How to Choose a Sewing Pattern and Fabric

Sewing a garment for yourself or someone else can be fun and rewarding. Follow these guidelines when shopping for a sewing pattern and fabric.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing Patterns
• Fabric Chalks
• Fabric Marking Pens
• Fabric Pencils
• Fabrics
• Measuring Tapes
• Sewing Notions
• Straight Pins
• Threads
• Straight Pins
• Scissors
• Scissors
• Notebook Papers
• Pen Or Pencils

1. Take the basic measurements of the person the pattern will be purchased for: height, bust/chest, waist, hip and back waist length. The back waist length measurement is taken from the base of the neck to the natural waistline.

2. Take the same measurements for a man's garment, plus neck, pants length (waist to desired pants length), sleeve length (along a slightly bent arm from the base of the neck across the shoulder and elbow to the wrist bone) and inseam (crotch to desired pants length).

3. Write down all measurements on a piece of paper as you take them, and remember to take the measurements with you when shopping for a pattern.

4. Browse through pattern books, which can be found at most fabric stores. They're indexed according to garment type.

5. Choose a pattern according to both desired style of garment and skill level needed to sew it. Many patterns are coded according to degree of difficulty.

6. Choose the pattern size using the recorded measurements as a guide. Make sure the pattern inside the package is the correct style number and size. Also make sure that the package contains printed instructions.

7. Refer to the back of the pattern package to determine the amount of fabric you'll need to sew your chosen pattern. Suggestions for suitable fabric types will also be listed there. Be aware of the required care method of any chosen fabric.

8. Refer to the back of the pattern package for a listing of any additional items, or notions, that are required to complete your sewing project. Notions include thread, elastic, zippers and buttons. Choose these after you've chosen your fabric so that you can better match colors.

9. Choose any other items that will help you complete your project: straight pins, fabric chalk, pencil or pen for marking, scissors and so on.

Tips & Warnings

• If sewing a garment for yourself, have someone else take your measurements in order to ensure accuracy.
• If sewing for another person, try to have that person accompany you when choosing a pattern. Bring a tape measure and be ready to take any additional measurements that may be required.
• The sizing of most sewing patterns tends to run small. For example, if you usually wear a size 10, don't be surprised or upset if your measurements lead you to a size 12 or 14 pattern. Buy the size appropriate to the recorded measurements.
• Choose fabrics in any color you like, but try to stay with the pattern suggestions in terms of fabric weight and draping quality.
• Depending on the fabric chosen, it may be a good idea to purchase extra fabric in case of shrinkage.
• If thread is unavailable in the exact shade of your fabric color, choose a thread color not more than one or two shades darker than your fabric color. Avoid choosing lighter shades. If the fabric is multicolored, choose a thread color that matches the most prevalent color.

[roskyskype]

on 6/5/2007 great tips. It helped me a lot

Thanks again and more power to you!

Roskyskype

on 3/13/2006 If you have some jeans (or anything) that fits perfectly, use it for your pattern, especially if they are worn out or the fabric is outdated. Cut the piece apart at the seams and add a seam allowance when sewing. That way you know how it fits. Try it on practice fabric first in case you want to make adjustments to the size.

on 11/22/2005 When choosing a 'nappy' fabric like velvets or corduroy, keep in mind the flow of the nap. On corduroy, if you rub it in one direction, it lies down and is shiny. The other direction is up and rough. When cutting out a pattern that has a front (middle) and two front sides, try using the flattened nap in the middle, and the rougher nap on the sides. The effect is visual camouflage. Light is attracted front and center, drawing attention there while minimizing your sides and giving the illusion of a slimmer you.