Just realised I can't actually sew

[plantsitter]

I'm due to have a baby girl in just over 2 weeks and I have bought a pattern for a dress to make out of a lovely liberty remnant I got in their sale ages ago. My mum advised me to make the size up from newborn otherwise she will have grown out of it before I've finished!

However.

I've opened the pattern and realised I don't really understand it at all! I may have been a bit over ambitious for my first sewing project. I think I can work it out if I try hard enough but - really stupid question coming up - do you pin the bits of pattern to the fabric and cut it out or draw round them? And do they normally allow for the bits you sew together or do you have to create your own margin?

Please feel free to tell me I'm an idiot novice who should not bother and stick to aprons and cushions (them I can do!). Otherwise thanks for advice.

I haven't done it for a long time but i used to pin and cut then leave paper pattern pieces attached until i needed it so the piece was easily identifiable. I marked any darts etc with tailors chalk. I used to use patterns which allowed a seam margin but this was clearly indicated so have a good read. Good luck

Oh the pinning and keeping thing is a good tip - thanks. I will have a good read. Hopefully it's just that I've panicked and it is all clear really...

If you've got stuck at this stage it may be wise to seek some real life help. It would be a shame to spoil the lovely material and the pattern. Once someone has shown you, you will be able to pick it up quite quickly.
One tip:- I always iron both the material and the paper pattern before I pin the two together.

Yes, you pin the pattern to the fabric on the wrong side and make sure the fabric is the right way up. Most patterns include seam allowance. It sounds like you need someone to show you.

I do a huge amount of sewing, but hardly ever use patterns because I find them so tricky - it's not you! I agree it would really help to get someone who knows what they're doing to help - there's no substitute for just seeing someone show you right in front of you. You could also search for sewing patterns on youtube - there might be visual guides.

Ooh just saw all these - thanks. Luckily my mum is staying this weekend so I'll ask for her advice.

tks again!