Does anyone use free internet sewing patterns?

[Snowwhitequeen]

You know, the ones where you print out and stick. Do you have any recommendations? I've tried once but it needed me to do something to the computer / printer settings to shrink it down and I couldn't work it out.

Any recs for easy, non-faff printable patterns?

I saw a paid for one I loved too but I figured if I bought it then couldn't work out the resolution thingy on the printer / Mac, then I would have just wasted ££ and the pattern designer didn't offer paper patterns.

[DameFanny]

Have a read through of this blog post - www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/05/pdf-sewing-patterns/

Re recommendations for patterns, what sort of thing do you want to make?

[Snowwhitequeen]

Thanks dame. Skirts for now I think.

[DameFanny]

What's your style?

[Snowwhitequeen]

Knee length or just above, bit of a flare I.e. Not straight, but not 'twirly' either. Very simple. I have made one just using my measurements and it had an elasticacted waist, it turned out perfect but I'd like to try a less stretchy waistband next time, perhaps a zip.

[DameFanny]

Well, if it's a straightforward a line you don't really need a pattern at all - you could Google for zip insertion and waistband techniques? Also take a look at Tilly and the Buttons - she's got sewalongs for all her patterns on the blog, and you could very easily find a relevant guide on there?

Re free patterns, there are so many around you could probably find a complete wardrobe if you wanted. Sites like allfreesewing and www.sewdifferent.co.uk/category/free-patterns/ have a bunch of stuff. There's also a lot of no pattern sewing advice, such as Chinelo Bally's book and a new book from diy couture - if you Google you'll find at least one garment from each online free from their promotional blog hops etc.

Any good?

[Snowwhitequeen]

Ooooh thanks Dame! Top advice!

[CatherineDeB]

this will give a well fitting skirt.

I do use free patterns at times and paid for pdf patterns.

My only advice would be to go to fairly well thought of pattern designers for their freebies, Collette for instance have a free top pattern.

Cutting, matching and sticking the paper together is best done with a glass of wine and something to watch imo.

We have macs and I have only ever had a problem with one pattern.

[Snowwhitequeen]

Fab, thanks CatherineDeB, or should I say Lady Catherine

[CatherineDeB]

Why thank you Snow but my name actually comes from a toilet .

We have got a bathroom with a toilet with the name 'Charlotte' in the glaze of the toilet bowl. So, being ever so mature and all that, we named the other bathroom Catherine (De B).

When it came to name changing I couldn't think of anything else!

Despite the four unfinished items (3 dresses and a top), I am in fact making a skirt from the sloper on the link I sent you. It is a lovely fitting item.

You could make it A line by measuring the bottom of one of your skirts you like and making it that width at the bottom hem, flaring out from the widest point of the hip.

[DameFanny]

Ooh, re pencil skirts, I HAVE to pass on a tip I read recently...

When measuring hips, add in the amount of tummy protrusion to the circumference. Unless you're using stretchy material. If you don't, you end up with not enough room in the seat, because the curve back in takes material.

There's a way better explanation on line, but I can't remember where I read it. I spend a lot of time online (spoonie)...

[elephantoverthehill]

I have used on-line patterns for projects at school. Usually they are US patterns and have an inch indicator, it then can just take time fiddling with the % increase/decrease on the photocopier, but more often than not they print fine.

[flightywoman]

I use them fairly often. The printing thing can be a bit hit and miss, but in general it works pretty well - best thing is to print the first page and make sure the scaling square is right first so you don't waste paper.

But I've made a lot of things from free and paid-for PDF patterns and they can be great.

[Snowwhitequeen]

Haha Catherine I would have done the same. A named toilet

[elephantoverthehill]

Catherine the explanation of your username did make me chuckle. I have a Dsis named Charlotte. When DS1 was very small it always sound like he was saying 'Auntie Toilet'. Sorry to derail for a bit.

[CatherineDeB]

That is funny Elephant, yes who could believe that we inherited a named toilet.

Snow, thanks to your thread I have drafted a new pattern and finished a skirt this afternoon. I lost my old one in the move. I will wear it for work tomorrow!

Lovers of pdf patterns - Collette Seamwork magazine is an e mag, about £5 a month and you get to choose two free Collete Seamwork patterns each month. They are really well drafted.

I tend to stick with the better known makers after a couple of ill drafted patterns (Lekala was a disaster for me - two different garments).

I have started to buy patterns where I can have them printed on large sheets, if you save up a few then the postage (which costs as much as the printing - £5 ish) means that you get your patterns printed for £1.70 ish each - probably the same as printing at home.

[flightywoman]

I can't find anywhere that will print on large sheets Catherine, where do you get yours done?

[CatherineDeB]

I have used this place, recommended on here somewhere.

If you google A0 pdf printing online there are loads of companies offering it.

There is a print shop in my local town, I keep meaning to pop in there to see how much it is but keep forgetting.

[Snowwhitequeen]

This is all so useful, thanks guys!

[DameFanny]

Ooh, thanks CDB - bookmarked. Now to choose which patterns to print

[jharris83]

I have tried out these sewing patterns and they are great for beginners. They are always uploading new blogs with free sewing patterns so it's worth signing up. They also sell some gorgeous fabrics that I have brought too. I hope you find this useful

fabricsforsale.co.uk/blog/blog/2015/06/12/the-perfect-gift-for-fathers-day/

fabricsforsale.co.uk/blog/blog/2016/03/21/with-easter-comes-eggs/

[cjdamoo]

Join the facebook group patterns for pirates and you get 2 free patterns The peglegs leggings and the pencil skirt. Both amazing