TShirt method For pattern Making (5658 Views)

This is the method i use to create a pattern, If your like me and god awful with numbers, this might be helpful. I can take all the mesaurments I want but i'll never get anywhere so here goes.

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Step 1 of 4

put on an old shirt, perferably a tight fitting one ( if its a little loose use pins to tighten, I used wooden pins or else my sisters would get all paranoid about being stuck.)
Step 2 of 4

Now take your marking utensil and trace out your pattern along the natural body lines. Dont forget the back too! The awesome part about this is you can draw out any style you want and know it'll fit.
Step 3 of 4

Cut along your crayon lines.
Step 4 of 4

fold your pattern in half, to make sure that its symetrical and you didn't go wonky on one side like I did. Use whichever side you think will provide the best fit and trace. Remembering to add ease and seam lines. Tada You have a pattern made to fit and exactly the style you were looking for.

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Materials

a tight fiting Tshirt, crayon or any other marking material, scissors,

COMMENTS (7)

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nehmah Ï Posted 8 July 2008 at 3:08 PM
As ye sew, so shall ye rip.

This is a clever way for those (mainly, ME) who are "Math-challenged". I have a couple of questions. Is this method only for use with knit fabrics? If you use it for wovens, how much extra do you allow for ease? Cordially. Nehmah
Ohjoy Ï Posted 15 July 2008 at 7:17 PM
working on a how to

No I use it for any fabric, I mainly use cottons and I've never had a problem,(except when I forget to add ease which I ussually do) I just make sure its skin tight so I can get something as close to their size as possible. Generally ( when I remember) I add about half an inch all the way around for ease. and then go back and add the extra here or there for zippers or buttons or what have you. I hope that helps
michelou Ï Posted 19 July 2008 at 3:15 PM

This is so fabulous- I can't wait to try it out. Thank you for sharing!
Thubber Ï Posted 27 July 2008 at 7:51 AM

genius ty ty :D
drsewitall Ï Posted 3 August 2008 at 10:30 AM

This is so perfect! I have been wanting to draft a bodice sloper but I'm extremely math challenged. This is an easy way to fit by draping. I'll try it with a slightly bigger t so I can add darts. Thank you so much and lol glad to know I'm not alone as a math phobic sewer.
stedav03 Ï Posted 5 August 2008 at 5:32 AM

This has to be the best tip I have ever come across for anything! So simple!!! Thank you! :)
Kathryn100 Ï Posted 9 September 2008 at 8:30 AM

Who says math challenged people aren't pure genious??!!! A dream of an idea.