Flimsy Paper Clothes Sewing Pattern Question
 

The last time I used a clothes pattern with the flimsy paper was in seventh grade home economics. I was totally lost in the class and had to ask the teacher how to do each step. My finished dress was sewn together wrong side out... I decided that sewing was not my gift and vowed never to do that again!

...fast forward 50 years... I ordered a rag jacket pattern. It sounded so easy and fun to make that I thought I could do it, and guess what? IT HAS A FLIMSY PAPER PATTERN!!! :shock:

The pattern has markings from extra small to extra/extra large. I'm supposed to make it the size that fits me.

1. What if I made one for a skinny friend and then wanted to make another one for my larger frame? If I cut the flimsy paper up for the extra small, don't I ruin it for any larger size?

2. Is that flimsy paper designed for one use only? Will I have to buy another pattern every time I want to make one?

3. Can I preserve that flimsy paper to make more than one jacket? Can I trace the flimsy paper pattern onto some other paper to keep the original pattern?

What have I gotten myself into? I think I need a paper bag to breathe into. ;)

J1) if I bought the pattern at a place where they go on sale every so often, I would buy another pattern.If I needed two sizes of it. (I am willing to spend four dollars for two patterns - but unwilling to spend forty dollars for two patterns.

2) if you want to trace the original pattern and keep it intact,

one can buy pattern tracing material - it is usually found with the interfacings
one can also use parchment paper - found on rolls - it is used to line baking pans - somewhere in many grocery stores
One can also buy vellum on rolls - it is found with drafting supplies

3) that flimsy tissue paper is surprisingly tough and can be used more than once.

4) I usually repackage my used patterns in a larger ziplock bag. I can usually refold it to fit the original envelope, but it is a battle.


Breathe. Take your measurements. Pattern sizes and ready -to- wear sizes may differ. Match your measurements the the size on the pattern envelope!

For a starter project - select something forgiving as to fit and construction.

To use the pattern twice. Make the larger size first, then you can cut down to the other size. And, as was mentioned match size to person's measurements allowing extra for "ease". You could also cut one out of muslin to see how it fits before you cut the good fabric.

Trace the pattern size you need onto Swedish Pattern Paper, interfacing, butcher paper, etc. Tape the pattern to a window, put the paper over the pattern, tape to hold and then trace. I never cut up a pattern. Always trace them. I measure the person and then pick the correct line on the pattern, it is easy to enlarge or decrease as you go. If you buy Swedish Pattern Paper you can even sew on it to see if the item will fit. Nancy notion, JoAnn's has what you need, butcher paper is found at Sam's Club in the paper area.

i trace my size onto pattern paper and keep the original intact.

I preserve my 'flimsy' paper patterns by ironing them onto lightweight interfacing. Works wonderfully and folds neatly to place back into the envelope. You can see all the markings thru the interfacing. You can usually buy about 3 yds in a package at the fabric store for $1. At least that's what I pd last time (might have been on sale)...then trace the size you want to save before cutting away.

I sew for my four year old DGD and buy the patterns that have several sizes so I don't have to keep buying patterns as she grows. I trace the size I want on the wrong side of the fabric by turning the pattern back at the line I want to use and draw just off the pattern and I am able to use the pattern until she out grows all the sizes on the pattern. I do the same when I sew for myself also.

I do this too. And as Bearisgray says I would buy two if I needed different sizes.

I have several kids patterns that are different sizes for the grandkids.

Nancy's Notions or Annie's attic catalogs probably have things you can buy to help with this. They have light weight muslin you can cut to size and try on to see if that would fit before cutting your fabric. I think there was some iron on paper to make your paper pattern more sturdy too. Good luck.

Thanks for all of the wonderful ideas that I would have never thought of. :)

I wonder if I can trace the pattern onto the back of freezer paper and then iron the freezer paper onto the fabric?