| Do you have expensive, out of print or vintage | | | | patterns come as "master patterns", and tracing them |
| patterns you cannot bear to cut? The best way to | | | | off is good if you want to modify the pattern for one |
| preserve your patterns is to trace them onto pattern | | | | garment without losing the original. Examine the fit and |
| tracing cloth or paper. | | | | try to make as many adjustments as possible while |
| Do you have a favorite pattern that you use over and | | | | tracing. For example, most of us have standard |
| over? | | | | adjustments to make to a pattern to allow for arm |
| If the pieces are already cut, an easy way to | | | | length, waist or hip size, etc. Instead of tracing the |
| preserve them is to fuse each pattern piece to a | | | | pattern exactly and then making the adjustments, |
| lightweight, non-woven interfacing. Just cut a piece of | | | | either gently fold the original pattern piece or mark the |
| fusible interfacing the size of the pattern piece and | | | | ending point, and then move your tracing paper up or |
| place the adhesive side to the wrong side of the | | | | down the correct distance and fill in between. |
| pattern on an ironing board. Set your iron on synthetic | | | | The materials used to trace patterns are many and |
| (no steam) and fuse the interfacing to the pattern in | | | | varied, from the packaged tracing paper kits available |
| smooth even strokes. Press until the pattern is | | | | in fabric stores to using kitchen waxed paper, which is |
| thoroughly adhered to the interfacing and trim the | | | | easy to see through, sturdy and if a larger piece is |
| edges to finish. | | | | needed, just fuse two pieces together with a dry iron |
| If your pattern is not cut, tracing or copying each piece | | | | set on wool. Other tools required are an iron, a pen, |
| is an excellent way to preserve original expensive, out | | | | French curve and ruler. |
| of print and especially vintage patterns. Tracing a | | | | Before tracing the pattern, press each pattern piece |
| vintage pattern is especially satisfying, as you can cut | | | | lightly with a cool, dry iron (no steam - it could shrink |
| out, sew and enjoy your vintage-style garment while | | | | the pattern) to remove any creases. Lay the pattern |
| the fragile pattern remains intact.Most pattern pieces | | | | on a smooth hard surface, position the pattern tracing |
| are printed on large pieces of tissue paper, such as | | | | cloth or paper on top and secure with tape or weights. |
| the patterns currently available in fabric stores today. | | | | Use the French curve and ruler to trace the cutting |
| Tracing the pattern pieces is a practical way to reuse | | | | lines and any necessary markings, adjustments, etc. |
| these patterns which are commonly printed with | | | | and remember to label each piece with the pattern |
| multiple sizes and views on each pattern piece. By | | | | number and view, etc. Remove the tape, if used, and |
| tracing the pattern pieces, other views and different | | | | cut out the new duplicate permanent pattern. The |
| sizes can be cut from the same pattern without | | | | original pattern remains intact and uncut. |
| destroying the original, and you can always go back | | | | If you're looking for quality sewing patterns to make |
| and make the same style for someone else. | | | | your own stylish aprons, tote bags, hats & |
| Some pattern magazines have four or five or more | | | | accessories or children's wear I hope you'll visit my |
| patterns printed in different colors on one sheet, so | | | | eBay store. Where Saving Money is Good! |
| you have to trace them off to use them at all. Other | | | | |