Have you ever wondered if you can repair bra hooks when they get mangled in the wash? Or how you can save a bra that’s perfectly fine, but needs its bra clasp replacing? Keep reading and we’ll give you instructions on how you can quickly & easily complete a bra hook repair.
In this post you’ll find a full colour tutorial on how you can replace a bra back – it’s really not that tricky either. Yay!
This is the first post in our new Care & Repair Series…. we hope you find the series useful
Ever heard of manilla pattern card and wondered what it is, and how it’s used in the sewing industry?
This special card is used extensively by industry professionals, pattern cutters, dressmakers & couture houses alike. It is specifically manufactured for making dressmaking pattern pieces and pattern cutting blocks more durable.
But why leave this amazing product for the professionals to benefit from when the home sewist can find so many uses for it?!
If you have a “Tried & Tested” dressmaking pattern you might want to consider investing in some Manila pattern card to preserve the life of your perfect pattern pieces, as well as making them easier for you to trace around.
If you are pattern cutting at home or tracing standard blocks, using this card means they can your pattern pieces be used over and again as a starting point for all basic garments.
Although we are focussing on dressmaking patterns here, this versatile card can be used for any of your sewing patterns… Think bag patterns, pouch patterns, bib patterns toy patterns… In fact, ANY pattern that you find yourself using time and time again would benefit from being traced on to this card.
In this guide we’ll not only give you the low down about this Pro-Product, but we’ll also walk you through two ways you can trace off and preserve one of your beloved patterns on to this useful card.
What is Manilla Pattern Making Card?
Used in garment making and pattern cutting, this card is thick & weighty enough to lay flat when cutting patterns. No pins are needed and minimal pattern weights are required, so it saves time in the long run.
Even though it’s durable, this card is also thin & lightweight enough to cut, fold, roll and store easily at home.
It is made by gluing 2 sheets of manilla card together once manufactured. This gives the card a smooth, firm and hard wearing surface and a clean tracing edge on pattern pieces & blocks.
What are the benefits of using pattern template card?
Tracing patterns on to manilla card will preserve the longevity of your sewing patterns that can get easily damaged through repeated use
Save time when tracing or cutting patterns as pins are not required
You get a sharp edge on your pattern piece to trace around making it easier with a rotary cutter or fabric pen
How to preserve a dressmaking pattern
Boring Legal Bit:If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewedhere
This method is particularly useful for preserving basic core pattern blocks, that will be traced around many times
1) Cut out your pattern piece on to pattern tracing paper, including any marks, dots and notches. Swedish Tracing Paper is ideal to use here
2) Lay the pattern piece flat on top of the card, using pattern weights. It needs to be completely flat so you may want to press it before proceeding.
3) Trace around all edges and markings of your pattern piece, using a long ruler or french curve to ensure you are creating accurate lines.
5) Remove the pattern piece, and cut around your new card pattern. Transfer any markings, such as notches and dots, using an awl to create holes for dots or things like dart points, and snips or a pattern notcher for notches.
Have you seen our Swedish Tracing Paper Guide? It’s pattern paper you can sew! Check outthis postfor more info
6) Your card pattern pieces can now be used with pattern weights and a rotary cutter to directly cut out your fabric.
Or you can trace around them to quickly create markings for your basic block on paper, which can then be adapted to make a new pattern design.
Use a hole punch to create a hole in the pattern piece, and you can store them on thread, string or a wire hook to hang them on a rail.
Method2: use Glue
In this method you glue your pattern piece to the card and then cut round the edge. All of your pattern markings will already be visible for the original pattern piece
1) Using a glue stick (ideally a fairly ‘dry’ glue that isn’t too wet and won’t cause your pattern to wrinkle) or a spray adhesive stick your paper pattern to the pattern card.
You can either cut out and stick down the entire pattern sheet, or do it piece by piece. You will get a neater result sticking the pattern down as a full sheet.
2) Cut out the pattern pieces from your card and transfer any markings, such as notches and dots. Use an awl to create holes for dots or things like dart points, and snips or a pattern notcher for notches.
3) Your card pattern pieces can now be used with pattern weights and a rotary cutter to directly cut out your fabric.
And you’re done!
We hope your found this product guide and tutorial on how to preserve a pattern on manilla card helpful
Swedish Tracing Paper is a type of dressmaking pattern tracing paper that is fairly translucent, drapeable and best of all – it’s pattern paper that is sewable! This makes it an incredible choice for making muslins or toiles whilst dressmaking.
In this guide we’re going to talk you through the product, as well as offer a tutorial on how to use this amazing dressmaking pattern paper & how using it can save you both time AND fabric!
What is Swedish Tracing Paper?
Unlike conventional pattern drafting paper that can tear or crumple easily,Swedish tracing papercan be used to
Trace dressmaking patterns
Alter patterns
Sew pattern pieces traced on to Swedish Tracing Paper together to make a muslin & get an idea of fit
Easily mark pattern alterations on to
It’s super useful and will save you time and fabric! You could easily skip making a muslin or toile fromCalico fabricand use Swedish Tracing Paper instead.
Swedish tracing paperis made from eco-friendly abaca fibres, making it compostable & environmentally friendly. The tightly packed, jumbled fibres make it more tear-resistant than regular pattern paper yet it’s still translucent enough to see through for tracing .
You can sew Swedish tracing paper in the same way you would sew regular ‘muslin’ fabrics using a universal needle and thread.
You can baste your traced pattern pieces together with a long stitch on your sewing machine. Once sewn you can easily mark any fit alterations on your pattern pieces in pencil. After that you can unpick the seams to adjust and retrace the pattern pieces!
Boring Legal Bit:If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewedhere
How to use Swedish Tracing Paper to trace a pattern
You do not need to use a light box or a window to trace through as Swedish Tracing Paper is translucent enough to see even fairly fine lines through.
2. You can use pattern weights or pins to hold the tracing paper over the pattern pieces as it can have a tendency to curl away slightly.
If you find your tracing paper gets a little crumpled or creased, iron it on a silk or cool setting and a pressing cloth.
3. To trace off a master copy of any pattern simply trace over your desired sizes, markings & labels on your pattern pieces.
Swedish tracing paper is easy to mark with pencil, pen or even chalk, but pencil is easiest to remark and remove if you make a mistake.
4. Next, cut around the edge of your pattern with paper scissors and mark with your awl all the markings (eg circle markings for bust points) & a pattern notcher for the notches, if you have one.
5. Either use your traced pattern straight away, or sew together using a basting stitch.
Once basted you can then try on your pattern for size!
Mark any adjustments you need to make & alter the pattern piece as required.
Retrace the pattern piece to try again.
6. You can use the pattern pieces you create from Swedish tracing paper as you would normal paper pattern pieces
Then, simply pin or use pattern weights when cutting out, but they are much more durable in use. For those of us who find the perfect pattern we want to make a time & time again – no more pin marked and destroyed paper pattern pieces!
Sewing and Handling Tips
Needle– Universal machine needles work well for running a simple tacking stitch
Thread– A polyester thread works best for creating muslins, as it does not snap easily and is smooth for easy removal.
Sewing –Use a long, basting stitch length.
We hope you found this product guide helpful…. Do let us know what you thought in the comments – I’d love to hear from you!
Here at Plush Addict we offer a huuuuge selection ofzipsfor sewing to help your projects achieve the look you dreamt of!
Boring Legal Bit:If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewedhere
With zipper tape choices ranging from rainbow to block colour… flat to flowery zip pulls, we’re sure to have something for your next project.
Read on for more info about what a continuous zip is, and why you might want to use one instead of a regular zip
Then…see our tutorialon how to add zip pulls to continuous zip tape… We’ve provided you with a photo tutorial, as well as a video demo at the end…
What is a continuous zip?
Continuous zips differ from others in that the zipper tape is sold by the metre, without zip pulls. This means you are able cut your zip to ANY size you like. It also means you can add TWO zipper pulls, cos… ya know… you have to love that look.
What are the benefits of a continuous zip?
Waste less:As you just use the amount of zip tape you need there is an environmental benefit to continuous zipper tape; with a little planning waste can be kept to a minimum and a length, with enough pulls ordered, can become multiple zips.
Any length:Cutting zip tape to size means you can have REALLY long zips!
Multiple zip pulls:It also means you can add TWO zipper pulls to your tape, giving you a funky zip just like this one
Greater personalisation– you can mix and match the zip tape and zip pulls to your heart’s desire
Some zip tape comes with a pull/ slider, check the item description for details.
When ordering zip pulls check they correspond with the tape size/ brand being purchased.
Method
1. Cut the tape to the required length. Use domestic scissors to cut through the teeth.
2. Pull the bottom 10cm of the zipper teeth apart.
3. With the back of the zip pull and back of the tape facing upwards thread 1 end of the tape into the zipper from the top. To make this easier angle the teeth into the pull from the side.
4. Repeat step 4. on the other side. Both sets of teeth want to sit toward the top of the clasp.
5. Keeping the 2 sides of teeth level with each other, hold the zip pull between one finger/ thumb then draw the 2 sides of the tape down through the pull with the other hand. The zip pull should then begin to move up the tape.
Alternatively, you may find it easier to place the zipper pull between the prongs of a fork (check out the video below!)
6. Slide the pull toward the top of the tape (without coming off the other end) then pull it back down to check the zip works.
7. If 2 zip pulls are required, repeat steps 1. To 5. from the other end of the tape.
And you’re done!
Handy Hint
If you find yourself struggling using this method try using a fork to hold the zip pull for you: tuck the bar of the zip between the central teeth (not the clasp where the teeth need to go).
…And if your fork won’t stay still; hold it steady with a blob of blue-tack.
Video Tutorial: How To Attach Zipper Pulls to Zipper Tape
Check out our video on how to attach zipper pulls to continuous zipper tape
Calico fabric provides a natural, blank canvas, perfect for mocking up patterns, marking down adjustments whilst on the form, draping and even as a base natural textile for printing on. This versatile fabric is cheap and easy to work with, meaning that you can perfect your designs before cutting into an expensive or rare fabric! (more…)
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable sources on the planet, but did you know that it can be used to produce a soft, strong and eco-friendly textile that is perfect for keeping cosy, mopping up spills and a variety of re-usable projects?!
Non? Well! In this guide we’ll be talking aaalllll about bamboo towelling fabric, sharing how this super-fabric is made and giving you 13 sewing tips for handling this fluffy little fella of a fabric… (more…)
