Getting Started
Print, Pin, Trace, Sew.
Before you can view the patterns, you need to have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you don't have it, you can download it from Adobe (it's free!). (Mac users: the Preview program in OS X will display pdfs also.) It's highly recommened to trace the printed patterns to lightweight interfacing. Use the interfacing versions to cut out fabric.
To trace your patterns, you need four things:
- Light or medium weight non-fusible interfacing (if you use fusible you can never iron wrinkles out of your patterns!)
- A ruler or straight edge (nice but optional)
- Straight pins
- A fine point fabric pen or permanent marker
 Print. Print out the pattern. Make sure the pdfs are not resized or scaled when they are printed, or your pattern will be the wrong size! |
 To make sure your pattern printed accurately, there is a grid on each pattern. The large grid should be 8 x 10 inches, with each square one inch. For those who find a metric ruler more handy, the small grid should be 4 x 4 cm. If your grids aren't the right size, neither is your pattern! Check your print settings and try again. |
 Pin. Pin your tracing medium over the pattern. Tracing onto non-fusible interfacing is recommended. However, you could also use the gridded pattern tracing/drafting material, or even tissue paper, if it suits your needs better. |
 Trace. Follow the lines with a ball point pen, fine point sharpie, or pencil. Using a ruler or straight edge to transfer straight lines may allow you to trace more evenly and quickly. |
 Sew! Remove your pins and your ready to use your new pattern. |
Need some help with sewing basics? Try the following books.
Copyright 2004-2005. Some rights reserved. Unless otherwise noted, all content on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons License. See About SavvySeams for more information or contact info@savvyseams.com.
All of the patterns and information at SavvySeams.com are "use at your own risk". No guarantees are made and SavvySeams assumes no responsibility or liability for use of our patterns.
If you are unsure of a pattern or technique test it first on muslin or scrap fabric.
Remember: never sew over pins!
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