How to Select a Sewing Pattern

Sewing your own clothes or making them for others is so rewarding. You can make sure they fit better than anything you would buy in a store, and there’s just something special about articles that you create by hand. With the right patterns, you can have an entire wardrobe of items that suit your style, and you can give the perfect gift every time.

Sewing buffs often spend hours in the pattern section of their favorite craft store, looking for the perfect pattern for their purpose. You can’t just run in, grab something, and hope it works. There are several factors that go into choosing the right pattern. These include:

Size – Obviously, you’ll need to find a pattern that is designed for the size you need. In order to get it right, you’ll need to take measurements of yourself or the person you plan to sew for. Most patterns use standard men’s and women’s sizes, but just like the clothes you buy off the rack, a size 8 in one pattern will likely be proportioned differently from a size 8 in another. The advantage with patterns is that they include specific measurements, so you can go by them for the best possible fit.

Style – With the sheer number of patterns that are available, you’re sure to find something to fit anyone’s style. Pattern books that are organized by garment type make it easy to find just what you need. If you don’t have any luck in your local craft store, there are tons of patterns available online. You can even find rare, old patterns for those who like to dress in retro style.

Brand – Some sewing fanatics have a particular brand of pattern that they tend to stick with. Others will use any brand of pattern as long as it suits their purposes. The top pattern brands are Simplicity, McCall’s, Butterick, and Vogue. Some, including Simplicity and McCall’s, offer patterns designed with beginning sewers in mind. Others, such as Vogue, are intended for the more experienced.

Price – Prices for patterns vary, but they may cost as little as a few dollars or as much as $20 or more. Those who sew regularly often argue that a good pattern is worth its weight in gold, but for those on a budget, spending a lot of money on the pattern may not be an option. Some outlets put patterns on sale for as little as $1, so checking in frequently can get you great deals on patterns you can use. Sometimes you can also find good deals on patterns on eBay.

Finding the perfect pattern takes some time and effort. But when you complete your project, you’ll find that it was well worth your while.