I recently made a tote bag from a quilting magazine. I had to read it over numerous times, highlight certain sections and re-read it word by word, re-read the cutting instructions and supply list several times. Plus the directions called for things I had not used before, like fusible fleece. What the heck was that? (I know now) :-)

It takes a talent to write instructions of any kind.

I have a similar story, but in reverse. I don't have too much difficulty in reading and following clothing pattern directions. But in 1975 (fall), I took a HS sewing class. It was a two-hour block and very helpful. I wanted to learn to sew my own clothes because I was always hard to fit (large swayback to contend with, very curvy/hourglass shape, and short). Up to this point, my Grandmother had sewn most of my clothes. Teacher had a MASTERS DEGREE in Home Ec. :roll:

She taught us how to take our measurements and checked everyone's to make sure we did it right. We shopped for our fabrics based on what the pattern told us to buy. We were instructed to purchase exactly what the pattern told us to purchase. If we bought more or less fabric than called for, our grade suffered.

Every day, when we finished up for the day with our sewing, our progress would be checked by the instructor. She would check to make sure we had used tailor's tacks to accurately mark the circles/dots on teh pattern. Notches were to be cut out from the edge line (not in), just as printed on the pattern. Seams were measured for accuracy.

Suffice to say that the pants I sewed NEVER fit me: there was a huge gap at the top of the back waistband because the teacher did not teach me how to allow for my swayback. When I told her what Grandma did to make pants patterns work for me, I was told that her method was "wrong" and that if I persisted in doing it that way, I would fail the course. :evil: :twisted: The pants did not fit at the thigh ... too snug, even though thighs were measured and checked against the pattern, there was supposed to be at least 1" of "wearing ease" in the thigh, and I even skimped on my seams through the leg to give a few extra threads-worth of generosity in wearing ease. The pants never got hemmed because they were not long enough (and at only 5'4" at that time, it was inconceivable to me that they would not be long enough).

I got a C- on the pants: B+ for construction, C for completion ("would have been higher if they had been hemmed" she wrote), D for fit. :shock: :shock: :?: That stung, especially since I was very concerned that these pants were not being made the way I knew they shoud be made to fit my unusual shape.

I had just barely enough fabric to make these pants. Now, my Grandma would have spent a few extra dollars to buy an extra 1/2 yard to be sure I had enough material. If I had taken the pattern to her the pants would have fit, I am convinced. So, you see, even the most educated of us can be misguided in reading/preparing/executing a pattern.

Don't let the problems with patterns get you down. We are a helpful board and we are here to help you be successful!

Glad I'm here, that's for sure! :wink:

Actually, Simplicity patterns are the easiest to follow - in my opinion... the others are not clear... But I have been sewing since Jr. High and watched my mother sew ALL the time prior to beginning myself. Post your apron questions and I'm sure someone can help.

Sewing patterns always look intimidating...until you take the time to read them. :) First step is to read the back of the envelope itself...that's where you'll find all the materials listed and how much you'll need. Then, take the time to read the instructions on the first page...which tell you what pieces go print side up, print side down...etc. if you have a whole lot of trouble...ask one of us that is in that catagory of seamstress turning quilter LOL. We'll be glad to help as much as we can. Tissue patterns really are a LOT easier than they look when you take them out of the package, I promise.

I recently made an "Easy" quilt from a pattern and nipped the corners off the right side of the triangles. I thought it was me, but when I took the top to my long-arm quilter, she analyzed the problem and determined it HAD to have been a error in the pattern. Proves that no one is perfect! I feel your pain about patterns! :(

I know what you mean on some of those patterns. I purchased Kwik Sew patterns since they are much better in the explanation department but the drawback on those are they are a little pricey. I rather spend the money on the patterns and know that I am going to finish the project. Good luck on making the apron. :-)

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I have a similar story, but in reverse. I don't have too much difficulty in reading and following clothing pattern directions. But in 1975 (fall), I took a HS sewing class. It was a two-hour block and very helpful. I wanted to learn to sew my own clothes because I was always hard to fit (large swayback to contend with, very curvy/hourglass shape, and short). Up to this point, my Grandmother had sewn most of my clothes. Teacher had a MASTERS DEGREE in Home Ec. :roll:

Don't let the problems with patterns get you down. We are a helpful board and we are here to help you be successful!

Glad I'm here, that's for sure! :wink: [/quote]

Too bad she was just a home ec teacher and not a real seamstress. Any real seamstress knows patterns are just the beginning. The whole point to custom made clothing is being able to adjust them for a perfect fit. If you're not going to adjust your patterns for a perfect fit you might as well buy pre-made clothing off the rack.

I think it's a huge disservice to teach sewing without also teaching how to alter the patterns to fit perfectly.

I can't believe this! I could have written the same post. I just became a grandmother and purchased a beautiful drees pattern rom the "sew easy" Simplicity line. I must have read the directions 20 times and could not get the facing and button plaque in the back to meet up with the skirt etc.

It was so frustrating. Then I tried a simpl little hat with an all around brim. First of all the sizes were s-m-l-xl with no inch dimension so who could tell what size head it fit? Dummies!

I never buy Vogue patterns and haven't for years just because their directions were way over my head. I have been quilting andf making clothes for 35 years.

This is the 21st century. You would think that directions would be easy to do. We should forward this blog to all of the pattern-making companies. I think a prerequisite to printing and selling a pattern would be for the Chairman of the Board to have to make it first!

Okay, I'm with you on this, clothing patterns are difficult to read sometimes. I had a home ec teacher in high school that said, if you want to do something (that the pattern doesn't specify) and you're not sure if it'll work, just ask yourself "why won't it work" and if you can't come up with anything, try it. Its actually worked for me for several things, and sometimes in quilting too. tee hee
Good Luck!!!

Their name may say Simplicity, but they lie. Thy LIE I tell you!!! Just like Quilt In A Day is a LIE LIE LIE!

Whew. I feel better.