How to Cut Fabric from a Pattern: Cutting Fabric for Beginners | The Daily Sew

There’s a lot more to sewing than actually sewing.
Many non-sewing steps happen at the very beginning and can make a big difference in your project’s success.
This video explains the beginning steps for every garment sewing project, including the process of laying out your pattern pieces, cutting the fabric, and when to make whole patterns.
As one of my professors used to say, “It’s all downhill after you cut it out.” so - let’s get going.
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Video Editor Mars Sigler
Music by Mars Sigler

[@ABendintheRoad]

So glad I found your video. It's been at least 30 years since I've done any sewing and your information is exactly what I need to refresh....

[@TheDailySew]

I'm glad to jog your memory. You'll probably start sewing and it will all come flooding back to you ;-) I would say the biggest change in 30 years are; The fabric and patterns are Way more expensive. And there are so many new pattern companies. With the independent companies keep in mind they all draft for a different fit model. No standardized sizing. No standardized height either. When you see a pattern you like, look for it on Instagram to see how it looks on various people and what they say about it. Welcome back!

[@cyndy338]

I’m going to have to watch this a few times! Lots of great info! 👏👍😊

[@TheDailySew]

@@cyndy338 I’m really glad it’s helpful. Thanks for watching

[@AnotherVoiceforYHWHtruth777]

I have to say, your voice is so wonderful and soothing. thank you for the tips too!

[@TheDailySew]

thank you

[@rameyzamora1018]

Single layer cutting!! OMG Mary, you changed my life. Thank you so much. 🎉

[@TheDailySew]

😆Seriously - It changed my life too

[@slastenushkaslast3402]

this is such a great information for beginners and even experienced people. thank you

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you!

[@KarenMcNeil-en2fn]

Excellent content for everyone 🙂

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you very much - I hope it is helpful for everyone

[@carolharris7631]

Wow, great information. I have very little experience with knit fabrics and this video is so helpful.

[@TheDailySew]

Great to hear. I'm so glad it can help

[@sandimcp]

This is a great video. I really learned a lot and as a new sewist I need all the help I can get. I have just one question. When you mentioned using tailor's chalk, you also said be sure not to iron it. What would happen? Hi to you from Kingston, Jamaica! 🙂

[@TheDailySew]

You can always test your chalk on a scrap of fabric but I assume all chalk will stain the fabric if ironed😬. It happened to me once so now I don't trust ironing over any marks that I need to come off.

[@jaxn1221]

What does it mean when the grainline only has one arrow?...instead of it having an arrow at each end of the grainline?

[@TheDailySew]

Good Question. It's the same as if it had an arrow at both ends as far as the grain goes. I think when I see only one arrow head on a pattern it is pointing to the bottom of the piece (when it is sewn together as a garment the arrow would point down) And maybe patternmakers do this so if you are cutting out a fabric with a direction, you can have all the arrows pointing in the same direction.

[@anthropomorphicpeanut6160]

I recently had to cut a long skirt and i had to do it against the grainline because otherwise it didn't fit in my fabric. I hope it doesn't end up looking too bad😅😂

[@TheDailySew]

If you cut all the pieces (the skirt pieces - not necessarily pockets or waistband) with the same grain then you are ok. And, possibly, depending on your fabric, still ok if only one panel is cut off grain. I play get-it all-on-the-fabric-at-any-cost frequently. I'm also pretty good at packing all my groceries into minimal bags ;-) Practice 😄

[@anthropomorphicpeanut6160]

@@TheDailySew that's great to hear! Thank you for your videos, as a beginner they are very useful

[@fritzferrante]

I had considerable anxiety watching you try to straighten the fabric. It's like folding a fitted sheet to me!

[@TheDailySew]

Ha! I cannot fold a fitted sheet.