Guide To Sewing Patterns

How to use sewing patterns is a fundamental skill, and commercial sewing patterns offer huge variety and value for money. In this course, we walk you through every aspect of using them to help build your confidence – from calculating fabric to getting a good fit.

Want to know how to use sewing patterns? Ever wondered if you are doing it all right? Ever been put off by all the information squeezed into that small little packet? In this course, we cover all aspects of using a commercial sewing pattern from the big brands – Simplicity, New Look, Burda, McCalls, Butterick, Vogue and Kwik Sew.

Starting with the pattern envelope we go through every piece of information on the front and back, before moving onto the instructions inside. We will help you to figure out which garment to make, how much fabric to buy, what other extras and notions you need and which pieces of the pattern to use.

We also give you an in-depth understanding of ease and how that relates to the fit of your garments. Using our downloadable worksheet you can follow along and calculate exactly how much ease is right for you and your project. We’ll also teach you how to calculate and use the finished garment measurements to pick a size that will give you the look you want. We’ll even show you how to blend between sizes if, like most of us, you are not the same pattern size all over.

With all that information at your disposal, we will then teach you about the cutting layouts in the patterns and the best way to successfully cut your fabrics and transfer your markings. After a final overview of the sewing instructions provided in the pattern, you’ll be ready to start sewing with confidence!