when working from a pattern

[OnlyWantsOne]

do you pin the pattern to the fabric and cut it out, or do you pin the pattern to the fabric, draw round it with a fabric pen then de-pin the pattern and cut the materil??

I pin and cut it out. The extra step with drawing is unneccessary.

Im obviously not very good at pinning, because when I pin the pattern to the fabric it tends to bunch the fabric and distort the shape - problem when cutting out smaller designs

I pin it, cut out, transfer any pattern marking with a fabric pen/tailor's chalk, then remove pattern.

Since I started using a rotary cutter and mat I try to just use weights to hold the pattern down while I cut. This avoids the distortion.

If your fabric is bunching up when pinned - then it sounds as if your pins may be blunt & or the older chunk type - you might want to invest in some longer fine ones, that should make it easier for you - another great tip I learnt from a clothing factory owner - is if pins are sticking - swipe them through your hair & then they will go in much easier & not drag the cloth - really does work :)