How to Read Sewing Pattern Directions

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm Terri Turco with Expert Village and today what we are doing is we're looking at patterns, at fabric patterns, and how to really decipher how to read a pattern, how to prep that pattern and eventually cut out that perfect item that you want to make. We're in the inside of the envelope now and we are looking at the pattern instructions. And you are probably thinking, my gosh, there's so much there, how am I ever going to make way of this. Well, it's really simple when you break it down so let's do just that. First of all, in your first box, obviously they have the pictures again of the items that you have the choice of making. Now we've chosen to make item B. So, then you go down, you go item B, and you look down here and this shows you not only the pattern pieces but it lists the pattern pieces just to be very clear about what you're working with. Then when you go up to this section, this is just a basic understanding of sewing. This talks about folds and salvages and reading the pattern. Whether it's right side or wrong side. Now, I know this doesn't involve the pattern but I just want to show you that when you are working with fabric, a fold is exactly what it is. It's the fold of the fabric where the fabric comes together and it folds over. Whereas the salvages are the ends of the fabric, as you see here. So there's your ends and there's your folds and you already learned two more things. Now, the next thing you do after you are looking at the folds and the salvages which is basically what this whole section is about. It really deciphers sewing terms and fabric terms for you. Now we are going to be showing tab B. So you just go from tab B to the instructions and layout for B, as you see here. I've highlighted it for you. And it shows you which pieces your are going to need, as you see here. Well, basically we just need two pieces, we need piece one and piece two. That seems pretty simple. Now when we come back we're going to show you how to unwrap the tissue and cut out that pattern and prep it so it really works well for you so do come back."