Continued from Laying Out A Pattern - Sewing - 07/29/99

The Layout Guide

All commercial patterns come with a layout guide. These are usually engineered to make to best use of your fabric.

• Read the page and general directions.
  • Learn the keys for the diagrams, you will be using.
    Image used with permission of Simplicity Pattern Company
  • Although this may seem like basic information, the general direction, vary by pattern company and by the age of the pattern.
  • Even if you have been sewing for years, the companies change their details and reading the general directions will bring you up to date on any changes.
• Decide on the view or item you will be making.
  • Some patterns use a view letter or number and occasionally you will have a pattern that uses the garment type for the lay out directions.
• Find the pattern pieces for the view you want to make.
  • Prevent missing pieces in the future by putting the pattern pieces, you are not using, in the pattern envelope.
• Choose the layout for the view, width of your fabric, size of the pattern you are using and nap layout you will be using.
  • Circle this on the layout guide, to prevent your eyes going to the wrong layout for your project.
• Follow the diagrams and read the directions.
  • The special cutting notes will give you the layers of fabric to use, and more. Read these to prevent cutting errors and not having enough fabric due to cutting errors.
    
    Image used with permission of Simplicity Pattern Company
    
    Image used with permission of Simplicity Pattern Company

More information on pattern layouts

Pattern Layouts - Threads Magazine
Threads magazine maintains it's excellent sewing information, with their article on pattern layouts.

Next Week Pattern Symbols And Marking!

Would you like to be kept informed of the newest additions at About Sewing? Sign up to receive the free About Sewing Newsletter. Feel free to preview a previous issue.

1998 Previous Features and 1997 Previous Features