a pin. This is the repeat pattern.

Every pattern piece must start and end at the same place in the pattern repeat. Calculate how much fabric is needed to make this happen.

Horizontal Matching:

You may need the pattern pieces to match horizontally if you have a check or striped fabric. Again, this is something you should consider when you calculate your fabric. Although some fabric is left over, your garment will look more professional if it is correctly matched.

Place your pattern pieces on the fabric, and then move them around to find the best position. It's all about pleasing your eye and looking right.

My number one piece of advice is not to be afraid. Get stuck in. What could go wrong? You can do it!

Would you mind keeping checking our beginner tutorial series for more tutorials, sewing lessons, and more?

Have an awesome time sewing!