- 1). Measure the circumference of your chest right below your arm pits. Measure your bust, then your waist and the circumference of your hips. Finally measure the length of your torso and the circumference of the thickest part of the arm. Record these measurements and shop for your pattern based on them.
- 2). Choose a pattern that matches your sewing ability. Look for the difficulty level marked on the top front of your pattern; it will read things like "sew easy," "beginner sewers," "expert sewer," or "medium difficulty." Choose a pattern you feel you can execute well. Look on the back of the pattern and locate the size chart. It will be on the bottom left or right. Use your measurements from step one to determine which pattern size you need. Pattern sizes are usually in the top right hand corner of the pattern package.
- 3). Choose your fabric. Follow the fabric recommendation on the back of the pattern. Choose cotton, a cotton blend, lightweight knits, silk or rayon, as any of these will be good choices for this particular style top. Read the list of notions required for your top on the back of the package somewhere near the size chart. Most common notions are buttons, zippers, drawstring, ribbon, and elastic.
- 4). Take everything out of the pattern package and read all of the instructions first. Spread your pattern pieces out onto a large, flat work surface. Cut out the pattern pieces in your size. Grab your pins, fabric marker, and fabric for step five.
- 5). Lie your fabric out and fold it in half as recommended by your pattern instructions. Lie the pattern pieces on top of the fabric as shown by the diagram in your instructions. Pin the pieces of the pattern down and feed the pin through both layers of fabric and the paper all at once. Do not let the paper or fabric pucker as you pin it--pull it taut as you pin to prevent this. Mark all notches with a fabric marker.
- 6). Slowly and carefully, cut the fabric out as close to the pattern edge as possible. Lay all the pieces out and label each one with a fabric marker: use "F" for front, "B" for back, "R" for right, "L" for left, and "S" for sleeve. Use a symbol to show the placement of buttons or other notions. Refer to the instructions to determine exactly where each seam should go. Place the fabric pieces with the "show" sides facing each other. Pin the pieces together where the seams should be.
- 7). Take the pieces to the sewing machine and sew around the marked seam edges. Remove the pins as you sew. Once you are finished, try on your top and make any adjustments necessary. Add buttons, elastic or any other notions at this time. Refer to the instructions for details on how to incorporate them into your garment. Use a little water to remove the fabric marker marks.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -