Introduction to Sewing Patterns

Series Summary

Sewing is an ancient craft that still has remarkable relevance in today's modern world. The art of stitching and assembling pieces of fabric together, either by hand or with the use of a modern sewing machine, is still a valuable skill: it is the backbone of the textile industry; it comes in handy for clothing repair; fashion and design find it indispensable; and homemade clothing wouldn’t exist without it. Whether you use a sewing machine or a needle and thread, the techniques involved in constructing a well-fitting garment are very specific and involved. Becoming skilled at the craft is a lifelong pursuit.

In this free video series, our expert Terri Turco will teach you all about sewing patterns. She will teach you how to read the pattern, wheres to find them, and how to navigate them. She will also show you how to cut off extra tissue paper, pin the fabric down, and make the pattern into a real pattern of fabric you can then take and make clothes or bags or anything out of, its your choice!

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm Terri Turco with Expert Village and today I'm going to show you some really good basic about how to read a pattern and really prep a pattern so that you can make some clothing for yourself or whatever you'd like. I've been sewing for a number of years. I do have a major in design and I had my own line of clothing for a number of years that sold at Barney's so I think I know what I'm doing when it comes to fashion and clothing. What I really appreciate with clothing is how it is made. And I can show you some really important steps in the very beginning that will make a huge difference when you're sewing or constructing your clothing. Something as simple as picking out the right pattern and the right size is the most important start of making sure that that garment is going to fit you. So please stick with me because I'm going to show you some really good basics. If you've never navigated your way around a pattern and I know there's a lot of you out there because I've met you at the fabric store. And you don't know what to read from the pattern so I'm here to really plot that out for you and show you just how easy and simple it can be. So do come back because we are going to get started."