How to Read a Sewing Pattern

Everyone who wants to learn to sew should try it! The main mission of this blog is to encourage people who want to sew to try it! I want people to know it isn't as hard as it seems and ANYONE can do it. There are some aspects of sewing that may seem intimidating, but once you learn the lingo, you'll see how easy it really is!
Reading a pattern is one of those things that seems intimidating....until you try it. That's why I'm writing this post. I want you to see how simple it is and then, I hope you'll be challenged to try one!
I'm showing you McCall's Pattern #M6062, but once you learn to read one pattern you can easily read any other.

Each pattern comes with instructions. These pages are numbered and you'll find that is helpful. The top left of page one shows you all the items you can make with this pattern and labels each one with a letter.

Underneath this, you'll find a section showing each individual pattern piece included in this envelope and all are labeled with a letter and number. You need this info in order to find your proper piece on your actual pattern paper.

Next, you should find a section labeled Pattern Markings. This shows you the symbols you may see on your pattern as you cut it out and explains what each one means. You may have to refer to these as you go along. Keep this handy. But read them before you cut out your pattern.

Adjust If Necessary shows you how to shorten or lengthen a pattern to meet your needs. Very self explanatory and easy!

Cutting and Marking - Read this section before cutting pattern or fabric. It will give you very important info like preparing fabric, how to fold fabric for cutting, which pieces to cut first, etc.

Then, you will see a section called Cutting Layouts. This is VERY important. It shows you which side of the fabric each piece needs to be cut out of. This has to be followed to a tee.

Next, look for the pieces you'll be using for your pattern. They will be labelled according to the  first section of the pattern. Find your section and look at the illustration to see how you're going to place your pattern pieces on your fabric. Cut out your pattern carefully. Pin your pattern to fabric as shown in illustration and cut.

Finally, follow the detailed instructions on each item you are sewing. The pattern instructions will give you a step by step how-to to follow. You'll be surprised how easy it is!

I hope you'll give it a try! And if you do, please let me know! I'd love to hear how it goes. Amazon sells sewing patterns of many varieties. You might find one you want to try there!

This is part of my 31 Days of Home Economics series. Click on the tab above labeled {Home Economics} to find all of them.

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How to Make a Doll Skirt {tutorial}

My older girls are really into their American Girl and Our Generation dolls right now and one thing they love to do is change their doll's clothes. I'm not really into paying a fortune for doll clothes, so when I was wondering what to do with some old t-shirts, I realized they'd be great for doll skirts. Using the bottom half of the t-shirt is ideal for making little doll skirts. I had cut the top half off of a gray t-shirt the other day while making a dress so I used the leftover t-shirt for my fabric today. It was a size 6 shirt.

This stretchy knit fabric and elastic waist are perfect for these dolls! Easy for children to put on and take off of their dolls all by themselves! And a great way to recycle old t-shirts.