Saturday, June 19, 2010

How to trace (or copy) a pattern and add seam allowance to a pattern



I'm recently becoming intrigued by Ottobre pattern magazine. Of course, like most Euro sewing books, the seam allowance is not included. While once that bugged me, I've come to prefer it. Anyhow, it can be rather intimidating to learn how to trace a pattern, then go back and add seam allowance. I am fortunate enough to have gone to college, and in my case, major in Apparel Design and Merchandising. Apparently, I have a hidden talent for pattern drafting…

Grab a pencil compass (<---any basic art store will have one) and trace the pattern with the compass part. The pencil will automatically drag next to it, creating a pattern tracing with the seam allowance already included! (You are able to adjust the compass to the exact width that you want). How nifty is that??

2 comments:

Kim said...

Love this idea! What do you use as your tracing paper (my std is STP)?

Unknown said...

I am used to patterns like Ottobre and Burda and just cut the pattern as is and trace the edges of the pattern on the fabric with a fabric pencil. I add the seam allowance while cutting, by hand. This way I am sure where on which line to pin & sew!