new poll – do you use the pattern layouts?
June 10, 2008 by Chloe Findlay-Harder
Filed under Home & Living
I’ve got a new poll for all you lovely readers 
The results from the last one were pretty clear, everyone said that they have to alter their patterns!
Because I’ve been sewing so much clothing lately, from new patterns, I’ve looked at a lot of different layouts that pattern companies suggest you use. I’ve found that I can quite often use a lot less fabric than they suggest.
Case in point – I’m making a sundress from a pattern that calls for almost 3 yards of fabric. I laid the pattern pieces out, and I can cut it out of just over 2 yards of fabric. I’m still paying attention to the grain lines – although the print is random.
So my question is – do you follow the pattern layouts as the pattern suggests, or do you try and squeeze the pattern pieces onto the smallest piece of fabric possible?
I never use the lay outs. but I do stick to laying the piece according to the grain line. I guess I learned it years ago when I was learning to sew… Patterns were simpler then. I think that is what I love about the old patterns I have. It is especially easier to figure out how much you will need the second time around using a pattern:)
I never use the layout either. I try to be very frugal with my fabric. Sometimes I make my kids pajamas out of small pieces of leftover fabrics. Sometimes I can cut out the pattern on a single layer of fabric to make it fit.