Sewing Pattern Envelope Tips

• All the styles that are included in the pattern envelope will be illustrated or modeled on the front.  The price of the pattern can be on the front, but a lot of times it is located on the flap.

• The front of the pattern envelope usually indicates the degree of sewing difficulty by stating "designer" which is the most difficult, original and easy-to-sew.

• The back of the sewing pattern envelope has a fabric chart.  This chart gives the amount of fabric needed for each style or view.  Fabrics are sold in various widths such as  35-36, 42-44, & 60 inch.  Cotton and linens are usually 35-36 inch widths, silks at 45 inch widths, blended fabrics at 42-45 inch widths and wools at 50-52 inch widths.  It varies, check the width first. It will clearly state the width at one end of the bolt along with care instructions. 

• In order to determine the amount of fabric needed for the project, first select the view.  For example, view A.   Then under view A find the correct width of the fabric and slide your finger across to the desired size.  You will then be able to see the correct yardage required for that particular view.

• Without nap means that they are assuming that the fabric selected does not have a one way design or a texture like corduroy or velvet.  Fabrics with a one way design or textures, need to be cut all in the same direction. Otherwise it will appear to have different shades or the design could run upside down. 
  
• Not sure if your fabric has a nap, you can ask at the cutting table, but to be safe you can use the "with nap" layout instructions for cutting.  This will assure that all pieces will be cut facing the same direction.  You don't have to worry about solid fabrics in cotton as it looks the same from both directions.

• The suggested fabrics area gives you examples of fabrics that are suitable for this particular  pattern style.  It will also indicate which fabrics are not suitable.

• In the "notions" section of the sewing pattern envelope you will find all the things necessary that you must have available in order to complete the garment.  You may already have some of these on hand and may have to purchase others.

STRIPE, CHECK OR PLAID

• Not all sewing patterns are suitable for stripes, checks or plaids.  However, if  the style is displayed on the front of the sewing pattern envelope in a stripe, check or plaid, then the pattern is suitable for those types of fabrics.

• You can also find a garment description, on the back, at the top.  This will describe the style, fit and constructions information.  For example, wide leg pants as opposed to narrow leg pants. 

PATTERN PIECES

• Below the style number you will find the number of pattern pieces inside the envelope.  This is usually a good indicator of how easy or difficult the pattern is to sew. The more pattern pieces the more difficult it will be to sew.

• Towards the bottom of the sewing pattern envelope you will see a section called finished garment measurements.   It will show finished length and bottom width of each garment.  To locate the measurement, select the size you will make and scroll down to your garment indicated on the left side of the envelope. The width of the hemmed edge indicates the fullness of the garment.

• Some sewing patterns are meant to be used with knits only.  You can tell first by looking at the suggested fabrics and there will  also be a long rectangle on the back of the envelope towards the side.  The rectangle will have two arrows in it.  It will ask you to take a 4 inch section of the fabric  and  stretch it to the end of the second arrow.  If it stretches easily to the second arrow then the fabric you have chosen will work with the selected sewing pattern.