This is something we get asked about quite a lot! The main reason to trace patterns is so that you will always have the original pattern to refer back to. It’s great to reference this in case something goes wrong but also so you can see how the pattern has changed as you’ve worked on it. This might be helpful when you're sewing other patterns, as often we have to make the same adjustments to each. (This means fitting gets a lot easier over time!)
Other reasons why it is a good idea to trace a pattern are:
• You can transfer the pattern onto a paper / card that you prefer working with. For example, if you don't like how delicate tissue paper is, you can transfer the pattern onto something sturdier.
• It means you keep the original pattern with all the sizes so you can use a different size in the future.
• It means that you can trace just the size/s you need, if you have printed all the sizes in the pattern. This can save confusion when there are intersecting lines.
What paper to use:
There are countless pattern paper options and it will depend on your preferences and what you have access to.
Consider:
• Dot and cross paper (this is our preference)
• Swedish tracing paper
• Plain pattern paper
• Tracing paper
• Some people use mid-weight interfacing (the type that doesn't have glue on it)
How to trace a pattern:
1. Lay the pattern out on a large flat surface.
2. Place the pattern paper on top of the pattern piece. Hold paper in place with pattern weights (if you don't have pattern weights - canned food works well).
3. Take a pacer pencil and a ruler and trace around the outline of each pattern piece. Go slowly and trace carefully. Be sure to transfer the grainline and all pattern markings, such as notches, darts and drill holes. It is up to you whether or not you want to trace the STITCH LINE as well as the cutting line. In the Folds patterns include both so that it is easier to make adjustments to the patterns - but it is up to you if you want to trace both lines.
4. Add the name of the pattern, the size/s you traced, the pattern piece name and cutting instructions, such as 'cut on the fold'.
5. You are ready to cut out your pattern or you may want to leave this uncut to leave space to make adjustments.