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Creating pattern templates to cut from again and again What do you use for a pattern template on a frequently cut pattern
Deb Thompson Intermediate AB CANADA Member since 7/8/05 Posts: 301	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/25/12 9:22 AM I recently started selling something I've been sewing and I am finding that I have to keep re-tracing the pattern because it is becoming tattered with all the pinning and I also find that it's time-consuming to pin and cut and would rather have a hard template that I can put down and cut with my rotary cutter. Do you create hard templates for your frequently cut pattern pieces and if so, what material do you use for your template? What other tips/tricks do you use to speed up your creation process when sewing more than one of the same item?? Thanks!!! (its good to be back - I've been MIA from Pattern Review for a while) ------ Deborah Thompson www.debthompsoncollection.com
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5414	Login to reply to this post In reply to Deb Thompson << Like this post Date: 6/25/12 9:49 AM Welcome back, Deb! I have read here at PR that a lot of people use "oak tag" which is about like a file folder. So if you have small pieces, you could use a file folder. I believe Kathleen Fassanella says the pros trace their pattern piece onto the fabric before cutting, which keeps the pattern piece from being gradually cut smaller all the time. I can't remember how she said they transfer pattern markings (bust point, etc.) that aren't on the outside edge of the pattern piece. Whatcha makin'? ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
nancy2001   Advanced AL USA Member since 12/3/05 Posts: 6111	Login to reply to this post In reply to Deb Thompson << Like this post Date: 6/25/12 9:55 AM I use the clear plastic template sheets you can find in the quilting section of Hancock's and Joann's. Here is the tip I wrote on the topic. ------ The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale. Richard Dawkins
Deb Thompson Intermediate AB CANADA Member since 7/8/05 Posts: 301	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/25/12 10:20 AM I'm making dog dresses. Trust me, I had NO intention of making them to sell but I gave a few to my breeder and its all gone haywire since then. There seems to be a huge market in my city and no local suppliers so here I am...making puppy dresses!! Thanks for the two great tips nancy & tourist! I will look for the template sheets and try file folders to see if it speeds up the process. ------ Deborah Thompson www.debthompsoncollection.com
marec   Intermediate OR USA Member since 5/11/08 Posts: 3543	Login to reply to this post In reply to Deb Thompson << 1 member likes this. Date: 6/25/12 10:21 AM Hi Deb! I use painters plastic drop cloth, which comes in a roll and in various thicknesses. I think my current roll is 4mm. The resulting pattern pieces can be rolled into a tube and taped, or folded. HTH ------ my blog: http://kf-biblioblog.blogspot.com/ Sewing through my pattern stash-125 completed.
SheBear0320   Advanced MB CANADA Member since 4/8/08 Posts: 2790	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 6/25/12 10:35 AM I also use painters plastic drop cloth for most of my tracing for re-use - a minimum 3.5 mil and find that it is quite durable. I should note that I don't use a rotary cutter -- never been able to get the hang of that for pattern pieces. I have used heavyweight cardstock for smaller pieces -- can also use the mat board that is used in picture framing. ------ Sheila "sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet" 2012/2013 Stash Busting Sew-Along: 27.25 yards sewn (as of 05/15/13) 21.75 yards purchased (as of 05/15/13)
Teeavilnor   Advanced Beginner CT USA Member since 10/12/07 Posts: 133	Login to reply to this post In reply to Deb Thompson << Like this post Date: 6/25/12 11:04 AM Hi, I use a old bed sheet. I like it because it lies flat to the fabric, I do use plastic but sometimes it will slip around. ------ Teri Janome Sew Precise, DC4030PR, 634D, & 900CP, Singer 30518 Great sewing is knowing exactly, what your machine will do.
nicegirl Intermediate DC USA Member since 5/10/06 Posts: 1611	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/25/12 11:30 AM My trick is to fuse interfacing (the cheap Joann stuff works well for this) to the back of the tissue pattern. Preserves the pattern and as a bonus generally sticks to the fabric when you lay down the pattern requiring fewer or no pins. ------ http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com ================= 2007: purchased 115+, sewed 105+ So close to parity, yet so far Trying again in 2008 Yards purchased: 133 Yards sewn: Somewhere around 95 2009? I give up
kayco   Beginner CA USA Member since 6/3/12 Posts: 73	Login to reply to this post In reply to Deb Thompson << Like this post Date: 6/25/12 11:42 AM Try thin wood particle board especially if you are using a cutting wheel. I learned this at square dance festivals where the clubs will offer the board patterns for tracing your own pattern to take home. Lay your own tracing paper on floor or table throw the board on top and trace away! Seems like it would work directly on fabric too. Of course your re-use would have to be worth the effort of cutting the Wooden pattern with a jigsaw in the first place.
Deb Thompson Intermediate AB CANADA Member since 7/8/05 Posts: 301	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/25/12 12:58 PM Oh I never thought to put interfacing on the pattern piece itself! thats a great idea too! I was hoping to be able to make hard patterns so I could use them as guides while I cut with my rotary cutter but I suppose I could also trace and then put in a couple pins (with doubled fabric) to prevent movement and then use the rotary cutter..that would work too. I'm just trying to cut out as much time as possible. Become more efficient. ------ Deborah Thompson www.debthompsoncollection.com

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