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If you're a sewing enthusiast, you know that a good sewing pattern can make all the difference in the final product. Unfortunately, not all sewing patterns are created equal. Here are five tips to help you spot a poorly drafted sewing pattern and avoid wasting your time and materials.
1.Does the company have training, education, or professional experience?
There are so many "would-be" pattern makers popping up on the internet almost daily. Some of them even admit they only learned how to sew two or three years ago with no mention of ever learning pattern drafting. Yikes! It's beyond foolish to think you can create and sell patterns with no professional training!!!!
2. Do all pieces fit together perfectly?
A poorly drafted pattern may have pieces that do not match up when assembled. Before cutting your fabric, make sure that all pieces align properly and all seams that sew together are the same length.
3. Is the sleeve in balance with the armscye (armhole)?
A sleeve must be drafted with precision to fit and hang properly as well as be comfortable to wear. The sleeve cap must have a longer seamline in the Back than the Front. A sleeve cut on the fold is a giant red flag that this pattern is poorly made - DO NOT USE! For more details and illustrations on proper sleeves see this article: The Twisted Sleeve = Bad Pattern Making.
4. Are the side seams in balance?
Here is a simple test, lay the Front & Back side seams of the pattern on top of each other. If they are identical in shape and length, they are in balance. If they are not in balance that garment will never hang correctly.
5. Is the Front Bodice wider than Back Bodice?
Another quick test to ensure you are working with a pattern worthy of your time and effort is to lay the Front and Back Bodice pattern pieces on top of each other. If they are the same width this pattern is poor. If the Back is wider than the Front, it's another sign of a poorly drafted pattern. The Front should always be larger than the Back because that's the general shape of the human body, something an uneducated pattern maker probably doesn't even know!
By keeping these tips in mind, you can save yourself time and frustration when selecting sewing patterns. Remember, a well-drafted pattern will help you create a beautiful garment that you can be proud of. A poorly drafted pattern will end-up a "Wadder" (just wad it up and throw it away}.
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