This week you will learn how to use a commercial pattern to make a garment. You will learn how to pre-measure the pattern to ensure a correct fit, choose the correct cutting line, cut smooth lines, use notches for matching connecting seams, sew 5/8″ seams, apply a seam finish, press during garment construction for a professional result, sew an elastic casing, insert elastic, and make a machine hem.
Supply List
- Sewing Pattern for pull-on pants—buy it by the HIP measurement on the back of the pattern envelope—NOT the size you normally buy in ready-to-wear
- Basic sewing kit
- Sewing machine if you have one—bring all of its parts and pieces. If you do not have a machine, you may use ours. You will need a 15J bobbin if you borrow ours. Bring an empty bobbin for your machine if bringing your own.
- Fabric and notions as required by your pattern. If you do not know how to read the back of the pattern envelope for supplies, you can stop by the Viking Sewing Gallery for help or ask a JoAnn’s person at the cutting counter for assistance. Match your thread to the fabric.
Preparation before class:
After you have purchased your fabric, zigzag over the raw cut edges at each end or hand overcast if you do not have a sewing machine. Then wash and dry the fabric as you would the finished garment. This will preshrink the fabric and get rid of any sizing. If the fabric comes out of the dryer wrinkled, then press out the wrinkles with an iron.
Open your pattern and cut the pattern pieces apart—do not cut on the lines; just cut the pattern tissue between the pieces to separate them from one another. You can smooth them out, stack pieces, fold gently, and place in a large ZipLock bag to bring to class. Bring the whole pattern envelope and instructions, too!
Read through the pattern instruction sheet. If you don’t understand all of it, that is OK. At least, you have a little familiarity before coming to class.
