tips for getting pattern from dress (without taking apart)

[MummyElk]

So, whilst i've never done this before...
Do I sort of draw it out on greaseproof paper, adding a centimetre or two for seams....
and sort of work out where the grain would be? (or selvedge, or whatever?)
It's a pretty simple girl's dress, and i think it's on the bias....

what do you think?
Are there any useful websites out there that tell me how to do it? (not sure i can be bothered to trawl through the various thousands of videos that came up when i googled it....[impatient emoticon])

advice very gratefully received oh wise ladies

bump

I think you're going to find it a bit tricky without taking the dress apart, unless you're a very expert seamstress. I'm guessing you wouldn't be asking this if you were?

The standard is to add 5/8inch for seams, which I guess is about 1.5cm.

If it's cut on the bias, this means that, instead of the pattern pieces being laid on the fabric parallel to the selvedge (that's the bit at each edge of the fabric, yes?), you would place them diagonally. This gives the effect of a slight flare in the finished item, and is usually combined with a gored/panelled style of skirt. Does the fabric have a weave that you can see? If so, then instead of the threads running vertically and horizontally, they'll run diagonally.

If it's a simple dress, might be a lot less hassle to look to see if you can buy a paper pattern for something similar.

Sorry, not sure I've helped much!

i'd try tracing with an interfacing fabric as it's more flexible than greaseproof paper but doesn't stretch.
add a seam width that you can find easily on your sewing machine and make a note of it so you don't forget.

thanks both - you are right, isitme no i'm not an expert seamstress BUT it's a VERY simple dress which is why i'm keen to have a play and see what happens. It's definitely on the bias.
Will try with fabric too elgoo thank you.

We'll see what happens......worst case i waste a couple of metres of cheap cotton, hey?!

Yes, I had a look at dress patterns after you posted and was to find that they seem to cost £5+. Can you tell I haven't made anything in years ?

As you say, worth a go, and probably cost less than a pattern .

interfacing isn't very cheap actually.
but you could actually pin the pieces together to check the fit on DD and you can reuse it again if you want to.
good luck.

there are lots of free patterns out there on variuos blogs - I tend to google in images rather than the standard websearch.

Hi, I have taken Paper patterns off clothes.
Not all garments will be suitable for the following method but if yours is .....

You only need two things - Pattern Tissue (its not flimsy like bought patterns. I can get 5 big sheets for £1.99) and a Marking Wheel. (This is a small wheel made up of sharp spikes with a handle).

Use a firm surface to work on.
Place the tissue down and put the garment on top of it.
Run the wheel over the part of the dress you are copying.
Lift the garment and there is the outline - rows of dots like postage stamps. (Simples .
Use a ruler/pencil to make lines straight on the paper, if needed.

Write inside the piece what it is, (this also serves to identify which way is up and which side is top).
Make a note on of which pieces are Bias and try to be accurate when placing these ones on the final fabric.
Allow for seams when cutting it all out.

Plan B: Unpick the garment and use that to take a paper pattern and sew it back again.

Hope that helps. Good luck and have fun.

Right. Am so sorry this fell off my Threads I'm On (along with lots more!) and it's been One Of Those Weeks!!
Thank you SO much size6feet that is most helpful - I actually HAVE marking wheel!! I just never knew what it was.......

also for everyone else's advice, most useful. Will crack on and see what happens...

Anything for a free pattern