How to transfer Pattern or How to save money (4777 Views)

When I cut my first patterns I thought that this is a waste. After it is cut you can never use an other size ( to make something for your friend/family or your size changes )

So I started to transfer the pattern like I will show.

For me this method has only positive attitudes:

1- you can use your pattern as much as you like.

2-you can see through them , makes it easier for some fabrics.

3- its stronger and softer than paper, needles can´t damage it as quick as paper

after storrage you don´t have to fight with wrinkles.

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Step 1 of 6

You see, nearly everthing is in the house.
Step 2 of 6

The plastic sheet comes over the pattern.

How to fix it best is different. I use the floor, its soft enough for the needles.

The other way is to fix first the pattern and than the plasic with tape.

If you fix it on the floor, fix it together with needles and don´t fix it too close to the pattern which you will drafting, because you need space for the ruler.
Step 3 of 6

Is everything without wrinkles you can start to draft. You will see that the permanet marker needs some seconds to dry. ( One negative thing: my hands are always purpel;-) )
Step 4 of 6

After all pieces are transfered to the plastic sheet- check if everything is transfered.

-Pattern pieces -Pattern model and size -Straight grain -Special marks ( button holes, pockets)
Step 5 of 6

Now the final cut. After a few times cutting I started to enjoy this because the scissor slides very smooth ( but be carefully ).
Step 6 of 6

It is soooo easy now to adjust the pattern on the fabric.

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Materials

thicker plastic which is wide enough for your patterns ( I bought house wrap plastic sheet for 2,5$-that´s enough till in ten years ;-) )
needles ( not on the pic) or tape to fix your work

-permanent marker ( dark color )

scissor

-ruler (s)

COMMENTS (17)

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cassidyscowgirl Ï Posted 6 April 2008 at 9:25 PM
working on yet another dress

Brilliant!!!! I may just have to put this on my errand list to pick up tomorrow!
justelaite Ï Posted 7 April 2008 at 12:03 AM

i always do this way, but never put it as a how to. but it's great, that this idea will spread! you don't need to draw on pattern paper, it will always be as new:)
MarmotaB Ï Posted 7 April 2008 at 12:42 AM
Sewing jacket lining

Wow! This seems even better than the transparent paper I am using. I only have to make sure the marker is really permanent...
Josefina Ï Posted 7 April 2008 at 11:44 AM

This is really a great idea! Thanks!!
jennette Ï Posted 7 April 2008 at 5:11 PM

This is great! I have always copied my patterns onto gift wrap tissue paper but hated the way pins tore into it. This is especially useful if you sew for children!
Bell Ï Posted 7 April 2008 at 10:18 PM
Making waistcoat to go with Nicola

I do the same thing but use sew in interfacing, you can buy it in 10m rolls. I can use the pattern over agin and even pin togather for fitting on me to check I got it correct. I also leaves the original intact so I can do as many variations as I like.
Claire Ï Posted 8 April 2008 at 2:12 PM

Genius!!
Bathina Ï Posted 8 April 2008 at 7:28 PM

Thank you all for the fantastic comments…it´s my pleasure to share all the good ideas and get some new ones here from you.

Like Bell ones..I never thought about using sew on interfacing which is a good idea, too.

I drafted my first pattern these days and I used the plastic sheet again and it worked out well, too. I did a wraped skirt, so I don´t know how it works with more complicated patterns.
squirrellypoo Ï Posted 10 April 2008 at 3:20 AM
feisty

I just use plain 'ol brown craft paper to copy my patterns. I put a photo How-To up on my site: How to trace a pattern
Jaie Ï Posted 11 April 2008 at 8:53 PM

I have to say, I use sew in interfacing as well. (my tissue patterns are backed with iron on interfacing) and plastic would drive me nuts. I can fit with the interfacing copies too. And pin and etc. There’s also Swedish tracing paper which is like interfacing, it’s a cloth like stuff and isn’t expensive.