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Cutting out sewing patterns is my least favorite part of sewing. That doesn’t bode well for me since I usually cut out and sew 10-15 of each pattern while I’m developing them. I have a few methods for cutting out patterns, depending on how large the pieces are, what type of fabric or what the pattern is made from (tissue paper, printer paper, etc.). This pattern cutting tip is good for most fabrics, sizes and fabrics. Use pattern weights. Note that those “weights” I used in the photo are pretty inadequate.
How to cut out a sewing pattern: Use a rotary cutter
I didn’t start doing this until very recently but I know many of you have probably been doing it for years. What do you think? Good method? Best tip: go SLOW!
Andrea Pannell
Owner at Go To Patterns
Andrea is the owner and designer of Go To Patterns, Go To Sew, and The Train To Crazy. You can find her playing with her four kids, designing clothing and sewing in her spare time. Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter.
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I use weights as well, mine are washers from the hardware store
I’ve heard of people using weights, but I am always worried I will somehow cause the pattern to slip out of place on the top of the fabric somehow, and so I always still use pins. I use the rotary cutter, but for some things like going around curves, I still use regular old scissors.
This works great for me until I hit the curves. I can’t seem to cut curves with a rotary cutter. Any tips on that?
If you use a smaller diameter rotary cutter, it is easier to cut the curves.
I use weights as too! I use can food, we don’t buy much can items but I can usually find 4-5.
I’m usually only cutting out one pattern at a time, so I trace it then cut it out. I need to try the weights though. So much less time consuming and straighter edges!
That is my only method of cutting! It saves so much time!
I always use weights (and sometimes pins). I’ve read a lot of sewists use freezer paper for cutting their patterns out. I’m about to try it. http://www.coletterie.com/tutorials-tips-tricks/tracing-patterns-with-freezer-paper
I use the rotary cutter using the flat washers from the hardware store that I wrapped in brightly colored narrow ribbon. They work perfectly and I made several sizes and weights.
To go around curves I use the smaller rotary…but if necessary, I bring out the scissors.
I sometimes use weights, but mostly, I pin the pattern to the fabric. My grandmother used to use an old set of silverplated dinner knives as her pattern weights!
i pin but am looking into using weights of some kind…the same with the rotary cutter, but my hands aren’t very steady so I’m a bit anxious about that
I’ve never used a rotary cutter – always trace my patterns onto freezer paper, iron it on to the fabric and cut with scissors. I’m going to give this a try!! Seems like the curves would be tricky, but Leslie’s smaller rotary blade tip seems good!