How to use sewing patterns 101

I’ve been using sewing patterns for a few years now to stitch clothes, bags etc. There are a lot of companies that make these patterns – McCall, Simplicity, Vogue, Burda are the big brands and then there are a lot of boutique designer patterns. Even after using the patterns for sometime now, I’m still learning them. That made me think how intimidating it must be to first start using them and hence the idea for this post. I thought I could share what I’ve learned so far. Here you go:

1. Let’s start with the basics – pick the right size of pattern. Take your body measurements and look at the pattern to see which size you would need for your body measurements.
2. Select the right fabric. This is one of the most important things. I have learnt the hard way. There were times when I chose to ignore what were the recommended fabrics for a pattern and just bought the fabric I wanted to make it with. Not a good thing to do. If you don’t know much about fabrics, you can search online fabric store for the type or better still go to your local fabric store (preferably not a big box store) and the attendants there are very helpful as well as knowledgeable. You can show them the pattern’s recommended fabric list and ask them what would work.
3. Read the instructions completely before starting. And make sure you understand most of it. Some of them may get more clear when you start sewing it but you should get a good idea about what the general instructions are and how you would be sewing what you would be sewing.
4. Cut the pattern to your measurements. It’s possible that the bust size of Size 16 is right for you but the waist is not. Every pattern has instructions on how to cut a pattern if your 3 measurements belong to two or three sizes. Read that and cut your pattern accordingly. This might mean you will not cut the pattern on the line for one size.
5. Pay attention to instructions. When sewing, make sure your garment looks like what the picture shows at that step. It has happened to me a couple of times that I misunderstand the instruction and then my garment picture doesn’t match the pattern picture at that step. I think oh it’s a problem with the picture and carry on. No! Don’t do that! You might have to rip the seam and do it again and do that till you are satisfied with it.
6. Be ready to rip the seams. Don’t be afraid or lazy to rip the seams as needed. It’s important to do it right for the pieces of the puzzle to fit together. For that if you need to rip the seams multiple times do it. The end result will be worth it.
7. Try it out if it’s a garment. As often as possible try out the garment to see if it fits well. Once it’s done you can’t change much but you can right now. So try it out and see if it’s lose/tight/low/high/etc.
8. Take notes. I’ve found things vary by pattern company. So take notes. Did the pattern company ask for more fabric that you needed? Did the size fit you well for this pattern company? Were the instructions clear? And so on. This is something I regret not doing.