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Making sewing patterns last longer

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T O P I C R E V I E W
2Ewenique	Posted - Dec 31 2006 : 05:51:30 AM I do a lot of sewing in my home. Ever get those multi-sized patterns and wonder how to make a size small and a size large? I copy my patterns (just for my own use, of course). I use tissue paper, the type you use in gift boxes/bags at Christmas. I often buy it up after the holidays when it is marked down 75%. Tape pieces together with scotch tape if you need larger pieces. Then I simply lay the original underneath and trace onto the tissue paper. This way I never cut the original pattern. For years I cut the originals and they are often very expensive to buy. I have saved myself tons of money doing it this way. After I copy the pattern, I put it in a plastic baggy and mark what pattern it is and the size. Works great!! I even do this for patterns I use frequently. I make a lot of purses/totes. I simply copy the patterns and then the original stays in good shape. Hope this saves some of you some money, too! Cheryl http://www.2ewenique.com http://www.2ewenique.com "Our Designs Are Just Too Unique"
25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
jan49829	Posted - Feb 17 2014 : 11:18:32 AM I like the idea of using freezer paper. I use it for some things, but never tried it for clothing patterns. I am going to try it next time I sew. Janet Farmgirl Sister #3340 http://hardatworkcrafts.blogspot.com http://Jan49829.etsy.com
knittingmom	Posted - Feb 17 2014 : 10:58:25 AM I have two growing girls so transfer copy each multi-size on to the back of wrapping paper (the large Christmas rolls). The paper is sturdy and holds up to multiple pinnings. Farmgirl Sister #3759 "There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" "The things that matter most are not really things after all"
knittingmom	Posted - Jul 13 2013 : 5:45:16 PM I have two girls who are of course two sizes. I copy each of the larger sizes to the back (white) side of wrapping paper. Farmgirl Sister #3759 "There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" "The things that matter most are not really things after all"
DandeeRose	Posted - Jun 05 2013 : 07:42:13 AM I haven't read through all the replies, but I use freezer paper!! Then I can iron the pattern piece to the fabric, cut, and it pulls right off! Many Blessings- Alicia http://dandeelionrose.blogspot.com/ Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain."
jan49829	Posted - Feb 22 2013 : 4:05:29 PM That, I believe, would be called vellum paper. You can find it is office supply stores. Janet Farmgirl Sister #3340 http://hardatworkcrafts.blogspot.com http://Jan49829.etsy.com
nancygene	Posted - Feb 22 2013 : 09:29:33 AM Another idea is to use the same kind of paper engineers used to draw blueprints. It is see through and easy to cut and easy to write on. Check one of those surplus warehouses to see if they have any since most engineers now use computers instead of paper.
jan49829	Posted - Sep 20 2011 : 6:10:55 PM I trace the patterns on used plastic shopping bags, they last forever. Jan Farmgirl Sister #3340
JojoNH	Posted - Aug 10 2011 : 04:33:27 AM Sewing is my life and to keep a pattern for years of use I copy it onto 4 mil plastic that can be purchased by the roll at the hardware store. The best part is being able to see through the pattern piece in order to make sure the left and right sides of something will line up! ( such as plaids ) The plastic stands up to the daily use of a pattern quite well. I have one particular pattern that is now 5 years old and it's about time to trace out a new one. . . after weekly use, cutting out multiple items from it, the pin holes are finally showing their age. Joanna #566 JojoNH www.countrycents.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time" http://twitter.com/NHJoanna
22angel	Posted - Jul 07 2011 : 7:56:21 PM My aunt puts all of her patterns on plastic...she lays out the pattern, traces the size she needs & marks it then cuts it out & it's ready to use a million times over. She makes a lot of hospital uniforms/scrubs for others so this is really helpful for her. (If only I was smart enough to actually follow the pattern properly....) Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself.
MagnoliaWhisper	Posted - Jul 06 2011 : 09:54:22 AM I also use the drs exam table paper. I get it free. And it works great. However, for a pattern I will use excessive amounts of time, I use old sheets marked down to 1.00 at a thrift store. It's heavier and last forever. The exam paper will last quite a few times too though! I always use it first, and then when/if I find out I am using the pattern way more then I figured do the sheet thing. I don't do that for the cheap patterns though that I can get for like a dollar. But, most my patterns are 20 dollars or more, and out of print! So for those I for sure never cut. Another tip, lock your cats up before you start. That tissue paper that the patterns are on, drive my cat wild and she has put more holes in my patterns! UHG! She just has to be locked up it seems irresistible to her! lol haha http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com
OKCookee	Posted - Jul 06 2011 : 08:08:19 AM I buy the inexpensive iron-on interfacing by the package and apply that the the patterns I plan on using the most. Hancock Fabrics has it on sale several times a year and I stock up then. On larger pieces I sometimes just use the interfacing around the edges. It is also great to patch torn pattern pieces. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest". Matthew 11:28
barnagainkristin	Posted - Jul 06 2011 : 07:55:12 AM The stuff someone mentioned from JoAnn's I think is called Patterning Pelon. I used it for a pattern for bloomers that I needed to make 2 different sizes and I loved it. It seems like it will last a good long time and I don't have to worry about tearing. barnagainkristin "Others Before Self"
StrawHouseRanch	Posted - Jun 22 2011 : 07:36:22 AM Thanks to my frugal mother's upbringing, I use paper grocery bags for pattern pieces. They are quite durable. We also used paper grocery bags as "parchment" paper on cookie sheets. Makes great crispy cookies!! Paula Farmgirl Sister #3090 A Beehive is the ultimate Home Sweet Home
thehatlady	Posted - Jun 22 2011 : 06:16:23 AM I trace all of my patterns onto pellon( light weight inter-facing) I have done this for years, in fact I have got pellon pattern traces tha I have used for over 30 years and the thing about them is they can be washed also, when traced with a permenate marked. I keep them in a large brown envelope or a large storage bag. Usually when I get a childs pattern I do trace off all the sizes at one drawing and put each pattern in a smaller bag and then into the larger bag so as you need a larger pattern as the child grows you already have it drawn off. I also put all the information on each piece, size, waist markings , etc. Everyone have a good day, Lola Every day, in every way, I become better and better.
nursekat424	Posted - Jun 21 2011 : 12:25:33 PM I know this is a really old topic/msg, but i was reading through old post and wanted to add thegreat tip my grandma gave me recently. She traces her patterns onto freezer paper- not the shiny side. then lay the freezer paper pattern shiny side down onto your material and iron it. it will stick to your fabric making it easier to cut, less likely to shift when cutting. the pattern can be used alot of times before it wont stick anymore. I also use pattern ease. which is like interfacing but more see through for tracing onto. Love reading these older posts. get tons of good ideas. Hugs Crystal
britchickny	Posted - May 06 2007 : 05:09:45 AM Hey everyone, if you use the end-rolls from your local newspaper, make sure that you wipe off the ends with a damp cloth and discard the outer layer. I work at a weekly paper and end-rolls usually are stored where the printing is done and ink dust is on everything! It's a bit like black dry-wall dust! Yuck! We sell so many of our end rolls and there can be yards and yards of paper left! Sure beats recyling it! (great for packing/mailing/moving etc) Angie. "Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance" JUDE 1:2
BotanicalBath	Posted - May 05 2007 : 11:14:35 PM I use a large roll of craft paper used for shipping. When I am drafting historical patterns, I will tape a picture of the painting to it and cover it with clear packing tape. I also note when I drafted this and any other notes. It help me keep everything in one spot. ETA: My high school sewing teacher told us to iron them on to fusible interfacing... I think this would get pricey compared to a roll of craft paper. For super exact fitting, you could always do it on muslin.
2Ewenique	Posted - Mar 31 2007 : 01:07:58 AM I found a supplier online for the interface-like stuff. I love it. It came in a big roll like wrapping paper and looks like it will last quite a while. I have already copied several and drafted a couple of patterns on it and still have a lot left. Can't beat that for less then $10! Thanks everyone for your input This is certainly a lot easier and more sturdy then the method I was using. Hmmm....now if I can just remember where I bought it when I need to order more ....LOL!!! Cheryl http://www.2ewenique.com http://www.2ewenique.com "Our Designs Are Just Too Unique"
Jeanna	Posted - Mar 30 2007 : 8:15:34 PM I actually use the paper they put on dr's tables. I went to a yard sale and a lady who does some colon cleansing and such at her home had bought it for her table and did not like it. She sold it to me for $1 a roll. I wish I had bought all she had. If both of our troubles were hung on a line--You would take yours and I would take mine.
Kim	Posted - Feb 15 2007 : 04:21:46 AM No, problem! The computer can be so wonky at time! lol! My friend uses it for her quilt patterns so the edges don't get soft. She said she just got rid of some while doing some cleaning, bummer! But it should be easy to find. ANd it sounds exactly like what you need! Blessed Be! farmgirl@heart Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/ http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/
2Ewenique	Posted - Feb 15 2007 : 03:55:12 AM Thanks so much, Kim. Sorry for the double post asking about it. I wasn't being impatient, it was one of those internet things and I thought it didn't go through, so I posted again ... lo and behold, it did and made me look silly ...lol I'll have to look into this stuff, I have some people wanting me to make naturalist shirts for them and will probably be using their patterns many times. This will come in very handy for that! http://www.2ewenique.com "Our Designs Are Just Too Unique"
Kim	Posted - Feb 14 2007 : 4:56:04 PM Cheryl Got an answer back from my friend.She is a quilter and she buys sheets of it at the quilt store. You can cut it with scissors. Blessed Be! farmgirl@heart Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/ http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/
Aunt George	Posted - Feb 10 2007 : 5:23:15 PM I have a friend who irons it to inexpensive interfacing after tracing the sizes. Haven't tried it yet, but she swears it works. http://auntgeorgeshouse.blogspot.com/index.html Thanks for checking out my apron and sewing musings!
Kim	Posted - Feb 10 2007 : 5:17:24 PM No, but I'll send her an e-mail!!! Blessed Be! farmgirl@heart Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/ http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/
2Ewenique	Posted - Feb 10 2007 : 5:14:55 PM Kim...do you know where she finds this plastic-y stuff? http://www.2ewenique.com "Our Designs Are Just Too Unique"

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