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If you are a seamstress, then you have probably encountered the issue of having a pattern that is too large or too small for the person you are making it for. You could have given up, or tried to find the pattern in the size you need to no avail. What you may not know is that there exists a way to adjust your pattern to be either larger or smaller, depending on what your particular need is. Great for any seamstress, your able to adjust your selected pattern to fit practically anyone using pattern grading which enables the pattern to be more versatile. Some skill will be required however once you understand how to accurately measure and cut a pattern using this technique it shouldn't be difficult at all. To ensure that you grade your pattern you will need to gather a few supplies first. Regardless if you are upgrading or downgrading your pattern, the things you need will likely be the same. Among the first things to consider is getting transparent paper. This is important because when you change your pattern, it is good to trace it onto transparent paper so you don’t wind up cutting and ruining your original pattern. You don’t want to use your primary pattern because once you have cut it and adjusted it to your need; you won’t be able to apply it for anything else. Another important item will be a simple ruler. The smaller increments it shows, the better. With pattern grading, you often will have to take measurements as small as 1/16th of an inch and having a ruler which has measurements that small is very helpful. If measurements of 1/16th of an inch is not noticeable on your particular ruler, as long as it shows 1/8th of an inch a clever tip is to take a fine tipped pen and make tiny marks between each increment where your still able to tell where 1/16th of an inch would be. Pencils and markers are something you will need, because as you have probably discovered, you will want something to trace the pattern with. While markers are bold and unmistakable, pencils may be easily erased should you make a mistake while tracing your pattern. While your tracing your pattern, tape could be used to keep the pattern in position so it will not slip while in the grading process. This may lead to inaccurate measurements or you could wind up wasting time having to go back and retrace the pattern. Clear tape is great because it is see through so you don’t worry about it blocking your view of anything. A proper cutting surface can be helpful for when it's time to cut your pattern out. Standard cardboard will work great and is a fantastic money saver as you can likely find some lying around the house, or find someone that has some they can give to you. Additionally, you will need pins to attach your pattern to your cutting surface area. To avoid having to determine measurements, make sure you accurately measure whoever the pattern is intended for before hand which will save you valuable time. Once you possess these tools, you are prepared to grade your pattern. Rookies will be taught a diverse range of training materials, such as sewing lessons, draping and pattern grading, among others, at Fashion Patterns by Coni. For additional details on Fashion Patterns by Coni, go to their web page at http://www.fashionpatterns.com/.
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