I'm attempting to make an apron from a Simplicity pattern. Here are some questions I'm having:

Do I pin the pattern to the fabric to cut out the pieces?
If so, after I've got the pieces cut out, do I leave the pattern pinned to it?
If yes, do I sew the pieces together with the fabric paper still attached?
What if I want to reuse the pattern? Do I need to make a copy on tracing paper first?

Sorry for all of the questions but making apparel is so much different than quilting. :oops: Thank you for any help or advice!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...1807681&hl=en#
this should answer your question
dora

Do I pin the pattern to the fabric to cut out the pieces?

Cut the pattern pieces on the cutting line first (this will be marked on the paper). Then pin it to the fabric and cut out the pieces. Pay attention to the grainline marked on the pattern (this will be a long arrow usually in the middle of the piece).

If so, after I've got the pieces cut out, do I leave the pattern pinned to it?

Yes, until you are ready to use the piece. Keeps you from forgetting what piece is what.

If yes, do I sew the pieces together with the fabric paper still attached?

No, take the paper off. Pin the fabric pieces together but don't sew the pattern paper to them.

What if I want to reuse the pattern? Do I need to make a copy on tracing paper first?

No, you don't need to make a copy. I usually fold them up and put the pieces and the envelope they came in into a ziploc bag. No matter how hard you try, those darn pieces are never going to fit neatly back in that darn pattern envelope.

I copy a lot of my patterns on to freezer paper. That way the original stays in one piece and I can reuse my freezer pattern many times.

Also be sure to notice if it says 'place on fold' anywhere on the pattern piece, along with watching for the grainline markings. It will also have listed on each pattern piece how many of each to cut, whether it be one or two....
And don't cut off the little arrow bump out thingys along the edges, they help you match up the pieces when you're sewing them together.
:D

Do I pin the pattern to the fabric to cut out the pieces?
**you can pin the pattern; just be careful so you dont tear the tissue paper

If so, after I've got the pieces cut out, do I leave the pattern pinned to it?
**I generally leave the pieces & the pattern pieces pinned together until I start sewing the pieces together. I remove the pattern pieces & re-fold them.

If yes, do I sew the pieces together with the fabric paper still attached?
**take the pattern pieces off.

What if I want to reuse the pattern? Do I need to make a copy on tracing paper first?
**if you are not sure what size to use, trace off the pattern onto tissue paper or freezer paper first. That way you can re-size as needed.

You can also check your local library to see if they have "Sewing for Dummies". This is a really good series for those of us who have no clue how to do something.

I like to iron pattern pieces first if they are really crumpled. Put little pieces of tape on your pattern where you want to pin so you don't have to be so watchful of tearing. If you decided to make any changes or find anything you had trouble with while making the garment, make notes right on the pattern piece. There should be a layout diagram in the pattern to help you get the best placement with fewest scraps.

PS. As Mollie Sue said, don't cut off the bump thingies. In fact, place your pin in that area sticking out so you will be forced to cut around it.

Thank you for the great tips! I didn't have any idea about the grain line marking. I had noticed those notches and wasn't sure what they were for. :oops:

Those notches (much better word for them then my arrow bump out thingys! lol!!) will match the notches on the piece your sewing it to. They help keep everything lined up right.
And how could you have known? I think patterns were much better years ago, about explaining things!
:D

Within your directions there will be a key showing what all the different symbols on your pattern pieces mean. It is very important to read all the directions from the lay out of the pieces on the fabric to the directions for construction. Once you get the hang of it, you'll not be looking at them much anymore unless you get stuck on something. Good luck and keep asking questions when you need to. :D

You said you are making an apron - so exact fit isn't an issue for that -

If/when you decide to make a garment, pattern sizing and ready to wear sizing may or may not match. So be sure to get the measurements of the person that the item is for and compare them to the measurements given for a particular size.

OMG! Yes. I forgot that part. Write everything on your pattern pieces that is on the original.

Thank you MollieSue, for that reminder. :D :D :D

i never cut notches. i cut outward into little triangle-y things. cutting inward creates terrific spot for a tear to begin. i also copy off patterns that i think i will use more than once because those tissue patterns fall apart. i have cheap muslin copies of my favorite patterns. they are folded and in a plastic bag with the original pattern. when i use them, i starch and iron them first. it's easy because they're in pieces now. the muslin clings so you don't need pins.

When I found a pattern that I thought I would use more than once I would cut out the pattern pieces a little beyond the lines, press the pattern pieces with a dry iron, then press each piece onto a fusible stabilizer (there are different types, but any one will do). Cut out the pieces on the lines, pin to fabric and cut etc....

TX_cutie

1...pin pattern
2...cut pattern and fabric
3...mark darts, etc...onto the fabric from the pattern
4...remove the pattern ........and start joining A to B to C...etc.......

It is fine to reuse the pattern, you just won't have the extra tissue and you will cut along the edges of the pattern.

I did a lot of apparel sewing until I discovered quilting.......

mj