Sewing Tip - Use colored pencils to trace patterns

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Use colored pencils to trace patterns (Tip/Technique)

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Review rated Helpful by 4 people Very Helpful by 12 people

Posted by:

LoriB


	About LoriB
	AE GERMANY
	Member since: 4/23/02
	Reviews written: 86
	Sewing skills:Intermediate
	Favored by: 18 people
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Posted on:

1/8/03 4:41 PM

Featured in the PR book!

I picked up a colored pencil to trace a pattern one day and was amazed how such a simple change could be so helpful. Sharpie markers bleed through and pencils and pens can be tough to see. Colored pencils are often softer than a #2 pencil and therefore glide easier on the paper. The use of color is easier on the eyes and also gives you added benefits. With colored pencils you can:

- Trace the pattern entirely in one color and use a different color to mark your alterations.

- Color code sizes when you've cut multiple sizes from one pattern

- For Burda WOF patterns or others without seam allowances, trace the seam line in one color and then go back and use a different color for the cutting line after you've made any alterations. If you make a habit of always using the same color for the cutting line, perhaps it'll jog your memory when you forget to add the cutting line and go to cut your fabric.

- Mark the stitching line on patterns that include seam allowances to help with altering. When you tissue fit or make adjustments, it's important to know where the seam line is.

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4 Comments Login to Add a Comment

	NancyDaQ said... Thanks for reminding me of this. I have used colored pencils to trace with in the past and it does work well. I had totally forgotten! 1/8/03 7:12 PM
	Gigi Louis said... I always use colored pencils too and never thought of posting this so I'm glad you did. As you said, they are so much better than pens and regular pencils. 1/9/03 0:11 AM
	Loreli said... Thanks for the tip Lori. I will try it out when I trace a pattern again. 1/9/03 10:15 PM
	Barbara R said... I also use a color-coding system when making alterations to a pattern. The colors follow the rainbow: red, orange, (not yellow, hard to see), green, etc. So if I have made two or three different adjustments to one area, I can tell by looking which is the most current one. 6/9/06 12:39 PM