Sewing Patterns

Sewing patterns may look initially like they should be easy, but there are a few things that need to be done before you can go out and select one!

If you're looking to make your first item of clothing you will need to get some measurements first. Sewing patterns don't always follow the sizes used in high street clothes and you can run into the age old problem that if it fits your chest, it won't fit your hips -or that might just be me. The measurements you will need are:

• Bust or chest at the fullest part.
• Waist at the narrowest part
• Hips around the fullest part.

In general go for the pattern that will fit your largest measurement as it is fairly easy to take things in that are too big. A lot of patterns include several sizes  and with enough practise and skill you'll be able to alter the pattern to fit yourself even better!      (Well I keep telling myself this in the hope that one day I will have that skill!)

Sewing patterns are produced by a number of companies, some major ones are Buttericks, Style, Vogue, Simplicity and McCalls.

Many very cool vintage patterns can be bought on ebay for a few pounds (plus postage) although it is best to double check the sizes against measurements on the packet as an old size 12 is not often the same as a current size 12!

FreeNeedle - A super resource for links to free sewing paterns on the web