Using Patterns and Cutting Fabric

Whether you’re making yourself a new outfit, stitching costumes for those special kids in your life, or creating a beautiful quilt – sewing projects are a creative way to relax, have fun, and piece together your own work of art.

If you love getting crafty with fabric – or if you’d like to start – we’ve got some great tips to help. We’ll look at a few techniques that can help you work with patterns and templates – and cut out your fabric with confidence – no matter your level of vision.

Good lighting can make a big difference – especially when you’re working up close. Check out our workshop on lighting for low vision to learn more. And for some helpful ideas on getting accurate measurements, check out the workshop on measuring tips and tricks in our home repair series.

Now, let’s get going on that sewing project. And let’s begin with the pattern.

Most sewing patterns are made from thin, delicate paper. And if you’ve used one, you know it can tear easily. But tracing your pattern onto thicker paper lets you create a new pattern that’s easier to feel and work with – and can be easier to see. Fabric stores sell pattern paper on rolls. And butcher paper – or other types of paper on rolls or in wide sheets – also works.

One way to trace your pattern with low vision is to start by laying out your paper on a large, flat area, and placing your entire pattern on top. You don’t even need to cut out the separate pieces. To keep the pattern from sliding around, weight it down with pattern weights – or with household items, like coffee cups or bean bags.

Then use a dark marker with plenty of ink to draw along the lines and markings of the pieces you need. The pen will bleed through the thin paper and leave outlines for your new pattern pieces on the paper underneath.

Another method is to use a tracing wheel – a rolling wheel that creates a line of perforated dots. For this technique, lay your paper on a cutting board or mat. Then lay your pattern on top of the paper, using weights to keep it in place.

Roll over the pattern’s lines with the tracing wheel, using enough pressure to go through both layers of paper. When you’re done, remove the original pattern, turn over your tracing paper, and feel for the lines of raised dots. Then you can cut along the outline with scissors, using your sense of touch to move along the dotted lines. Or you can go over the lines with a dark marker before you cut them out.

Once you lay out your new pattern on your fabric, here are a few tips for cutting it out carefully.

First, you might be used to pinning your pattern to your material – but if you find those sharp points are getting in the way, another method is to use pattern weights or household items to hold your pattern in place. Then trace around your pattern with chalk in a color that stands out. When you remove the pattern, cut along the chalk lines.

When you’re ready to cut – whether you’re using fabric scissors or a rotary cutter – be sure your tools are nice and sharp. That lets you cut through your fabric the first time, without having to push your rotary cutter, or grip your scissors, too hard – and without having to cut more than once in the same spot.

If you’re using scissors, keep the bottom blade in contact with the table or your cutting board while you cut – and while you move the scissors forward. That helps you keep the scissors more stable – which gives you more control. This also makes it easier to be sure your other hand is out of the way. And making shorter cuts – using the last inch or so of the scissor blades – helps you make sure each snip is in the right place.

If you’re using a rotary cutter, wearing a cut-resistant glove on the hand that holds down your fabric is a great way to keep your hand safe. And when you’re cutting freehand around curves and corners, experienced sewers recommend using a rotary cutter with a smaller wheel, for more control. Check out the Resources section for more tips and ideas.

For some projects, using a template made from posterboard works better than a paper pattern. If you’re a quilter, a template can help you cut out several squares, rectangles, or triangles in exactly the same size – without having to look for the markings on a ruler. If you use a bright color of poster board – or any color that contrasts with your fabric – that can help make your templates easier to see.

One handy technique for quilt pieces is to create one template for cutting long strips of fabric in the width you need – and smaller templates to mark off the shape for the smaller pieces.

When you’re ready to cut, simply line up your template on the fabric, place your quilter’s ruler up against the edge, then take away the template and cut along the ruler with your rotary cutter. Or draw a line along the template’s edge, and do your cutting with scissors.

Whatever techniques you choose, cutting your fabric neatly and safely puts you well on your way to creating that masterpiece – and letting the compliments roll in. For more sewing tips and ideas, check out the other workshops in our sewing series.

As always, if you need more information or you've got your own tips to share, contact a Hadley learning expert. Of course, as with anything new, give yourself time, patience and practice, and you'll get there.