When you first learn to sew, and you want to attempt to make an article of clothing, you get your fabric and pattern and are brimming with excitement. When you get home and pull the pattern out of the envelope, the language used can be somewhat overwhelming. Luckily, there are videos on YouTube to help troubleshoot any confusion you may have regarding how to read and use a pattern. When I found this pattern reading and translation video tutorial by Evelyn Wood on YouTube, I had so many of my pattern reading questions answered. The first thing Evelyn tells us is the size on the back of the pattern is not the size you buy in the store, and that is all because of the ease chart at the bottom of the pattern. Essentially, sewing patterns are like a puzzle, where all the pieces have been mathematically worked out, down to the last detail.

One of the most important things your pattern doesn’t tell you is the importance of pressing. pressing will make your entire sewing experience go more smoothly. Pressing will make you keep your work straighter. Like jigsaw puzzle would not work well with crumpled pieces, the same goes for your sewing project.

You also need to be very mindful of how you lay your pattern on the grain.

These tips were so helpful to me, check out more of Evelyn’s videos for more awesome tips.

Things The Sewing Pattern Doesn’t Tell You