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Chapter Two
CHOOSING YOUR PATTERN & FABRIC
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QUICK INDEX
Fabric Selection
Proper fabric selection is important. Some fabrics are difficult to work with and would be the cause of a
very frustrating experience for you. We want to avoid that!
In choosing fabric, remember your project. Is this fabric appropriate for what you are making? Also, remember
that patterns do not allow for shrinkage when stating quantity of fabric to purchase. It is better to buy a bit extra, especially if you need to add to length or
allow for shrinkage.
Although stretch knits are wonderful to use with sergers, they are difficult to work with on a regular sewing machine.
Suggested fabrics for beginners are cottons and cotton-poly blends that do not have much stretch.
Calico fabrics, for example, are nice to work with. Calico fabrics are found in just about any fabric store. They are cotton
and come in 45" width and have many types of cute prints. They're often used for quilt making. It is also important to avoid plaids and obvious
diagonals, because they require pattern matching - a skill not covered in this book.
For your particular project, you need to refer to the back of the pattern for fabric suggestions. See Chapter 3 for more
information on reading pattern backs. You have some choice in fabrics, but do not choose a fabric that the
pattern specifically says not to use.
ALWAYS pre-wash your fabric (if it is washable). This is not a place to cut corners! What a shame it would be
to make a wonderful skirt that has a perfect fit, only to have it shrink in the wash! One of the benefits
of sewing is that you can prevent this problem. If the fabric comes out wrinkled, a good ironing will make
it easier to work with.
Pattern Selection
Patterns can be very simple to very advanced.
It is best to choose a pattern that does not require the learning of too many new skills at once. This, too, can lead to frustration. Names such as "E-Z" tend to be easy, but are not necessarily for the totally inexperienced. Rather than looking for words like
"Quick" or "easy", look at what type of sewing skills and techniques are required. Try to take on only one new concept at a time. For example,
it would be best not to get a pattern with buttonholes, zippers, gathering, darts and difficult collars if you have not done any of these things
previously. It is always best to master one skill before moving on to another. Otherwise, you may feel it is "too hard" and (heaven forbid!) not fun.
Choosing a pattern goes along with choosing your fabric, so don't purchase one until you have chosen the other.
CraftAndFabricLinks has wonderful patterns for beginners. Best of all, they are free! Other sites have very good patterns as well.
For a complete selection of our FREE patterns, go to: FREE Sewing Patterns
I recommend a non-clothing item as your first project. Getting clothing to fit is a skill by itself and
may be a bit much as a first project. For your first project, you will be getting to know your machine, getting familiar with various stitches and cutting techniques
and learning to guide your fabric through the machine - not to mention learning to sew a straight line. That is enough without the added complications
of fitting a pattern to your body! In past sewing classes, I have used the tote bag pattern for beginners. It is a fun, practical item to make.
If your first project is clothing, be sure to measure carefully. It is better to choose a pattern that is a little too large, rather
than too small. This is because you can always take in the waist and make other adjustments.
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CraftAndFabricLinks.com
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