DISCOVERING MY BOSS

How to use my sewing pattern?

You have a sewing pattern in your hands for the first time… These few tips will help you get started.

My PDF pattern

You have received your e-pattern to download… There is no need to print everything. The number of pages to print is specified in the explanations. You can view the explanations on your computer or tablet.

In order for the pattern size to be respected, it is important to print the pattern at 100% (actual size).

Do not select "scaling" or "fit to print area" when printing, as the pattern size would not be correct. A scale (control square) on the first page of the pattern allows you to check the print size. Start by printing the first page and check that the scale matches (the printed square should measure 5 cm by 5 cm). If not, review your print settings.

Once the sheets are printed, fold or cut the edges and reassemble the pattern by joining the sheets with adhesive tape.

Choosing the size

Take the child's measurements (do not choose the size based on age but rather on their measurements) and compare them to the size guide. If the child's measurements correspond to several sizes, you can easily personalize and adapt the pattern:
For example, for a skirt, if the child's hip measurement corresponds to size 6 years but their height is closer to 8 years, you can simply cut the pieces corresponding to size 6 years and lengthen the bottom.

If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to sew a toile* to check the size before sewing your best fabric!
(* a toile is a rough and simplified realization of the model that allows you to adjust and personalize the pattern before sewing the final model)

Choosing the fabric

For each model, you will find "my fabric advice" on my website and in the explanations that accompany your pattern. Do not hesitate to consult the photos of our models on the website and blog, they will give you an idea of the drape and rendering of different fabrics.

Placing the pieces on the fabric

Refer to the cutting plan provided in the instructions, it tells you how to place the pieces on the fabric.

The sides of the fabric are folded or not: if they are folded and the piece is placed along the fold, the piece is cut double on the fold of the fabric.

If a piece is placed "in the middle" on the fabric folded in half, the piece is cut 2 times (by cutting the piece on the fabric folded in half, the pieces are symmetrical).

If a piece is placed on a single thickness of fabric, it is cut only once.

The pieces can be placed differently (to save fabric, for example) but always make sure to respect the grainline.

Cutting the pieces

The pieces are numbered on the pattern and in the explanations. The number of pieces to cut is specified in the instructions.

Seam allowances of 1 cm (or 7 mm for some models) are included on our patterns, so you can cut the fabric flush with the pieces.

Read the explanations to the end

This is a detail you'll find at the beginning of the instructions… and this advice can really save you time. Understanding the complete assembly of the garment allows you to visualize it and avoid wasting time unpicking…

If you have any doubt before assembly, temporarily fix the pieces with pins or baste them. If what you get corresponds to the expected assembly, you can do the final sewing!

I wish you happy sewing and I hope you will enjoy sewing as much as I enjoyed creating the pattern!

Lydie