| Reading patterns are a task in itself. Instructions written | | | | with the store clerk to match the requirements of the |
| by experts for experts because they presuppose you | | | | pattern. |
| have sewing experience as much as they do and a | | | | 4) Inside the pattern envelop you will find Pattern |
| language which they understand. Hence, it becomes | | | | pieces usually printed on large pieces of tissue paper |
| imperative you understand the nuances of pattern | | | | for different views. Handle them carefully as they may |
| reading and the below is aimed to help you get it | | | | easily tear. For some projects you may even find |
| started. | | | | "master patterns" printed on sturdier white paper. |
| 1) Find a project you like and based on your own | | | | Master patterns and other pattern pieces can be |
| experience. If you are new to the world of sewing go | | | | reused for different sizes by tracing the size you need |
| for patterns marked "Easy". Next find the company | | | | on another tissue or pattern tracing material. This |
| that makes the pattern and the pattern number. | | | | enables you to trace another style or cut the fabric |
| 2) On the pattern envelop you will see the picture of | | | | according to a different size without losing the master |
| the finished project. Observe the picture. This is how | | | | pattern or the pattern pieces. |
| the project will look after you have finished sewing | | | | 5) On the front page of the pattern, there will be an |
| except of course the size which will depend on you. | | | | illustration of the front and back of the project. Directly |
| The size on patterns are different than ready-made | | | | under the front and back of the project diagram will be |
| garments hence you need to read the back of the | | | | the diagram of each pattern piece marked with |
| pattern envelop to see the exact size you are looking | | | | numbers. A List of the pieces according to the |
| for (which usually is given in different measurements | | | | numbers will mention whether the pieces are for the |
| for US and European sizes) | | | | front, back, loop or anything needed for the project. |
| 3) At the back of the pattern envelop you will see | | | | Next you will notice the step by step sewing |
| diagrams of the same project but in different styles or | | | | instructions to put the project together. |
| "views" as in if you are sewing a top then a picture of | | | | 6) Cut the pattern pieces you need depending on the |
| the top without sleeves would be one" view" or style, | | | | size you want. Take care to cut along the proper lines |
| with half sleeves another "view" or full sleeves and so | | | | for most the challenge in sewing is about cutting it right. |
| on forth to give you an idea as to the different | | | | Cut all the pattern pieces as illustrated and pin them to |
| projects you can sew with the same pattern. Also a | | | | the fabric so it is similar to the diagram in the pattern. |
| little more detailed description of the back view of the | | | | Transfer the circles, points, casing lines etc mentioned |
| project will be added. | | | | on the pattern onto the fabric with the help of a fabric |
| The back of the pattern envelop will also mention the | | | | marker. After you have cut the fabric according to the |
| recommended fabric texture (heavy weight, sateen, | | | | pieces, leave the pattern pieces pinned to the fabric |
| organza), the minimum width of the fabric required for | | | | until you need to sew them according to the |
| a particular size and the style or view you are sewing. | | | | instructions. |
| It will also mention any extra fabric required in case if | | | | 7) Glossary: A glossary for new sewers to learn the |
| your fabric has "nap". | | | | sewing terminology will be listed at the end of the |
| Do not be afraid to reconfirm the width of the fabric | | | | pattern. |