sewing patterns

homealone_2

I have been collecting the free patterns from prima magazine for the last few years, finally got one for a real beginner. is a basic top, two pieces of material stitched together at sides. although have the pattern to go on how do you make a pattern that is in an a4 book with very small pieces, how do magnify it on paper to make a pattern?

Catcherupper14

There are two main ways of doing this - one is to enlarge on a photocopier if you can access one.


The other way is to scale it up using squared pattern paper. The easiest way to do this is to trace the book pattern onto a small part of the pattern paper and draw a rectangle/square around it (like a box closely enclosing each pattern piece.


Then draw a box, the same shape, but scaled up. For example if the original pattern in the book is quarter scale, then the big box will be exactly the same shape, but 4 times the length and width. You then draw in the pattern pieces at 4 times the scale. I find this works pretty well as it also allows you to make adjustments for length/width etc to take into account your own shape as you work it.


I thought that Prima patterns were full size? or are you talking about two different things?

Evil_Olive

I don't buy Prima but my friend does, - apparently they used to include a full size version of the pattern stapled into the centrefold of the magazine as standard, but now don't and you have to call a special phone number within a month of the magazine coming out to get the full size version sent to you (ostensibly 'free' but I believe the phone number is a premium rate one).

The small picture you are looking at is probably just an illustration to give you a rough idea and may not be exactly to scale or exactly accurate.

If the pattern is VERY simple, scaling it up on a photocopier or with squared paper might still work OK even if the small drawing isn't exact. Does it say what the scale is? - eg 20% of the real size, 1/4 or 1:10 or something like that? Because obviously you'd still need to know how much bigger to make it :undecided:

My friend says that if you subscribe (ie sign up and pay for a year's worth at a time, and get the magazine sent to you by post) the full size pattern is automatically sent to you with every magazine without you having to make the phone call.

She also says that they do still very occasionally include a full size pattern in with 'special' issues bought at the newsagent though which comes in an ordinary looking pattern envelope and is packaged up with the magazine in a plastic bag - maybe look out for these issues in future?

If you really are a complete beginner though, I'd suggest buying a really good simple pattern from a trusted manufacturer to start with - Simplicity and McCall's are good.
A lot of them do especially simple pattern ranges especially for (and often tested by) complete beginners. These have simple pattern pieces, more detailed instructions and tips and are often designed to 'teach' you simple techniques and build on your skills.

Patterns tend to cost around £6-8 new, for simple tops and skirts, but if it's a very simple pattern, you can make several of the same item in different fabrics and colours and the cost of the pattern doesn't seem so much then.
You can buy second hand patterns cheaper from Ebay but make sure it says it's unused, as already cut out pieces could be confusing for a beginner.

I'd also recommend getting a really good 'How to use sewing patterns' type book.
I have the 1960s edition of this:
http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/other-simplicity-products/books/new-simply-the-best-sewing-book/#.VGN-3-lFDIU

and it pretty much taught me dressmaking by itself.

Good Luck
When you realise how easily and cheaply you can make your own clothes you will never look back - I promise!