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Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952
Posted on: 5/23/14 8:24 PM ET
Hi y'all! Hope I'm posting this in the correct place! Joann's has simplicity pattern on sale 5 for $5 and Hancock Fabrics has McCall's patterns for 99 cents each, plus they were both offering other great savings during Memorial Day weekend. So I purchased about 5 from each store. Mostly children's patterns, because I love making little girls clothing. However, I have never even used a pattern like these.
So with that being said, what kind of tips do y'all have to share with me about patterns? Am I suppose to trace these pattern pieces onto something else if I wanted to make multiple sizes from the same pattern and if so what? Pattern paper or tissue paper ?
Any other information you can share would be greatly appreciated. Also, I'm fairly new to PR, so if there is a section where this has already been discussed please direct me there!
Thanks!!
So with that being said, what kind of tips do y'all have to share with me about patterns? Am I suppose to trace these pattern pieces onto something else if I wanted to make multiple sizes from the same pattern and if so what? Pattern paper or tissue paper ?
Any other information you can share would be greatly appreciated. Also, I'm fairly new to PR, so if there is a section where this has already been discussed please direct me there!
Thanks!!
Posted on: 5/23/14 9:40 PM ET
I usually trace the pattern pieces onto either the fabric or, if I know I need to make changes to the pattern, regular tracing paper. I've found that the tracing paper is sturdier than the pattern paper.
For tracing onto fabric, I use tailor's chalk or, depending upon the fabric and whether it's a muslin or not, Crayola washable markers.
Tracy
For tracing onto fabric, I use tailor's chalk or, depending upon the fabric and whether it's a muslin or not, Crayola washable markers.
Tracy
Posted on: 5/23/14 9:47 PM ET
In reply to laceyworks
It's really nice to be able to use children's patterns through all the sizes, so yes, tracing them is a great idea. There are many ways to trace the patterns.
Some people use a transparent type material (some type of paper?), lay it on top of the pattern and trace. Some people use a carbon-type paper and place it under the pattern. Place either paper or the fabric itself underneath and trace the pattern that way.
If you search these boards for "tracing" you will find lots of ideas.
Search your inner child for tracing ideas, and you will think of something that works for you.
Some people feel that the 99 cent patterns are cheap enough to buy one for each size they need.
Some people use a transparent type material (some type of paper?), lay it on top of the pattern and trace. Some people use a carbon-type paper and place it under the pattern. Place either paper or the fabric itself underneath and trace the pattern that way.
If you search these boards for "tracing" you will find lots of ideas.
Search your inner child for tracing ideas, and you will think of something that works for you.

Some people feel that the 99 cent patterns are cheap enough to buy one for each size they need.
Posted on: 5/23/14 10:16 PM ET
I trace onto freezer paper (which I buy in a large roll from Amazon, but I've used the stuff from the grocery store, too) using a pen. If you have a light-colored surface underneath the pattern it makes things much easier for tracing.
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Michelle
Posted on: 5/23/14 10:33 PM ET
To me, at .99 a pattern, it's easier and cheaper to buy several. I've done it many times. I looked into buying rolls of paper to trace but decided it's not worth the hassle.
If I've downloaded a PDF or bought a vintage pattern or paper pattern from an independent pattern company that cost me 15-20$, I'll trace.
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If I've downloaded a PDF or bought a vintage pattern or paper pattern from an independent pattern company that cost me 15-20$, I'll trace.
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Thank goodness for seam rippers and clearance fabric.
Posted on: 5/23/14 10:48 PM ET
In reply to frame
Thanks frame. I thought as I pondered how to and what to trace on that for 99 cents I could of just bought more, but I didn't think of this til after the fact so perhaps that will be a thought next time!
Posted on: 5/24/14 0:50 AM ET
In reply to laceyworks
For that cheap of a price, I would just buy enough for the sizes I want and forget about tracing! Spend the time you save from not tracing and the money you save on not buying tracing paper on something nice for yourself.
A lot of sewists say Swedish Tracing Paper is expensive, but I love it. I just find it so much easier to handle. Sometimes JoAnn's has something that I like for tracing paper and I use their coupons to buy it.
There is an excellent thread somewhere that discuss tracing papers.
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A lot of sewists say Swedish Tracing Paper is expensive, but I love it. I just find it so much easier to handle. Sometimes JoAnn's has something that I like for tracing paper and I use their coupons to buy it.
There is an excellent thread somewhere that discuss tracing papers.
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Kathy
My Flickr Sewing Albums: https://www.flickr.com/photos/117010065@N05/albums
My sewing dream: Make a really great fitting pair of pants!
My Flickr Sewing Albums: https://www.flickr.com/photos/117010065@N05/albums
My sewing dream: Make a really great fitting pair of pants!
Posted on: 5/24/14 2:33 AM ET
I think for 99cents a pattern, it's not worth tracing off. But, if you want to trace of some of the muliti-sizes onto some other tissue paper you might want to check if you have any "$1" or "1.25" stores around, as if you do, they sometimes have party and gift wrapping paper there, and in with that, tissue paper packaged up for gift wrapping or only "$1" or "$1.25" there. If so, that is probably even a lot cheaper than Walmart even.
I very rarely trace patterns, but if I wanted to trace some kids ones with lots of real small pieces in them, you can actually tape up the uncut printed pattern sheets to a large window, or even better maybe some patio glass doors, and then tape the blank tissue over it, and with the light coming in though the window that way, it makes it pretty easy to trace, and you can even be standing up while doing it too.
I very rarely trace patterns, but if I wanted to trace some kids ones with lots of real small pieces in them, you can actually tape up the uncut printed pattern sheets to a large window, or even better maybe some patio glass doors, and then tape the blank tissue over it, and with the light coming in though the window that way, it makes it pretty easy to trace, and you can even be standing up while doing it too.
Posted on: 5/24/14 8:41 AM ET
In reply to beauturbo
Thanks beauturbo, I don't have a patio sliding door, but I do have a door with a pretty large piece of glass in it, thanks for the suggestion if I decide to trace.
Posted on: 5/24/14 9:44 AM ET
I use drafting paper from AC Moore, in the art dept. It comes on 25 and 50 yd rolls and is 30" wide. With a 40% off coupon, it's a great buy!
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