How to Read Sewing Patterns

If you want to make something from a pattern, whether it is a stuffed toy, a hat, or a dress or some other type of clothing, you first need to learn how to read patterns. All of the information you need to start out with is on the outside of the pattern envelope. This is where you learn what type of fabric is good for this item, how much fabric you need, what the measurements/sizes are for your project, what notions you will need- zipper, buttons, thread, interfacing, etc. 

For the most part, patterns are easy to read and follow. I think that of the 'big four', the easiest is "Simplicity". As the name says, it is one of the simpler patterns to follow. Some of the others like "Vogue" can get much more involved and harder to follow. A great tip is to go to the fabric store and look through the pattern books. They have sections with 'easy' patterns, and you can likely find one that will suit your learning level. You don't have to sew a complicated pattern to end up with a beautiful project. 

If you are going to be sewing your own clothes, don't think "size"!  Take your measurements and use those to pick the "size" on the pattern envelope that matches it best.  What the patterns use as "sizes" is not the same as what the clothing industry uses to make the clothes you purchase off the rack. The big advantage to sewing your own clothing is that you can tailor things to fit YOU, not someone else. Therefore, your clothes will fit better, look better, and feel better on you. Learn to read the pattern envelope and the instructions inside and get ready to sew! 

This is a quick and good tutorial to get you started on how to read a pattern.

 

At this point let me say that it is very helpful if you have some good books about the art of sewing, tailoring, adjusting patterns for your figure, and anything else you are going to be doing. It is great to have reference material right at hand when you start a project so that you don't have to 'wing it' if you are not certain about a specific technique. I have my stash of books right by my sewing machine for easy reference.

Recommended reading:

• How to Use, Adapt, and Design Sewing Patterns: From store-bought patterns to drafting your own: a complete guide to fashion sewing with confidence
• The New Complete Guide to Sewing: Step-by-Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Accessories Updated Edition with All-New Projects and Simplicity Patterns (Reader's Digest)
• Sew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide with 25 Fabulous Original Designs, Including 10 Patterns
• Simplicity: Simply the Best Sewing Book

Supplies:
The number and variety of sewing machines on the market now is pretty staggering. Pick one that feels like it has the basics that you want, and some of the frills you may use later in your learning curve. Better to get more than you need right now, then to wish later that you had a machine that gives you more options.

• Brother CS6000i Advance Sew Affordable 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Hard Case
• SINGER 7258 Stylist 100-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Instructional DVD and More