Burda Style For people who sew

Just starting to use patterns? We know some people are hesitant to use patterns, but its really quite easy! Everything you need to know is right on the pattern, and once you start, you'll never stop! Pattern instructions usually contain a pattern layout that can be used when laying out the pattern pieces on the fabric before cutting. This map shows where the pieces should lie on the two basic widths of fabrics (45" or 55" (114 cm or 140 cm) in order to be cut in a way that wastes the least amount of fabric. This is especially important because the yardage required is estimated from this layout, so if cut differently, you might run out of fabric! Save yourself the headache by familiarizing yourself with the layout guidelines illustrated here!

Technique Materials

Know the width of your fabric, the size you wish to cut out, and the cutting layout.

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11 Comments Sign in to add a post

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  Oct 4, 2010, 05.27 AMby izzysunshine

  do we add a seam allowance? i just got shorts and it says to add seam allowance! I know my size but the pattern doesn’t say which line goes to which size
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  Jul 19, 2010, 04.33 PMby disco-gal

  This is helpful but the layout really is not the first step. Taping the pattern sheets together is, and what if they don’t match up (as I have experienced). All the helpful layout sheets won’t help you reconfigure the misprinted pattern pieces. You can only cut once my friend. Please provide instructions on the margin allowances and the correct manner in which to assemble the printed paper sheets.
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  Jan 22, 2010, 01.29 AMby nicoladoal

  I’m using a Burda Pattern – Do I have to add seam allowance or is it included in the pattern?
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  Feb 12, 2009, 08.16 AMby stinashaw

  Hey guys, this is very helpful but i’m still confused as to how do you know what is the fabics length when you buy it, I thought it was universal. Im still confused on when your looking at the pattern what pieces require to be with folded material and which ones you dont need double sided. If any of you are patient experts, could you email me? do that way i can email you about my silly questions? thanks so much christina
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  Aug 6, 2008, 06.27 AMby rushig

  hii this maybe a really stupid question to ask but, the width is the length when folded right?
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  Feb 3, 2008, 08.51 PMby pileluki

  I got lost on step four, but the visuals are very helpful.
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  Jan 20, 2008, 10.28 PMby marinaglory

  Thank you for the well-labeled how-to! this was very helpful!
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  Dec 4, 2007, 10.51 AMby nayantara

  Charliesmam- that key is just a visual for the How To, but it comes on every pattern, so you can see it there!
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  Nov 29, 2007, 08.25 AMby charliesmam

  good stuff but hard to see the smbols at the end, zooming makes them blurry.
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  Nov 28, 2007, 12.56 PMby sheern-youssef

  thanks very good jop
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  Nov 22, 2007, 03.21 AMby nehmah

  Well-thought-out explaination of a basic step.