Sewing machines: Beginner's guide to using a sewing machine Buying and using sewing patterns
What is a sewing pattern?
Beginners should start with simple sewing patterns
You can buy sewing patterns to create garments, costumes, soft toys and furnishings. A pattern has three main parts.
Pattern
The pattern itself is a tissue paper sheet printed with full-sized pattern pieces. Multi-size patterns are marked with lines to cut three or four different sizes of the garment.
The pattern pieces are marked with lines, dots and other symbols which provide information on how to lay them out on the fabric, and what markings need to be transferred on to the fabric.
Pattern envelope
The envelope encloses the instruction sheet and tissue paper patterns. The front panel has a picture of the finished garment, including the different versions that can be made with the pieces enclosed.
The back of the envelope contains a lot of vital information:
- line drawings of the front and back of the garment, showing the position of zips and darts
- a description of the garment giving details of its style and any different variations included in the pattern
- charts showing the garment sizes that can be created using the pattern, listing the metric and imperial measurements for bust, waist and hips in each size
- fabrics that are suitable and unsuitable for creating the garment
- other equipment (notions) such as thread, buttons, zips and shoulder pads you'll need to complete the garment.
3. Sewing pattern instruction sheets
The instruction sheets explain how to use the pattern and what different pattern markings mean.
They also show you how to lay out the pattern pieces on fabric to get the most economical cut when you make each of the different sizes. Sheets include illustrated diagrams of how to make the garment.
Ready to start sewing? See our step-by-step video guide to getting started with your sewing machine, plus our top tips on sewing in a straight line.
Choosing a sewing pattern
Choose a pattern you like
Start off with a simple sewing pattern before tackling complicated pieces
Many people were turned off sewing at school because they were made to make something they didn't like. Half the fun of sewing your own garments is to be able to show off what you've made – don't select a pattern just because it's in fashion or because it's easy.
Choose a pattern that matches your sewing skills
Look for patterns that are compatible with your sewing skills. Start with something simple, so you'll be pleased with the results. Most sewing pattern books tell you how long it should take to create the pattern, and how complicated it is.
Look for patterns with few pattern pieces or designated 'easy', 'very easy' or 'fast and easy' when you're just starting out.
Choosing the right pattern size
You shouldn't assume that you are the same size in a pattern as you are with ready-to-wear clothes. Re-take your measurements before buying new patterns.
Ten top tips for measuring up
- Measure over the undergarments you normally wear
- Enlist the help of a friend or your partner – it's far easier to take accurate measurements of someone else
- Hold the tape measure around the measured area comfortably snugly, but not tightly
- Height: measure standing against a flat wall without shoes, from the floor to the top of your head
- Bust: measure around the fullest part of the bust and straight across the back
- High bust/chest: measure directly under the arms, straight across the back and above the bust
- Waist: measure by tying a narrow elastic or string around your waist. Bend slightly from side to side to allow it to settle naturally at your waistline
- Measure over the elastic
- Back waist length: measure from the most prominent bone at the base of neck to the natural waistline
- Hips: measure around the body at its fullest part, usually 18 – 23 cm below the waist.
Where to buy sewing patterns
You can buy sewing patterns on the high street at a local independent sewing shop, or at a department store with a haberdashery, such as John Lewis.
Online, there are a number of specialist outlets to buy sewing patterns from, including Burda Style, Butterick, Kwik Sew, McCall and eBay.
