Passion For Patterns!

Selecting the pattern for your project is fun and exciting!  You will find there are several companies to choose from.  If this is your first sewing project, I suggest selecting a basic pattern from one of the 4 major pattern companies.  Simplicity, McCalls and Butterick actually have lines of easy to sew patterns that are inexpensive with easy to follow instructions.  Vogue does offer basic patterns but make sure you select one that’s marked “Very Easy or Easy”.  Try to pick a pattern that doesn’t require too many additional items to complete the project (notions listed on the back of the pattern envelope).   I recommend the following patterns for a first time sewer:

Simplicity (It’s So Easy)

5154 - Adult Apron                                     

9871 - Unisex Pajamas

2203 - Misses Dress 

2427 - Toddler Dress and Sportswear

Butterick (See & Sew)

5199 - Childrens'/Girls' Top, Dress and Pants

5499 - Handbags

5632 -Misses' Dress 

4957 -Misses' Dress and Sash

McCall's  (Easy Stitch N’ Save)

 5738 - Pet Items

5216 - Children's/Boys/Girls' Tops, Nightshirt and Pants

6150 - Misses Capelets

Vogue (Very Easy or Easy)

 8713 - Misses Vest

 8603 - Misses Skirts

 8647 - Misses Dress

 There are several websites where you can find patterns.  Some of my favorites are www.kwiksew.com where you can searc h to see if they have a local dealer in your area.  I also like www.burdastyle.com where they offer free patterns that are downloadable and also sell their patterns at your local Joann Fabrics store.  Other smaller companies are  www.jalie.com, www.sewingpatterns.com (offer downloads starting at 99 cents), www.neuemodeusa.com,  www.fabric.com (has several different pattern designers) and www.lanetzliving.net (sells vintage patterns).  Which ever pattern you choose you will have so much fun know that you created it into existence! 

Do You Know Your Tools?

Sewing is a rewarding and fun hobby that helps develop creativity and relief stress.  Even a person who has never sewn a stitch can learn basic sewing skills to make a simple project.  It’s important that the right tools are used to help make sewing easy.  Below are easy to use tools to start you on your sewing journey:

Scissors – A great pair of scissors are essentials for any sewing project.  You want to make sure to use them just for cutting fabric so they won’t get dull.  I recommend Fiskars® 9'' Bent Scissors.

Dressmaker Pins – I like Dritz® Extra Long Pearlized Pins because they are sharp and long enough so you won’t need to use a lot of them while pinning the pattern to the fabric.

Seam Ripper – Seam rippers are very handy when you have to take down hems and seams.  I prefer one with a longer handle such as Simplicity® Comfort Gel Seam Ripper.

Seam Gauge – Using a seam gauge is great especially when you are a beginner sewer.  You can use it to mark all of the seams for precise sewing lines.  Try Dritz® Sewing Gauge. 

Tracing Paper – Marking your pattern pieces is very important so you will know where you need to place a pocket or sew seams together.  I find the Dritz® Double Face Tracing Paper is great and easy to use.

Tracing Wheel –Of course if you use tracing paper you need a tracing wheel!  This tool is used to trace seam stitching lines, dart outlines or anything that needs to be marked for the construction of the garment.  Dritz® Tracing Wheel works well.

Tailor’s Chalk – This is another tool used to mark important areas on the garment.  Be sure to select chalk that easily washes out and won’t stain the fabric.  I prefer Dritz® Tailor Chalk or Tailor Pencils.

Hand Sewing Needles- Sometimes you will need hand sewing needles to put the finishing touches on your project.  You want to select a package that has various sizes to use with the weight of the fabric.

Also, a few other important tools to get are a yard stick and a measuring tape.

You can find most of these items in inexpensive sewing kits that you can purchase at Joann Fabrics, Walmart or several websites such as Amazon.com, Ebay, Createforless.com  etc.  Remember using the correct sewing tools will help make your project fun and easy!