dressmaking

[denak1]

confused by instructions in books versus instructions on patterns. When folding fabric,placing pattern against fold, should you lay pattern 1.5cm inside or place pattern on fold? Notches - do you snip them into pattern or have them pointing out from pattern? I desperately want to learn how to make clothes, please help thanks denak1

[Lil O'lady]

Look at the instructions on the pattern piece. They are usually very clear about which line to lay exactly on a fold.

If you cut nothes into the seam allownace be careful that you don't go over the depth of the seam.

[Jugglering]

As the fold is the centre of a garment piece, you don't need to add any seam allowance - because there will be no seam there! The pattern makers could have given you the whole piece to cut out but folding it in half saves them paper and saves you having to cut all the way around when one half is exactly the same as the other (I hope that makes sense !)

You only need to add seam allowances where seams will be formed ie on cut edges.

I always have the notches cut away from the pattern and after I have tacked and sewn the pieces together, using the notches to match the different parts together, I simply trim them off and then press the seams open.

I've been dressmaking for about 40 years now, so if you have any more problems, don't hesitate to contact me direct ([email protected])

[Ice.Maiden]

My mother always did as jugglering's suggested - and she too was taught by a professional dressmaker.

[jazzie07]

Try watching video tutorials on youtube, did you bought the pattern? if so, usually there are instructions at the back of the pattern. http://www.calicolaine.co.uk/