Simplicity sewing pattern

[123ZYX]

I'm quite new to sewing and am trying a Simplicity sewing pattern. With previous patterns I've used (from smaller pattern makers) the instructions have been so straight forward, but Simplicity seems to be based on some assumed knowledge I clearly don't have!

If anyone has used a Simplicity pattern before, are you able to help with these problems?

1. the instructions tell me to gather the under bust area between two notches. I can see the notches, and I know how to gather, but I can't find anything to suggest how much it should be gathered. Is there a standard amount, such as reducing it by half?

2. the pattern requires elastic and has an elastic cutting guide. When I have cut the elastic, I've realised that the length is approximately the same length as the fabric it's being attached to. Should I have measured the elastic while it was stretched?

My advice would be to gather to fit, I assume the yoke, you will be attaching it too. With the elastic I wouldn't bother with the guide but tension the elastic comfortably around the appropriate body part. Good luck.

Will the gathered piece be attach to another piece? If so, that should also have two notches, the distance between the notches will be the length you need to gather. So when you line up the notches on both pieces, the gathered section fits neatly against the other piece.

As elephant suggests, gather so it fits the piece it will attach to or see if there are corresponding notches on the piece it will join to, in which case, gather until the notches can be matched.

With regard to the elastic, you would expect it to be a slightly shorter than your fabric. The elastic shouldn't be stretched as you measured. Perhaps check it's got no kinks or folds in it which might be adding in extra length by stealth.
If you pop over to the sewing thread on here (called something like 'I needle all the help I can get...') and post, and let us know the pattern number, someone might be able to help with that bit.

Thank you. That's really helpful. Luckily I have some spare fabric, so if it all goes wrong I can try again!