Top 5 reasons you should be tracing sewing patterns!

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Am I going to pretend like I have never just used the original pattern pieces? Nope! But I almost always trace. It’s easy, quick, and so worth it to me! Have some other great reasons for tracing? Let me know! 👇🏼

[@tiffsewcrafty]

The first time I traced a sewing pattern was kinda by accident, because I was borrowing the pattern from a friend and couldn't cut into it. I immediately noticed how much easier it was to follow the sewing instructions because tracing forced me to really pay attention to all the notches and any sewing notes on the pattern. I've been tracing my patterns ever since, and can second on how much it improves your skills and understanding of how garments are put together.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

You're absolutely right-- when you trace, you're really forced to kind of learn the pattern a little bit ahead of time, since you're thinking about all the notches, pleat lines, darts, whatever. GREAT point!

[@clovepod6496]

100% with you on all of these points. I get my modern PDF patterns printed on big A0 sheets and keep them in rolls in a bin. I love feeling like I have an amazing library of scrolls that I can always refer to, because I never alter them.

[@Lily_Autumn]

I do this too! Plus the giant sheets of schematics kinda make me feel like a smartypants architect. 😂🙈🤓

[@lauriecallsen]

Yes, I love working with A0 patterns! It's so much nicer than having to mess around with that flimsy tracing paper that some pattern companies use.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

I've done this a few times! My only issue is that I work in a basement so I periodically have to check the roll of A0 sheets and make sure there's no spider friends inside. 😬😂

[@clovepod6496]

@@Lily_Autumn yes, exactly! we are the architects of our clothes :)

[@clovepod6496]

@@tashacouldmakethat *shudder*. That would definitely make me 'team folded tissue' for sure!

[@nadiafeaster1117]

👏👏👏 Yes! People look at me like a dummy for tracing. My figure has been fluctuating the last past 10 years with kids and living! Also sometimes very rarely I make stuff for othera that are not my size.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

No dummy at all! Weight fluctuation is a great reason to trace!

[@VickiAndFlawn]

I use exam table paper, too! SO much bang for the buck ...

[@tashacouldmakethat]

I remember when I bought the first case thinking "I hope this lasts awhile..." 13 years later, I guess so. 😂

[@tbes2417]

I love the face you made when you were rooting through the basket looking for the pieces of the pattern you cut off. 🤣I know that look because I have made it myself more times than I care to admit

[@tashacouldmakethat]

It's the look of "welp I caused this myself didn't I" isn't it. I'm glad you can relate. 😂🤣

[@RetroClaude]

I'm a big fan of tracing because I find commercial tissue paper so fragile! I can't understand how people do one of those 'tissue fittings' without the pattern pieces disintegrating. I also agree, tracing out the pattern helps build your skills and helps you avoid mistakes because you really have to study the pattern pieces. What's that notch for? Is that a small circle? Why is there gathering here? Although I do confess, if it's a big 4 pattern I don't trace 😂 I know it's going to be miles too big anyway so I just cut my size and then take a new pattern off of my toile once I've made all my adjustments ☺️

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Yes! I'm slightly clutzy and it's not hard to mess up those fragile tissues. I hate tissue fitting so I don't do it but omg I am now imagining myself trying to do that and.. the results are not pretty. 😂

[@NinaKeilin]

@@tashacouldmakethat Me too. Never understood tissue fitting. Does not even come close to showing you a fit.

[@ernestineromero4374]

I use medical paper, I start to trace once I pick up sewing again. Retire now so have lots of time to tweet for better fit. Love this video

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thanks so much! Yep, love that medical paper for tracing. I find myself sometimes using it for other tracing purposes too.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

I started tracing in the early 1990’s. I was making kids clothes and I wanted to use all the sizes! Eventually I realized on drop crotch outfits for one of my kids I had to take 2” out of the leg and put it into the body. Having a copy made all that easier. I copied the hard way though. I got end of rolls from the newspaper lay it out on my cardboard put the pattern above and add carbon paper between and trace. Your way seems so very much easier.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

There's lots of ways to do it but I definitely like the easy way of just laying the roll on top and tracing. :)

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

@@tashacouldmakethat considering how hard it is to find carbon paper theses days or people who know what it is lol

[@cherylrosbak4092]

I always trace. It started out because I bought a book with the single sheet of overlapping patterns in the back. I used the dotted tracing fabric and it was great because then I could use that as the mockup. That dress turned out to need three inches taken off each side, and all I had to do was fold and stitch. Tracing is also great because my hips are about two sizes bigger than my waist, so I have to grade everything fitted. I do it right there while I'm tracing.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Yes, it's really imperative for patterns in books that overlap onto one piece of paper!

[@kate-emvintage]

I’m convinced!! Definitely going to start doing this. Loved seeing all the variations that you made from the capri pants pattern.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thanks Katie, that was my favorite part of the video! And you definitely won't regret it if you switch to tracing. 😊

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

You have totally convinced me that tracing is the way to go. I have just spent £10.00 on a new pattern for my favourite T-shirt. I cut out my pattern several years ago. In the meantime I have lost the equivalent of two sizes in weight. There was no way I could be sure to get it right using my old pattern, so a new one had to be purchased. Thank you for your reminder.🌷

[@paulasews]

I have some handbag patterns that I have been afraid to cut into. There aren’t multiple sizes or anything but I have been afraid of somehow ruining the pattern and would need to buy it again. Duh. I should have thought of tracing! Tracing with the original underneath seems much better than the other way around. Thank you! I feel like I might do a better job of tracing that way.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Yes! Tracing would be a great idea for that, particularly if you feel nervous about cutting out the pattern and ruining it. 😊

[@wowzieee]

I found an Issey Miyake pattern, factory folded at a charity shop. $2 CND. Get ready to cry with me. I brought it home, not much of a collector of patterns yet.... yep I opened it all up and cut up all the pieces so I could play with the instructions and see how it came together. Then I learn the value of a resell, factory folded and gasped. I made the coat and love it. I also got more into vintage patterns and have been collecting them. When I use one, I trace with Pellon 810, as i can sew the pieces together and try on half of the garment for fitting. I also am learning about grading when I trace and where darts and lines grade differently. Keep inspiring.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Hey the important thing at least is that you made and love that coat!! ☺️

[@nelman15]

Thanks for making this video! It was really helpful.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

You're very welcome, happy to help!

[@grammykcutter6374]

I trace for all the reasons you gave. I sewed for a local theater group and often needed the same dress for different sizes. I also think I get to know my pattern better and I then can sew it together without so many mistakes.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Oh yes, I can imagine for theater sewing that tracing is vital! And I really like that I get to know the pattern that way better, too.

[@Eternal_Hope_Q]

Changing body size was the learning curve for me. Plus always having to adjust for a full bust.

[@michellecornum5856]

This is very important. I hope it reaches a lot of people!

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thank you, I hope so too! 😊

[@Bananadiva1]

I trace all my dress patterns for the reasons you discussed here. The thought of damaging a vintage pattern piece in particular makes my blood run cold. Thanks for the tip on placing the pattern pieces in plastic pockets along with the original envelope instead of inside the envelope too. Id never thought of how that could do additional damage to the original envelope. I've always stored my patterns in plastic pockets but left the vintage pattern pieces inside the envelope. Since I have made some of my vintage patterns repeatedly it makes sense.

[@saraking15]

Hearing about anyone cutting out ANY of their patterns (even print at home PDFs) gives me a shiver up my spine! (Even though that’s what my mum taught me to do😂)

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Most of us probably learned to cut first and I know what you mean, ha ha!

[@MermaidItzel]

Love! Thanks for sharing your tips! I’ll need to try this paper you use

[@tashacouldmakethat]

You're welcome, definitely give this paper a try!

[@SparkyOne549]

When I started sewing, I always traced the patterns before using. At one point I wondered why I did that, but continued tracing. Then I was diagnosed with celiac and multiple food allergies, and intolerances, along with tachycardia and enlarged heart. I lost 50lbs ( muscular build) , to under 100lbs ( no longer muscular). So I retraced my patterns to the smaller size on the patterns, but kept my size 12 patterns. ( I was grateful I didn’t stop tracing). Then with help of a dietician, I gained 13 lbs, just over 100lbs, had to retrace my patterns to size 8. I have kept all the sizes, just in case.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Yes, great reason to trace! No wasting patterns or re-tracing if you're able to re-trace or even re-use past versions that might now fit.

[@EmeraldQueen206]

Thank you, for this information. Since I’ve watch this video, I trace my patterns ever since.

[@lindak8664]

I’m a diehard tracer. I need to lengthen bodices, lengthen & widen sleeves, often lengthen the… length 😂 I need to grade between multiple sizes. Sway back. Oh, you name it! Then next time i’ll be fatter or skinnier and I need to start all over. Patterns are too dear to squander them like that. Although I used to know a lady who would cut out her Vogue patterns, (that’s all she’s buy!), straight size _whatever_ sew up the (poorly fitting) garment then throw the pattern out because “I can’t be bothered trying to get it back in the envelope” 😵‍💫

[@alisoncastaldo136]

I've been kicking my past self in the butt for not tracing some patterns...and taping my modifications!

[@tashacouldmakethat]

I've done it too... on occasion I'll find something I sewed way back before I traced regularly and kick myself. 😂

[@gemmasremchevich6719]

I photo copy my patterns on my home printer. If a pattern piece is very large I trace by sticky taping onto a glass window and trace over with wrapping or brown paper.

[@nolagedeon]

You probably wouldn’t want to do this with vintage patterns, but I use 8x 10 inch Manila envelopes, cut the pattern envelope into front and back side, paste the front side on the front of the Manila envelope, the back section on the back of the envelope, then all the pattern pieces will easily fit into the envelope along with traced pieces, a swatch of fabric if you like, photo of finished product, etc. You can then file them into a file drawer or cabinet in order of pattern type. Much easier than stuffing all that paper back into a small original envelope.

[@Vntgchk]

You are a drafting wizard!!!! 😂

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Ha ha thank you! 🧙🏼

[@kristinomalley4519]

I agree wholeheartedly with tracing giving you the freedom to grow and be creative with your patterns!

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Yes, I love that aspect of it too!

[@nicoled2831]

I’ve slowly moved to doing this as well! Recently realized that I need to retrace every version too-so helpful when you want to walk it back! I use medical paper too and it’s perfect

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Yes! I've walked back things several times! And sometimes it's just nice to see the original compared to my hacked traced piece, to give me ideas of what I might want to be doing next.

[@dmp1185]

Used tissue paper from bday parties 😊

[@dmp1185]

Yes, yes, and yes ❤

[@Dizzyknitsandcurls]

I use medical exam paper too it’s fabulous

[@tashacouldmakethat]

It really is!

[@lauriecallsen]

I learned about tracing at a workshop and never looked back! I like sewing kids things, and it's so nice not having to print that tried and true t-shirt pattern every time my kid goes up a size - at this point I could probably trace it in my sleep! II can also get a bit distracted when I'm using my rotary cutter and have sliced a pattern too closely, so it's nice to have an easy option to fix it 😅

[@tashacouldmakethat]

That's a really important reason to trace, for growing kiddos! Agree on the rotary cutter too. 😂

[@Jessica_Jones]

This completely speaks to the issues I've had! Most recently I caved and bought a pdf pattern because it was too cute to pass up but it's apparently out of print. Because of the different options, I printed THIRTY pages and painstakingly taped them all together as accurately as possible. I've been hesitating about cutting down to my size because I'm worried it might be just a tad small in places and there is no way I will ever print it out again, lol. Between that and tissue paper patterns, that has totally been me, either hesitating so much that I never accomplish anything, or else absolutely also digging in the recycling 😂 Thank you so much for this solution. I was originally going to transfer pieces to regular paper but tracing paper is completely the way to go! So excited for the freedom to experiment 🥳 Take care!

[@tashacouldmakethat]

You're so welcome! Yes, freedom to experiment is so liberating with sewing! Happy to have shown you the tracing light. 😁

[@princemarcreative]

I loved this video! Thank you so much for sharing your sewing knowledge! ☺💕

[@tashacouldmakethat]

You are so welcome, I'm glad you loved it!!

[@connie6545]

You are a FANTASTIC sewist! I can only aspire to make a pair of jeans, but I remain optimistic! Thank you for the link. 😊

[@tashacouldmakethat]

You're very welcome and thanks for the kind words! 🥰

[@valleriejoy]

I just recently, in the last year, started purchasing vintage patterns. I trace them to preserve the original pattern and because they never fit and I have to make alterations.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Yes I often make alterations so it's a great reason to trace!

[@alisonfarrow66]

Loved this video. I now always trace my patterns. I learnt the hard way lol x looking forward to the next video ❤

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thank you!! Lots of us learned the hard way. 😂 Next sewing-related video will be this week! 😊

[@Lily_Autumn]

These were such amazing tips! I’m very much a beginner sewist but have always wondered why everyone doesn’t trace their patterns - it just makes sense to me to do so plus, as a perfectionist, I can’t bear the thought of cutting into a vintage pattern and ruining history! 😅

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thanks so much! Yes, not ruining their history is a great reason not to cut! ✂️😊

[@erinpennington9716]

This was very informative. Thank you.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

You are so welcome!

[@rogerpeggywheat1630]

Really good content! Thanks for making this video.

[@karinjcollstrup7360]

Well - with patternpaper bought 13years ago, the newly traced patterns are allmost vintage patterns 😂 One more reason to trace is if you need to graduate between sizes if your mesurements doesn't fit one size...

[@Eternal_Hope_Q]

Tracing also means you can cut and splice different patterns together easily. A sleeve from this pattern, a neck front from that pattern...a bodice from this one, the crotch of this one and leg from that one 👍

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Yes for sure! I do this alll the time!

[@The_Crafting_Gamer]

I have alwaysed traced the pattern because when I started sewing a lot of the pattern was on both sides so if I cut the bits out I needed I would ruin some of the other and now it is just a habbit

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Yes, that's a great reason as some patterns you couldn't do it without ruining some of the pieces when they're printed like that!

[@melarzola8495]

You are by far my favorite sewing vlogger! I love your alterations, fabric choices, sewing knowledge, the way you explain, etc etc… I’ve been hooked on watching your channel, and I was wondering, do you post all or most of your projects? If so, where else can I see them? I’m new to sewing and I’m much interested in sewing the pinup vintage style. I feel I can learn a bunch from you. ❤

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Wow, thank you for the kind words! Since I started doing KZbin a little over a year ago, most of my projects are on my channel. Video has definitely slowed down my sewing (not a bad thing). Historically though, I have been very active on my blog and while not everything is on there, tons of my past projects have been documented that way over the years: tashacouldmakethat.com/ And I also am very active on Instagram too. 😊

[@melarzola8495]

@@tashacouldmakethat great, thank you! I will definitely be taking a ganders of both 😁

[@rebekkawacherhausenwichman236]

Hear, hear! 😊

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Cheers to tracing!

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

Your copies are very colourful -- do you colour code your markings. If so, how?🌷

[@Kera.S.]

I have alpha numeric paper for drafting but I think I'll grab some medical paper and try for patterns if I can get the nerve to make myself something. This will definitely help! Patterns scare me lol

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Definitely try out the medical paper! Honestly it's weirdly freeing how much easier it feels like it makes things. ☺️

[@NinaKeilin]

@@tashacouldmakethat Can you give a link for the medical paper? (OH I see you have a link above.) I have never seen any see-through paper in a doctor's office. I like red-dot tracer. I have a bolt that has lasted a long while. I also buy gift wrapping tissue paper in packs at CVS or Walgreens.

[@kirsten5723]

I'd be curious to know if there is any tracing oaper out there that is just like pattern paper. Pattern paper is very asmr for me and I just love handling it and the sound and feel of it.

[@dahlia_day]

Hi Tasha, where do you buy the archival plastic bags for your patterns? I've been using regular ziplocks, which is okay, but they're bigger than the pattern envelopes, so they take up a lot of space.

[@dahlia_day]

Doh! I just saw that you linked to them. Thank you!

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Sorry I’m on vacation so delayed on replies, but I believe in the description of this video I link to the bags I use, they’re great. Though I use ziplocks if the patterns are too big or o have too many modified versions to fit one of them. 😁

[@VintagePenny55]

Hello, random question-did you make your shirt and bolero? What are the patterns please?

[@tashacouldmakethat]

I did! The bolero I drafted myself, traced off from a vintage RTW bolero I own. The top is a vintage 50s sleeveless blouse pattern, I blogged about it about 5 or 6 years ago so you can read more about it (the red one I'm wearing in this video never made it to my blog but there's 2 other versions shown): tashacouldmakethat.com/2017/10/the-blouses-that-almost-were-not/

[@kmbarnett1200]

😍😍😍😍😍😍