1. Apparel 1 Obj. 4.01 Use information found on the pattern envelope.

2. Selecting a pattern  When beginning sewers are selecting a pattern they should choose one with only a few pieces.  Pattern difficulty is determined by the number of pieces. Easier patterns have fewer pieces.

3. Using the pattern guide sheet  The pattern guide contains, cutting, marking and sewing information.  That means the layout guide, and detailed step-by-step sewing directions are on the guide sheets.  The pattern guide sheet has the cutting layout on it. This diagram shows you how to place pattern pieces on fabric before cutting out pieces. There will be diagrams for various widths of fabric.

5. Laying out the fabric  When you lay out the fabric, you have two choices – a lengthwise fold or a cross-wise fold.  A lengthwise fold is parallel to the selvages.

6. Laying out the fabric  The cross-wise fold places the raw edges of the fabric together.  It is generally used for shorter pieces.  In a cross-wise fold, the fold is perpendicular to the selvages.

7. Using the pattern pieces  The pattern will have the following information printed on it – name of piece (sleeve), the number of pieces to cut (a pocket may say, “Cut 2”) and the pattern number (in case you can’t remember which envelope to put it in).

8. Multi-sized patterns  Most patterns these days are multi-sized. That means the envelope and pattern pieces are for a range of sizes – Small may go from 0 to 6 and medium from 8 to 14.  On a multi-sized pattern, each piece will have the piece name (for example sleeve), pattern number, and number of fabric pieces to cut.  What is not on a multi-sized pattern is the seam line or stitching line.

9. Symbols on pattern pieces  A bracket line with an arrow at each end means to place that line on the fabric fold.

10. Symbols on pattern pieces A pattern piece that is shaded should be placed printed side down. Symbols on pattern pieces like dots, squares and notches are used to match pattern pieces before sewing.

11. Symbols on pattern pieces  A dotted or dashed line on a pattern piece shows the stitching or seam line.

12. Prepping the pattern  If your pattern pieces are wrinkled – press them with a warm iron NO STEAM. A wrinkled pattern piece is smaller than a pressed one – and wrinkles may affect the shape as well.

13. Prepping the pattern  If your pattern tears, tape it with masking tape (it doesn’t melt when heated)  If you must use Scotch tape, then make sure to press on the opposite side with a WARM iron.

14. End of notes today!  Applause please.