Do You Speak the "Language of Patterns"?

Did you know that sewing patterns have their own "language"? 

They do, and it's important to understand that language to use them properly - and more important, to create them! 

In this video, I explain this "language".  I also show you the importance of the grainline, and how the grainline affects the hang and drape of the garment. 


Notches, dots, grain lines, and other markings help the user understand how to use the pattern.  That user might be YOU - but if you use the pattern repeatedly, you might not remember all of the details months, or years, after the pattern was made.  

And if someone else uses the pattern (if you sell them, for example, or have a business in which you employ others to cut or sew), the language of the pattern is especially important.  It's how you communicate to that person and ensure that the end garment is exactly what you want it to be. 

So it's vitally important not to skip this step!!  Ensure that every pattern piece has the notches needed to show which pieces are joined together, and where.  Every pattern piece needs a grainline (the video also shows the affect of grainlines on the garment). And write the name or description of the piece, the size, how many pieces to cut, and any other information you - or your cutter, customer, or "future self" - may need to properly cut and assemble the garment. 

For example:

Sleeve, size 12

Cut 2, mirrored (ie, flip the pattern piece or cut 2 layers, face side together, so you have a right and left sleeve)

Cut with nap DOWN (if you plan to use a velvet, faux suede, or other napped fabric)


Understand and use the language of patterns to communicate, quickly and easily, everything the cutter and seamstress needs to know!

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