Tutorial - How to Copy a Pattern for Multi Sizes

3 ways to use more than one size of a pattern

Tutorial at Whoever Has the Most Fabric Blog

"Back in the day when you bought a pattern, you bought it in your own size and there was only that one size in the envelope. Today,  most patterns come in multiple sizes. Many, like the one on the left, would suit a variety of ages. However, once you have cut it out in your size, there is no going back.  All you have left is scraps with the edges of the larger sizes printed on them.  Any smaller sizes are printed inside the one you have cut out and you can't really use them as you will destroy the one you want. Occasionally, you will want to use the other sizes as well".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Trace a PDF Pattern

Way to get as much use out of pdf patterns as possible

Tutorial at That's Sew Amy Blog

"I purchase a lot of pdf patterns online. I know pdf can be a pain but lately I prefer them over regular tissue patterns. Mainly because of sizing. With a regular tissue pattern you choose your size and then cut out your pattern accordingly. The problem is, what if you lose/gain weight? What if this pattern is for a baby/child and they will be growing out of that size tomorrow? I don’t want to have to go buy another pattern.I choose to trace my pdf patterns instead of cut them out because it makes more sense to me. I don’t like using any of my pins on paper because it dulls them so quickly. Also, I can’t see through the paper pattern to match up prints. Lastly, I don’t want to waste more paper printing out another copy later and waste time taping it together again".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Pattern Storage Box

Easy and space-saving storage for all your loose craft patterns

Tutorial at Apple Green Cottage Blog

"It's zero cost, green (recycling old cardboard boxes), easy and fast. Still want to make a super sized cardboard file for your patterns? Here comes the tutorial: Cut the two boxes so you get one bottom piece and another one - but mind, you need to leave one side of the box attached to the bottom - see the next 2 photos before cutting".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Pattern Weights

Make these pattern weights with re-purposed material from the hardware store

Tutorial at Lorelei Jayne Blog

"When I first started sewing I just thought everyone used pins but I soon came to find (thanks pinterest) that a lot of sewists use pattern weights! They are quite expensive to buy but lucky for us there are lots of tutorials and tips to make your own. I’m going to add one to the pile. They are washers with ribbon or fabric hot glued to them. I watched The Crafty Gemini’s tutorial and they are fantastic but when I went to my hardware store to get more washers I couldn't find the big ones!  So I went down the aisle with the brackets and braces for building shelving and furniture I guess. I found these inch by five inch mending plates, the perfect weight".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Bandana for a Baby/Child

Tutorial includes a free PDF-pattern

Tutorial at Straight Grain Blog

"I really love bandana's. I bought two of them when Norah was a baby, and used them a million times since.  One of them got lost, unfortunately, and now that Ava is wearing them too, I was really keen on using some of the beautiful knits in my stash to make a few myself.  The bandana shown here was made of a double knit from Nani Iro's newest line, which I bought at Miss Matatabi. It was the first time I used double knit, and it is heavenly! I have just enough left to make a nice Summer top for Norah".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Circle Skirt

Draw a pattern to fit any size bodice

Tutorial at Straight Grain Blog

"There are two ways of making a circle skirt. You can cut it in one piece (A), with no seams in the sides. However, if you use a print with an upside and downside, this is not a good idea, as the print will always be upside down in some part of the skirt. So in the latter case, it is better to cut two half circles (B), which you join at the sides. Depending on which option you choose, steps 1 and 7 below will be slightly different".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Winter Pajamas

Includes directions to make the pattern  

Winter PJ's Tutorial at What's Mummy Up To Blog

"The idea for these PJ's was a work in progress in my mind over a few months.  I felt confident with making PJ pants, as I've done them before, but I wanted to have a go at a PJ top (not just an appliquéd store-bought top like my previous PJ's), and I wanted it to be pretty and classic-looking, but different to a full button-down shirt-style top.  I liked the idea of a fitted bodice, with a loose and super-comfy waist area, and I love the look of those old-style flannelette night gowns ... think the "Raindrops on Roses" scene in Sound of Music .. .anyone know what I mean?!?  Anyway, and after a bit of pondering, this is what I decided on".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Baby Shoe Pattern

Start with a pair of shoe that fit well

Baby Shoe Tutorial at The Stitching Scientist Blog

"My daughter has never really match standard sizes for shoes. When she was a baby I made her tons of cloth booties and mary janes. I learned how to draft my own pattern so that they fit her perfectly.  For this tutorial we will do mary janes shoes since those are the simplest. After you learn how to draft your pattern, head over to the tutorial to learn how to put it all together".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Set of Pattern Weights

Weights are stored on hanger when not in use

Pattern Weight Tutorial at Nanny Notes 2 U Blog

"When I decided I would like some pattern weights I found many ideas on Pinterest that other crafters had come up with like:  some filled with Aquarium Gravel or others filled with Beans or Lentils, or others that used Washers and Covered Buttons!  I loved the ideas of pattern weights, but one thing worried me - when I wasn't using them where would they be stored?  So I set my mind to the task and I love what I came up with and I hope you do too".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Trace a Pattern

Keep the original pattern intact

Tracing Pattern Tutorial at So Sew Easy Blog

"If you are British or European you will probably be very familiar with the Burda Style monthly sewing patterns magazine and the maze of patterns all printed on top of each other in all of the different sizes.  There are other magazines and some pattern books that do exactly the same.  Or perhaps you have a vintage pattern that you don’t want to cut, or one you might want to make in several different sizes.  So how do you best trace out your own pattern from the many on the same page, and still keep the page intact for future use".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Shirred Front Top

PDF pattern available with tutorial

Shirred Front Top Tutorial at Sewing the Littleheart Collection Blog

"Download my pattern here for size Medium or draft a pattern according to my post here.  Now you need to make the following alteration on the front.  From the bottom of the armhole measure down 1.75 inches and mark. From the top of the neckline measure down 5 inches parallel to your armhole (the distance between the armhole and the line is approximately 3 inches). Mark the end of the line. Now connect the two marks. Mark about half an inch down from your left top point and connect that mark with your mark coming from the neckline. I think it is easier if you just look at the picture and do the same".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Pattern from a Garment

I am going to try this technique to recreate a favorite bathrobe

Make Pattern from Garment Tutorial at Show Tell Share Blog

"I am always looking for ways to make things easier. Cutting clothes apart can be tedious. And I may not have anything I want to cut up. Drawing around a store bought item is easy, however some areas are harder to navigate around to copy just right.  I never really liked fiddling around to make sure it lays down just so, with the right seam showing.  So, I started using pins. Put cardboard or foam board underneath the paper you are drawing the pattern on and place pins at short intervals . You can use this trick for marking pocket placement, button holes, armholes etc. Then just connect the holes and you have the perfect copy" Read more