How do you use your patterns?

[StormySar]

I have been cutting out fabric for my kids so I can make them some clothes.

My patterns are all for sizes XS-L for kids, and considering I have two kids now in differennt sizes, plus a third on the way, so I am using a variety of the sizes with any one pattern.

I cut around the pattern, then lay the pattern on fabric with some of that colored paper that rubs off on the fabric when you trace on top of it, and trace the size pattern I need on the fabric. Then I cut it out.

This seems really time consuming to me. Is there an easier way?

Oh, and are their larger peices of that paper I can buy... I have smallish rectangle sized peices that I repeatidly have to move around the pattern to trace the whole thing onto fabric and it can mess me up really quick!

[frogger]

I cut it out on the biggest size. For inside corners, like for an armhole, I will cut into it in a couple of spots, then I fold to what size I need, then cut.

[Codi's Mama]

Originally Posted by frogger

I cut it out on the biggest size. For inside corners, like for an armhole, I will cut into it in a couple of spots, then I fold to what size I need,

I do this, then i lay my fabric out on the table, arrange the pattern on top. Use some rocks/paperweights to hold it down, and use a rotary cutter to cut around the pattern.

[p.s]

I trace the pattern

[orangefoot]

I have started tracing mine onto thick plastic decorators drop cloth which is working really well. It rolls up or folds easily for storing and doesn't rip if you pin it to fabric for cutting

[KariM]

I've been just cutting them out in the size I need and buying more patterns. Most of the patterns I used were purchased on sale for under a dollar.

That said, I've recently fallen in LOVE with Kwik Sew patterns and may end up using some of the tips shared here to get a bit more life out of them and not have to buy more.

[scrapadoozer]

I trace the size I need on to sew-in interfacing. I wait until it goes on sale at Jo-Ann's for 50 cents a yard and buy a whole bunch. It's sturdy stuff and I really appreciate that with two little imps (one feline, one human) roaming around heck bent on destruction.

[smudge]

I cut out the largest size and then fold down to where I need it.

[sabrinat]

Well the Ottobre and KS one's I trace. Most of my big 3's I get cheaply on sale. If it's one I think I want to use again, I might trace it out even then. I guess overwhelmingly I trace them.

[capemom]

I trace onto Pattern Ease - found in most fabric stores with the interfacing. You buy it by the yard and it is great for patterns.

[TanyaMT]

Like someone else mentioned, if it was a 99 cent pattern I just cut it out and buy another later at another sale. For Ottobre, Kwik Sew, etc., I trace. I use Patternease if I have it or got a roll of soil separator paper at Home Depot. Very economical, pretty much like very very thin interfacing, on a huge roll. I lay it on top of the pattern, trace the outline with a pen or marker and then cut out the pattern from the soil separator paper. I still like Patternease better though.