Tracing Paper vs. Swedish Tracing Paper | Comparison & Review | SEWING REPORT

Comparing and reviewing traditional tracing paper vs. Swedish tracing paper, which claims to be sewable - which will come out on top?
There are several different materials you can use if you want to trace / transfer sewing patterns to keep the original pattern tissue intact.
For a while now, I've been using Bienfang tracing paper, but have heard positive reviews of Swedish tracing paper. So I thought I'd give it a try!
In this video, I do a side-by-side comparison and trace a pattern piece out onto both regular and Swedish tracing paper, then attempt to sew the Swedish tracing paper and see how it holds up.
BIENFANG TRACING PAPER
amzn.to/2hVffdf
SWEDISH TRACING PAPER
White Swedish Tracing Paper
Sewable and Washable!
Sticks to most fabrics
Soft, Flexible, Tough, and Durable!
29 inches wide and 30 feet long
amzn.to/2ykQzBp
DRITZ DUAL PURPOSE MARKING PEN
amzn.to/2m8fUMW
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[@marlenelaban1961]

Jennifer: I too am a long-time user of Swedish Tracing Paper. I always use it for tracing patterns and have never used it to create a muslin or toile. This is chiefly because I take my toiles very seriously and strive to make them out of an inexpensive fabric that most nearly resembles my intended garment fabric on as many levels as possible. That's why I haunt thrift (charity) shops in my home town and I have a stash of them available to me at all times. The other blessing of using the Swedish paper, which is so easy to write on with just about every type of writing implement, is that if you hate your toile or muslin and you know you'll never make it "for real", you can simply turn over your the traced pattern pieces, tape them together like a mosaic and trace your next desired garment pattern pieces. In my experience, one should use ONLY Scotch brand 1/2" frosted tape - it goes on and comes off like a dream (as it does with PDF patterns too). If you use this tape, it would be wise NOT to iron directly on it when you want to flatten out your tracing paper. If you must press it, please cover the taped portion with a pressing cloth and don't bear down. I've been re-using large and small pieces of this paper many times in a "mosaic" fashion. This may sound miserly but using it this way has always been my way to offset the initial cost for this slightly pricey tracing paper. Which I love! Did I say that? Hope this is helpful to anyone - Marlene La Ban, Albuquerque, NM, US of A

[@SewingReport]

+Marlene La Ban You are seriously a sewing ninja! Love this all!

[@macandmolly8725]

Do you use the Swedish paper as your pattern and can you repeatedly use it as a pattern. Sounds silly but I want to make my husband shirts that fit so once I have the right size I want to keep the pattern.

[@NYCisland]

@@macandmolly8725 Yes indeed. And that's what most people do with this paper and other options - to replicate the original tissue pattern to use repeatedly without destroying the original if you might need to go back for a different size.

[@TheSwedeUK]

I've read about Swedish Tracing paper but never really understood what it is so thank you Jennifer for enlighten me (and others) with your excellent video

[@SewingReport]

+Micael Hermansson Thank you! Still not sure what’s ‘Swedish’ about it though...

[@howardgoldstein8290]

have been using the Swedish tracing paper for many years...would never think of using any other product for my patterns...use patterns made with this fibrous paper over & over again...very durable & patterns fold up small for storage......

[@SewingReport]

+Howard Goldstein Good to know it holds up well over time!

[@raraavis7782]

I found a super cheap sewable alternative way back when stuff like that wasn't available. Garden fleece. Well, I think it's called that. It's this slightly translucent fabric like stuff you wrap frost sensitive garden plants in to prevent 'frostbite'. It's super cheap and you can get it in different thicknesses even, especially around this time of year. Can't be ironed though...it'll melt and gunk up the iron (ask me how I know) 😁 Works well for tailored garments, not so much for drapy fabrics, obviously.

[@SewingReport]

+Rara Avis Oohhh that sounds interesting!

[@robind8155]

table plastic in Sam's club or Costco,

[@bridgettarvin5626]

I have used [what i call] “landscape fabric” as well! I think I know what Rara Avis is talking about, Bc I’ve actually gotten a bouquet of flowers in that stuff (and actually used it to make cage crinoline for my daughter’s American girl doll lol!)...that stuff is a little thicker than the landscape fabric I’ve used. I just don’t know where I could find it! It was Verrry tear resistant! The landscape fabric is black obviously, so not opaque-but it was $1 at the 99 cent store for a huge roll of it. You cannot beat that! I will mention though-My king size memory foam mattress topper came compressed in a box, and was rolled in the exact same material as the black landscape fabric, except it was WHITE, and was see thru enough to trace a pattern on. So! I know this stuff exists in white, just don’t know where you could get it really really cheap. But honestly what rara Avis is talking about would be even better if it’s what I think it is. In fact I don’t even think you “could” tear that stuff. It was really unusual...

[@fashionandfortunes9692]

I’ve never used Swedish tracing paper, but the idea you can sew it is awesome! I’m gonna try it because I want to save time and not have to make a Muslim. Thanks so much! 🌟✨

[@teteebrown1073]

I'm into pattern drafting and I haven't bought muslin at all I use old sheets for non stretch garments. It's been working out so far. You can but sheets at thrift stores and there is lots of fabric to use over and over especially if you make as many mistakes as I do.

[@SewingReport]

Have several old sheets myself that I plan to try out for muslins also - it's definitely a very cost effective option for trying out sewing patterns.

[@bridgettarvin5626]

I have done this too! It especially worked well to recover a chair before I cut and sewed the expensive material!

[@bitsnharry]

have been subscribed but hadn't had any interest in Swedish tracing paper until now. Thank you so much for this video! I am getting back into clothing after about 15 years .... I definitely need to check fit, etc. You also reminded me I seem to have a roll of medical exam paper but I have no idea when and why I bought it. Ordered one of the last 2 rolls of the STP that Amazon had.

[@lindabrown7374]

I like to use Pellon Tru Grid. It's soft and drapes well. I haven't tried sewing it. Will have to try it. A money saving tip: Keep some of the larger scraps of the paper pattern pieces. Use them to trace patterns from books or to make a new pattern piece. I do this all the time.

[@SewingReport]

+LINDA BROWN Thanks for sharing your tips! Good way for us to help each other!

[@celestemalec5043]

In South Africa we can buy something called Vitrace, usually white or green, which seems similar. Durable and relatively inexpensive although the price has increased substantially in recent times. I have always used it for tracing patterns, wouldn't be without it, although I have never used it for a toile.

[@juliebute905]

I found a neat tracing-type paper at the sewing and quilt Expo in Minneapolis. It’s called Bosal, Create-A-Pattern. It is 100% polyester and it is translucent, Pinable,will not fray when cutting in any direction. The roll I bought was 46 inches wide by 10 linear yards. I paid $20.99 plus tax for the roll.

[@SewingReport]

That's a great deal!!! I'll have to check that out!

[@jmarylastone]

if this is more expensive then interfacing I would just use interfacing - you can draw on interfacing and sew it also

[@SewingReport]

Anything that's cheap and works is good in my book!

[@faile486]

There are a couple different products made just for that. Pellon Easy Pattern is 45" and $2.99 at Joann's.

[@maryriley6163]

Thank you for your demonstration with the Swedish tracing paper. I bought some through Amazon and I really like it. It’s fairly transparent and sturdy. A little pricey but I think it is well worth the money. I have ironed the original curl out of it for ease of use and ironed out any wrinkles I put in it on a low dry iron setting. I haven’t sewn any pieces together yet but I see by your test piece that it would be fairly sturdy for a fitting. I’ve marked it with graphite pencil, also water soluble blue pattern pen works well to dot through onto the fabric for marking darts, etc.

[@Kameshwari108]

I use this tracing paper and like it because I can write notes to self on the paper. Sometimes I need reminders from either the instructions or from when assembling the garment. I never thought of using this paper instead of making a muslin.

[@SewingReport]

+Kameshwari Kate Definitely plan to test this out more full scale. We at least have many options!

[@zamzamadb5980]

Thank you for this video. I have been considering buying this tracing paper so your review has helped me decide :-)

[@SewingReport]

+Zamzama Designer Boutique Wonderful!!!

[@cathypearson1889]

Why did you choose to use a walking foot? I've been sewing since I was a teenager and have rarely used a walking foot. Maybe it's more the standard these days?

[@SewingReport]

I love using my walking foot about 95% of the time - it just works easier for me with layers and I've definitely noticed a difference when I do, particularly in quilting or sewing items like bags with lots of bulk. My Janome 7700 has an integrated walking foot and it's the greatest.

[@quiet_epiphanies]

This is really helpful. I think I'm going to use this when I make the Simplicity dress patterns I got for $1 on Black Friday. I've heard a lot about Simplicity having fit issues.

[@SewingReport]

Wonderful! Generally the Simplicity patterns run large on me. Making a muslin would help you figure out how much ease is in the pattern size and then go from there. Happy sewing!

[@mallorikerr4092]

I, so far anyway, have not had fit issues with the simplicity skirt pattern I bought, but I'm doing a dress now, so we will see.

[@LarenaLoves]

Thank you so much for doing this review! I was on the fence about purchasing this paper. Also, WAWAK has it for about $12, half what Amazon is charging.

[@maryriley6163]

Thank you for the tip, that would be quite a savings.

[@strayblackcatsmeow]

That paper looks much better than making muslin copies. I would try long non-basting straight stitch with a loose top tension to allow easier removal of the bottom thread when ripping to minimize paper damage. Just pulling it through will tear along the stitch line making it hard to transfer to fabric.

[@PPatty13]

Good video but I think i’m going to stick with my Ultrecht tracing paper which cost less. It seems a little too stiff for a muslin in my opinion. It would be good for tracing vintage patterns though.

[@SewingReport]

It was interesting to try, and I do like it and will use! There are SO MANY options for making muslins - definitely subject to personal preference. Old or thrifted sheets would be great and free/cheap.

[@spahhhvelous]

I have used this in the past for muslins. It is a bit too stiff, I feel, to really evaluate any fit issues of the muslin as it doesn't give the tell tale 'wrinkles' or pulling , that can show where the fit is off as true fabric with more drape would. I do however have several patterns traced onto this product and they wear like iron if you use pattern weights instead of pins as pins will leave holes over time.

[@SewingReport]

Good to know!

[@dianadivadiamond]

I'd like to know if you can use the marker on the cloth as well? Thanks for the info too.

[@SewingReport]

You certainly can. The purple side will disappear after about a day or so, the blue side will come out with water.

[@mallorikerr4092]

The pellon pattern ease looks very similar and I use it. So far I like it. I use pencil though.

[@SewingReport]

I haven't tried that yet. So the reason I avoid pencil is kind of silly. I'm left handed and hate getting it on my hand.

[@mallorikerr4092]

I'm a lefty too. Cool!

[@SewingReport]

Do you also find writing to sometimes be a hassle?

[@mallorikerr4092]

Sewing Report actually no. I love writing. It's just my hand writing is a bit messier than it should be for as much as I used to write. I just don't have the time to sit an write for hours like I used to.

[@lisa8224]

Can you do a review on your Sailrite machine sometime?

[@SewingReport]

Good suggestion! After I attempt to play around with it more, I may try and do one...

[@lisa8224]

Thanks, that would be great

[@hinadori_YouTube]

Is it similar to lightweight interfacing?

[@SewingReport]

Somewhat, but it is not fusible and I'd say it has more paper-like qualities.

[@hinadori_YouTube]

@@SewingReport thank you for the reply :-)

[@shortyylu]

Isn’t the Pellon tru Grid sewable? And Pellon 830 easy pattern tracing to though?

[@quicksilvertears921]

I use pellon 830. I buy it when I have a coupon or when on sale. I love it. It is very sturdy.

[@jeanneluddeni3121]

This is so funny I was just ordering this swedish paper I was going to get it anyway but this is great

[@AlScott-hs7qx]

I can get cheaper...brown paper and Christmas gift paper...Good Ideas though👍

[@SewingReport]

Good thoughts also!

[@AlScott-hs7qx]

Sewing Report Do not thing I am being a jerk but to help some who may not have the trace paper money..They can do it on a budget. I go to a lot of sewing sites and I pick up some tips.I really like your channel I just hope you do not get mad at me I just want to help.Oh and young lady..keep up the good work.👍

[@AlScott-hs7qx]

Please make more videos...😊

[@SewingReport]

This I can do. Hey - different people like different things. Part of what I think we need more of in the sewing community is acceptance and encouragement. Why should I tell you not to use wrapping paper? If that is what you prefer and it works - I am all for it!

[@AlScott-hs7qx]

Sewing Report I am with you we need determined positive people like you making the beginners more comfortable with all ins and outs in sewing. Keep Going.I will be watching👍👏👏👏👏👏👏