Skip to main content

Sew Along: Sewing the muslin

Have you ever used a PDF pattern before?
This is my first time using one and I'm a little nervous about the instructions because they do not have picture diagrams. However, ohhh Lulu does and instructional blog posts on their website to help guide you through the process. I am sure I will be visiting those often! 

For those who are not familiar with PDF patterns I thought I would elaborate on the process. 
A PDF pattern is often bought online and you receive the pattern by email. You save the document to your computer and then print following the instructions written by the seller.
Independent pattern designers typically use this method. 



You will print the pattern out and cut off the margins if instructed to do so. 
From there you piece the pattern together following the grid system, placing matching letters and numbers side by side. (B1 is matched to B1, remember to check each side to make sure they match)

The pattern will start to come together and look like a regular tissue paper pattern. 
Once you have all the pieces taped together, you cut it out like normal. 

And ta-da!
You have a pattern! 

A few benefits to using PDF patterns are: 

  1. You can reprint the pattern. Messed up? Need a different size? Missing a piece? Don't worry!
  2. You print the pattern on printer paper, so you have sturdy patterns that you can use time and time again. 
  3. You can cut out your specific size without fear. On a regular tissue pattern, I cut for the largest size and fold down to my actual size, which I find to be rather annoying but in the long run beneficial because I can use that pattern for multiple sizes later. 

With PDF patterns, if I need a different size later, I can reprint and not have to repurchase!
I began sewing with first making the panties and bra from scraps.
Because I decided to make separates, I followed the cut lines on the pattern.
However when I cut them into seperates, I lost some information from the pattern that I discovered I would later need when pinning the garment together. So, now I know, write what pieces they are on the pattern before throwing the cut outs away!
Simple concept, but sometimes the excitement of a new project distracts me from obvious conclusions.
The panties were a breeze to pin together and stitch.
However I had more difficulty with the bra and felt confused on how to form the cup and piece the bra together, which is a part I have struggled with on other patterns. Luckily this pattern company has blog post instructionals on how to make this pattern. I visited and I'm ready to make another attempt at pieceing together the bra portion.

In the meantime, I think I am ready to cut out the pattern on the actual fabric I intend to use.
Wish me luck!
 



Comments

  1. Replies
    1. The shop of the pattern we are using: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ohhhlulu?ref=seller_info

      Delete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: Back In The Saddle

If you don’t know in October my beloved Bernina sewing machine blew a fuse and started smoking while I was using it. She went to the shop for repairs, and then I moved. So it’s been a bit since I’ve sewed last and I’ve had trouble getting back into it. I knew I needed a simpler project to get me going again. Julie sewed up a Jarrah sweater recently ( restock coming soon! ) and gushed about how simple and rewarding a project it was. Then we got in this beautiful wool/cashmere sweater knit from England. I was seeing lighthouse keeper, sheep herder in the highlands. I knew it had to be my Jarrah sweater. I did lengthen the bodice by 3 inches. I actually sewed up a mock up with the curved hemline, but decided that wasn’t for me and went with the straight hem. Of course I took zero photos of said mock up.  Oops. Otherwise I sewed it up in a size 6 as is. Using the serger this really does sew up quickly. The dropped shoulder creates clean, simple lines that make it easy to sew u...

Made By A Fabricista: Simplicity 8847

Hi everyone, this is Byrd with my latest Fabricista make!  Is it too early to start thinking about Valentine’s Day? Because this fabric is giving all the heart vibes. With rich red hearts scattered across a dark base, it feels festive without being over-the-top—and completely wearable well beyond February. This time around, the fabric completely stole the show. I used a Dark Navy/Crimson/White Polyester/Lycra Hearts Print Brushed Sweater Knit by a NY Designer , and it was love at first sight. Even though it’s labeled navy, in person it reads more like a deep black base with these beautiful red hearts throughout. When you zoom in, you’ll also spot the designer’s name and a tiny smiley face woven into the print - such a fun, unexpected detail. This fabric immediately spoke my name when I saw it online, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Before sewing, let’s talk fabric care and prep - because it matters. This sweater knit is wash and dry friendly, which makes it practical for e...

Made By A Fabricista: A Wooly Wearable Blanket.

Twirling in a me-made outfit! I live in a small town where the nearest fabric shop is a road trip away, so I almost exclusively shop for fabric online. Having access to an online shop like Fabric Mart with a solid search engine is incredibly helpful. But by far my favorite aspect of Fabric Mart is what I call the “Drape Picture” included in each listing! This picture gives me all the information I need and I find it more helpful than the exact weight per yard/square meter.  Seeing how the fabric falls close or away from the body gives me a clear idea of how it will behave and inspires me to make it into something that will highlight the fabric’s nature.  When I saw the drape of this “Baked Plum” wool suiting , I immediately wanted to immortalize those beautiful folds into a skirt! I opted for a simple self-drafted pleated skirt with a deep hem. I wear my dresses year-round and rely on wool skirts that I layer under or over my dresses for warmth. I cut two panels for the front ...