Can anyone help with a Simplicity sewing pattern please?

[Flossyfloof]

This is such a basic question but I haven't made anything from a pattern for 20+ years and I have no idea!
I am pinning out my pattern. Do I fold the fabric so that I am pinning onto the wrong side or the right side? Would really appreciate your advice please. I am guessing that you fold right sides together - but have just realised I have cut the largest piece already with wrong sides together!!

Doesn't it say on the pattern? Not much help sorry, but I was sure it normally says on the pattern.

Actually I'm even beginning to wonder if it matters. You're just cutting right?

Am I missing something completely here?

Yes, it should show you on the cuting layout in the instructions.

I have only pinned one piece; it is on the fold. Is that relevant, I wonder?? I am not sure that it does matter but I daren't cut any more, just in case! The cat is sprawling all over it at the moment anyway. I did look on the pattern but I think it is so obvious that they don't say. I can't see it, anyway. Thanks for trying!

I don't think it says but I will go and have another look, thanks.

So long as you get the fold in the right place, whether it's wrong sides together or right sides together it shouldn't matter. It's the same, just turn it around after cutting. Obviously when it comes to sewing the rights sides and wrong sides become very important but surely not for the cutting.

If it's on the fold it shouldbe ok, as it's symmetrical. Is there no cutting layout though? Surely you need to refer to it to make sure you fit all the pieces on? And don't forget to follow the direction arrows, so that the pattern is the right way up on each piece.

What are you making?

It does say it. In quite big letters, actually. Still not sure how much it matters but as another cat is now sprawled on it, drying off as he has just been outside, I don't think any of it will matter in the end as it will all be bloody covered in mud and cat hair.

:)

Flossy, only just seen this... perhaps an old blog I wrote might help you

how to use a paper pattern and rosmademe.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/sewing-101-part-2-making-up.html Sewing up from a paper pattern]]

That's lovely, thank you! I did, I am afraid, make the baaaaad mistake of just getting cracking rather than sitting down and reading the instructions first.

Normally, the fabric is folded down the middle with the right sides inside when you buy it.

I've always used it like that unless you need to unfold and refold to pin a particular piece.

I think it really only matters if you are cutting individual pieces so you don't end up with 2 left or 2 right pieces when you are supposed to have 1of each. always a good idea to read the instructions if you are not proficient

Flossy

Firstly, check which pattern size you are doing, then what width fabric you're using, and then which style you're doing.

Open up instructions and find the corresponding layout instructions based on the info (above). 'SL' normally means selvedge, and in the key, you'll see if the fabric is the right or wrong way round, depending on how its shaded on the instruction diagram.

I hope that helps. My sewing teacher tells me to check twice and cut once. Half the time, I think you need a degree in pattern reading to get anywhere with those things.

Well I am pleased to report that I have finished my garment! Actually a ruffled waist pinny. I proudly showed it off at my craft group on Friday, only to notice that I had, in my haste to finish, sewn one of the ties on back to front!! I didn't say anything, I just packed it away smirkily.
Thanks for the advice about reading patterns, I will do better next time!!