Ever since my first sewing project with a purchased pattern, I have been cutting out all my pattern pieces to my size. When I gained weight, I threw out all my old patterns that were cut out to a size too small, and eventually replaced them with new patterns which I cut out to my new larger size. When I lost that extra weight, I again threw them all out and started all over! At the time I couldn’t think of any other choice. (Can you imagine the contribution I made to the garbage dump! Can you imagine the profits the pattern companies were making on me!)
I never thought about tracing my pattern pieces until just now and I am “sold” on pattern tracing.
Recently my sister, Bon-Bons & Bootcamp, gave me her new pattern, some material, etc. to sew some active wear for her. I couldn’t bring myself to cut the pattern out because it wasn’t actually mine. So I decided to trace it. An easy process… although I didn’t have any instructions, tips, or hints, on “how to”!
So I put my tissue pattern pieces on top of some purple tracing paper on top of some large poster paper and traced over my size and all the other markings with my tracing wheel. I found the poster paper on a large roll at the craft store. Just perfect for this job!
I also wrote every important detail on each piece, then cut them out.
BONUS!!! Now besides being able to use my patterns for my up and down weight, I can also use them for others. I can also have sturdier pattern pieces made of heavier paper to cut out my material. Then there is also the ability to make easy alterations with the newly traced pattern pieces! Those tissue pattern pieces always ended up rumpled and torn!
How did I do? Did I miss anything In the process? Do you prefer to trace your pattern pieces? Why do you trace your patterns?
Happy sewing!