Learning how to sew

Tips for Cutting Out Patterns

When creating sewing projects, learning how to cut out a pattern is a crucial first step. By starting out with a properly cut pattern and fabric you will help to ensure that the sewing process runs smoothly.

When cutting, be sure to use paper scissors for the pattern and cloth scissors for the fabric. This will prevent dulling of the blades.

If you do not have a large, flat work surface such a dining room table, it is a good idea to invest in a folding cardboard mat that can be placed on the floor. Some people elect to use these mats in combination with a large table because of the grid measurements that are printed on them.

When purchasing your fabric, be sure to follow the chart on the pattern envelope and buy enough fabric for all of the included pattern pieces. It is generally a good idea to wash and iron the fabric prior to beginning. 

How to Cut Out a Pattern- Step by Step

1.  Begin by unfolding the pattern sheets and placing them on the work surface. With your hands, flatten out the pattern and smooth out any wrinkles in the sheets.

2.  It is best to gently iron the pattern pieces on a very low, cool setting to further diminish wrinkles.

3.  There is usually more than one cutting line to allow for various sizing. Choose the line that accommodates your desired size and be sure to follow that line throughout the cutting.

4.  Place the pre-washed fabric on your work surface.

5.  Following the pattern directions, fold the fabric in half with the right sides together.

6.  Lay the pattern pieces onto the fabric according to the directions in the layout guide and pin in place with straight pins. If pattern pieces are required to be placed on the fold, ensure that the grain line of each piece is evenly lined up with the grain line of the fabric. Lay out and pin the larger pattern pieces to the fabric first, then follow with the smaller pieces.

(Pattern complexity varies, and multifaceted patterns may require you to cut several pieces and refold the fabric, or to cut some pieces of the pattern multiple times. When cutting the pieces, remember to get as close to the edge of the pattern as possible.)

7.  Depending on your individual preference, you may choose to remove the pins or leave them in place until you are ready to use them. Using dressmakers chalk, duplicate any markings found on the pattern pieces onto the fabric, including dots that serve to mark the placement of any zippers or pockets.

Your patterns are now cut out and in place and you are ready to begin sewing!  If you missed the first article in the series Homemakers: Learn How to Sew, you can read it now:  How to Patch Jeans.

This article is linked to Homemaker Mondays.  Vintage pattern photos by Laineys Repertoire.

Related Articles:

• Sewing: How to Patch Jeans
• Winter Checklist – 99 Ways to Get Ready For Winter
• Unexpected Guests? How to Stretch a Meal at the Last Minute
• Unclog Your Drain For 45 Cents
• Recipe: How to Cook White Gravy

With the state of the economy today, most parents are not in the financial position to replace their children’s well-fitting pair of jeans just because of a hole in the knee or in the back pocket. Learning how to patch jeans is a cost effective alternative to replacing worn out threads.

All you will need is:

• A needle and thread
• Sewing scissors or pinking shears
• Permanent fabric glue
• A piece of material to use for the patch. (You can use a piece of denim material from an old pair of pants or you may purchase a swatch or ready-made patch at a fabric store.)

You’ll want to begin by first mending the hole with a needle and thread. After you decide what shape you want the patch to be (square, star, heart, etc.) trace and cut out the patch from the denim fabric with either fabric scissors or pinking shears. Sewing scissors will ensure an even cut while pinking shears will create a zigzag design around the edges of the patch (a popular choice for trendy little girls).

You will need to decide on look of the finished edge. To create an imperfect look, leave the edges of the patch untouched, which will result in a frayed effect. If you opt for clean seams, turn over the edges two times.

Using a cotton swab, apply fabric glue to the backside of the denim patch. Be sure to apply evenly in the center and around all of the edges. Adhere the patch to the jeans and allow the glue to dry.

It is a good idea to reinforce the patch by adding stitching along the edges. This can be done by hand with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine set on a tight zigzag setting.

Even if there is there are no holes in your children’s clothes, learning how to patch jeans can be a creative way to embellish clothing with the latest trends. By patching your daughter’s jeans with a different color denim and embellishing with various diamonds and rubies, you can recreate the style found in expensive department stores with minimal effort and little cost.

Iron-on superhero transfers can be found in most fabric stores and are a big hit with little boys. After ironing the transfer onto a different shade of denim, apply the patch as directed above. Learning how to patch jeans will save you money while making your children happy!

For more Works for Me Wednesday, visit We are That Family.  Photo by Niklas Hellerstedt.

Related Articles:

• Learn How to Sew: How to Cut Out a Pattern
• What Would We Do if My Husband Lost His Job?
• Top 5 Cheap Kids’ Snacks for Summer Vacation
• Recession Proof Your Pantry and Food
• Let’s Hear it for Frugal Husbands!