how to use patterns? Is it easy/faster than not using it?

[naturallyspeaking]

HI,
I see a lot of ladies like to use patterns when sewing and making clothes but I don't quite understand how it works. I've looked at some McCall/Simplicity patterns at Walmart but they look complicated so I haven't tried anything yet. I think I even bought some patterns but never tried it. Why do you use patterns? Is it much easier and faster than not using them? Can you reuse pattern or are they for one time use only?
Please help me. I would loooove to sew. I always drool over pretty fabrics but don't know what to do with them or only get an idea to make something and never start or finish...
Kim

[sabrinat]

If you're new to sewing, I'd highly highly recommend getting a Kwik Sew pattern. I am strictly a pattern sewer, I can sew anything, but I really prefer to sew from a pattern. Having used the Big 3 patterns I can say that for a newbie they can be very frustrating with their terrible directions and vague techiniques. KS will give you confidence. She's clear and concise and will teach you techniques that will give a you great looking finished product.
My other recommendation is to get a good basic sewing manual that will define sewing terms and techniques...it's your dictionary for sewing.
Oh, I forgot. I do reuse some patterns...like KS ones and ones that are wardrobe stables. If I need to make something for my kids from a big three I wait for the $.99 sale at Hancocks or JoAnn's and get in several sizes so I can cut out what I want. I don't trace onion skin patterns.

[rubelin]

Originally Posted by naturallyspeaking

Why do you use patterns?

Well, most people do not know the correct measurements to make clothing from scratch, unless it's just a pull-on, elastic-waist skirt. All clothing requires a pattern of some sort, whether you draw it yourself or use a store-bought pattern.

Is it much easier and faster than not using them?

Considering that it can take me up to and over 12 hours to make a complicated pattern from scratch (and at least a couple of hours to make alterations on an existing pattern), it's much faster to use something that's already been done and sized properly (well, most of the time they're sized properly, some of the big pattern makers have mistakes).

Can you reuse pattern or are they for one time use only?

Oh, yes, you can use them as much as you'd like, but it is usually recommended that you trace them onto something sturdier if you plan to use them more than once or twice, just so they don't rip apart. I have some patterns that I've used dozens of times without tracing, but I am SUPER gentle with my patterns and I usually trace around them onto the fabric so I'm not cutting near the edges more than once.

As a newbie pattern user, go with Kwik sew to start, they are much more user-friendly than the others.

[fallriverfox]

Well, if you have a pattern, you will waste less fabric

Wasting Less Fabric = More Money = Buying More Fabric = More Projects

[SerafinasMommy]

For me, it depends on what I'm making. If its a purse or something simple, I usually just create my own pattern. I also create designs for my daughter's clothing sometimes. But, if its something for me, I always use a pattern.

[LoveBaby]

I also reccommend Kwik Sew patterns. Not only are they easier to understand/put together but there are a lot of tips techniques so you learn stuff as you go. My favorite is the Kwik Sew for Toddlers! I just trace my patterns onto Swedish Tracing Paper and then re-use the tracings for my kids.

[Erinok]

patterns are great even just to get the basic measurements. I usually never end up following them through all the way and end up improvising (after I've made something once, especially I cut out like 1/2 of the steps) but they will save alot of frustration, fabric, time (not to mention sanity) and you will have clothing/item s that are not lopsided.

[SugrMagMama]

I do both.. Even though I have been sewing since I was 6, I am not that experienced of a sewer, I get by though.

AS for making patterns from scratch, I read some sewing books on how to take measuremets of body parts and then I allow enough fabric for seams and for comfort.

I also have taken styles of clothes that I have liked and layed them completely flat and made patterns from them.

I agree with some PP's big name pattern co's are not as easy as they claim, i.e,.. Simplicity is NOT as simple ......but the Kwik Sew and Sew Easy patterns can prove less complicating and comprehensible.

Oh.. and having a dress form is the best help!

HTH!
Kristina

[majazama]

what I've done recently is use an old pair of pants, or whatever it is that you want to make, and just cut it up, along the seams. Is long as it's not stretched out too much, you can re-create almost anything, if you use the same kind of fabric...

kwik-sew

[weeirishlass]

I think it depends entirely on your eye. I have never ever used a pattern and I think they look like one giant headache! But I can picture a dress, all it's pieces, and what I have to do with it in my head. If you can't, a pattern would be a huge help. My mom is strictly a pattern sewer and has never understood how I can NOT use a pattern. But for me, all that cutting and pinning just slows me down! If you're just getting started, why not get one pattern and see how it works, then try to make something wihtout a pattern. You'll see what you're comfy with. Good luck!