How to Learn to Read a Sewing Pattern
The thought of sewing from a pattern can be daunting when you don't understand all the symbols and what to do with them. However, learning to sew using a pattern is quite easy. In fact, once you learn how to use a pattern you may never go back to sewing without one. Creating clothing from patterns will give you fantastic fit and style and with much less stress.
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Instructions
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Familiarize yourself with the key to symbols on your sewing pattern. Every pattern has a key, just like a map.
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Locate your size on the pattern. In between all lines that you will fold or cut, including darts, will have a size number or measurement printed there. It can be helpful to take a highlighter and mark every spot on the pattern where your size appears.
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Spread your freshly ironed fabric out. The amount of fabric needed is found on the pattern package.
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Lay your sewing pattern on the fabric and pin it in place.
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Use a tracing wheel to mark the fabric where needed. Some of those areas can be button holes, darts, or arm holes.
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Cut the pattern. Any line you need to cut should have either an image of scissors on it. If there is not an image of scissors, check your key to determine which lines should be cut. Highlighting these lines may be helpful to you, also.
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Tips & Warnings
Making note of precisely what parts of your pattern confuse you before doing research can help you focus your studies.
