When a pattern piece is directed to be placed on the fold to make 2 of them, I like to cut a second pattern piece out of parchment paper. I then lay out the pieces on my cutting table wherever they fit (keeping them on grain). Sometimes I can save up to 1/2 yard of fabric. Where the fabric has a nap or a one-way design, this is not as effective but still helps.
Great tip! It's also helpful to cut on a single layer when pattern matching or cutting stripes to make sure the pattern is exactly where you want it to be.
I'm in my 60s now and grew up in the days before cheap, disposable fashion and so most families at least occasionally wore homemade clothing and ours was no exception. Even though we were often struggling financially, thanks to my mum's skill and ingenuity, we always looked well dressed. Mum was a master at getting the most out of yardage and I learned from her. Having grown up with first my mum and then me and my sisters making our own clothes, I can vouch for all of these tips as being good to save fabric.
Also, why not bring out your inner 'designer' by cutting out certain pieces in contrasting fabric, cuffs, collars, belts and pockets to save room on the main fabric or eliminate unwanted pockets and belts. I had a beautiful satin piece but not enough for all the blouse, so I cut stretch velvet for the cuffs and collar.
Hi Ruby, Thanks for the idea! In case I don't get around to making a full video, you should be able to measure the seam lines. Then on the pattern piece that has the gathers, cut away the excess so that they are equal. Just be careful that you don't cut away too much and restrict the fit.
I include the selvage into a lot of my patterns, especially when I’m finishing edges.
When a pattern piece is directed to be placed on the fold to make 2 of them, I like to cut a second pattern piece out of parchment paper. I then lay out the pieces on my cutting table wherever they fit (keeping them on grain). Sometimes I can save up to 1/2 yard of fabric. Where the fabric has a nap or a one-way design, this is not as effective but still helps.
Great tip! It's also helpful to cut on a single layer when pattern matching or cutting stripes to make sure the pattern is exactly where you want it to be.
I'm in my 60s now and grew up in the days before cheap, disposable fashion and so most families at least occasionally wore homemade clothing and ours was no exception. Even though we were often struggling financially, thanks to my mum's skill and ingenuity, we always looked well dressed. Mum was a master at getting the most out of yardage and I learned from her.
Having grown up with first my mum and then me and my sisters making our own clothes, I can vouch for all of these tips as being good to save fabric.
Thank you for sharing Kez!
This was so helpful! Thank you!
Also, why not bring out your inner 'designer' by cutting out certain pieces in contrasting fabric, cuffs, collars, belts and pockets to save room on the main fabric or eliminate unwanted pockets and belts. I had a beautiful satin piece but not enough for all the blouse, so I cut stretch velvet for the cuffs and collar.
Great idea!
Great useful tips! Can you do a video on how to remove centerback gathers on a shirt or dress pattern for a regular flat back, to save fabric?
Hi Ruby, Thanks for the idea! In case I don't get around to making a full video, you should be able to measure the seam lines. Then on the pattern piece that has the gathers, cut away the excess so that they are equal. Just be careful that you don't cut away too much and restrict the fit.