via so said ellie on Flickr
I wanted to share one of the smartest ideas I've ever seen with regard to pattern tracing. So said ellie, a Sew Colette participant, posted this photo in the sew-along Flickr group. She has cleverly used interfacing to trace her patterns on the advice of her sewing teacher. Genius, no? Interfacing is an inexpensive textile that can take a lot of abuse, yet be folded away into your pattern envelope when not in use.
As I have a bolt of interfacing (don't ask) I am definitely going to trace my Meringue pattern onto it. Thank you so much for sharing this tip with us!
12 sparkles:
It is like the swedish tracing paper that is rather expensive, a great idea!
Okay this question sounds really stupid, but how do you trace an original pattern onto interfacing? Do you cut it out and then trace it on the interfacing and then cut that out? And the reason why interfacing is preferred is because it is more durable? I have several patterns that I tend to use over and over, so I suppose I should do that?
@charlotte - I thought so, too!
@Shannan - No questions are ever stupid here!
The interfacing is translucent, making it great for tracing. It is much more durable than tissue and is still easily stored.
Lay the interfacing over the original pattern pieces and trace. I would use a pencil in this case, so a marker doesn't bleed through and ruin the originals. Once you've traced everything and marked each pattern piece, you can cut it out.
I hope this helps! :)
Ooh, this is good idea. But I wouldn't put the interfacing over the pattern, I think I would put it under the pattern and use a tracing wheel.
I've done this before when I've run out of STP - works like a charm. However, it should be noted that interfacing is generally fairly narrow in width and if you're tracing a garment in a large size it might not be wide enough. Also -and I'm sure that most people can figure this our on their own - the interfacing should be the sew-in kind, not the iron-on kind, as you can't iron out any wrinkles in your pattern pieces otherwise.
For those who find the tissue paper fragile, an excellent solution is to use iron-on interfacing all over the pattern sheets and store the sheets in large manila envelopes or something similar. This is particularly helpful when using the tracing method that Mommy en France suggests as it helps keep the tissue from ripping from the pressure of the tracing wheel.
This seems like a great idea! Can't wait to try it.
I do this too - at my local Spotlight you can get a 10m bolt of i'facing for $8.00. Bargain! And perfect for tracing!
Hmmm, I don't know about this. I trace onto STP and then when I want to use it again I can unfold it and press it flat. You can't really press interfacing. Although I have heard of using interfacing to reinforce tissue patterns, which I thought was a great idea.....
Omigosh, its brilliant! I am so going to do that!!! I'm jealous you have a bolt of interfacing, too.
@Jen - Great tips! Thanks so much!
@Carrie - Non-fusible interfacing is ideal for pattern tracing and presses like a dream. :)
Genius! I'm doing this!
Mum has been using sew-in interfacing for years to trace her patterns. She passed that little gem onto me when I started sewing. It's a great pattern saver!
Shannan, I use a ball-point pen to trace my patterns. Generally in red, but if my fabric is going to be red I use a contrast colour.
Sarah, I also buy the interfacing by the bolt just for this purpose! :)
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