How to Choose a Simple-to-make Sewing Pattern for Beginners
July 10, 2009 | By
When it comes to sewing, I always feel like I am a beginner despite the fact that I started sewing 10 years ago. With this in mind, I always look for easy sewing patterns when shopping at the fabric stores or doing research online.
The very first thing to look for in choosing a beginner's sewing pattern are the words "Very Easy”, “Easy”, “Beginner” or “Simple”. This tells you that the sewing pattern requires only beginner skills, such as straight lines, using straight and zig-zag stitches. The pattern pieces may also require simple piecing methods such as an open seam with zig-zag finishing.
When you look at the envelope back, you will also be able to see a black and white diagram that shows a technical drawing of the garment. Examine the drawing to figure out how many pattern pieces there are. The fewer the pattern pieces, the easier the sewing project is.
You will also need to look at the special features used in the project. Special features are the very essence that makes each sewing pattern unique. Easy sewing patterns generally have fewer elements in them. They will also provide for simple elements, such as a patch pocket instead of a trouser pocket and a neckline instead of collars.
Lastly, look at the recommended materials and notions. Cotton would be easier to handle for beginners. I started out with plain cotton before moving on to small prints with minimal repeats, such as dots and flowery prints. As always, the fewer the notions, the sewing pattern is easier to work with.
Photo courtesy of Waialuaplantation
Resources
How to make your own sewing pattern catalog and organize your pattern stash
How to preserve your sewing pattern in its original uncut condition
How to make simple alterations to your sewing pattern
About the author: Diana is the owner and pattern designer of djstoreroom. She is a work-from-home-mommy who design, sew, pen and self-publish her own pdf sewing patterns and tutorials from her home studio in sunny Singapore. She has 2 online stores at etsy which stocks only pdf products and artfire which stocks pdf products, handmade products and vintage supplies. She love to write in her blog about herself, her business and more...
All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior
written permission of HandmadeNews.org.
