Scribd
Upload
3K views

Pattern Symbols

This document defines and explains various pattern symbols that are used when sewing from patterns. It discusses 12 common symbols including straight grain lines, notches, dots, pleats, folds, slashes, cutting lines, buttonholes, buttons, stitching lines, fold lines, and centerfolds. Each symbol is explained in 1-2 sentences along with an illustrative example of how it is marked on the pattern.

Uploaded by

adelfa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3K views

Pattern Symbols

This document defines and explains various pattern symbols that are used when sewing from patterns. It discusses 12 common symbols including straight grain lines, notches, dots, pleats, folds, slashes, cutting lines, buttonholes, buttons, stitching lines, fold lines, and centerfolds. Each symbol is explained in 1-2 sentences along with an illustrative example of how it is marked on the pattern.

Uploaded by

adelfa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 17

LESSON 2.

PATTERN SYMBOLS
Sewing will be easier if you know how to
read patterns. Pay attention to every
symbol. Immediately transfer the symbols
to the fabric after cutting. This way you
won't forget this step. It's not fun to look for
these symbols after removing the pattern.
Pattern Symbols or Construction Markings

These guides help the sewer put together and sew


the pieces of garment easily. Several markings are
evident in some patterns but others have only few,
depending on the design and style of their project.
1.Straight Grain or Direction

The selvage is the finished edge of fabric. It usually has a


different color or texture. Sometimes it also has little holes.
Every woven fabric is made of crosswise (from selvage to
selvage) and lengthwise threads. They are called the grain
threads. The grain is the direction that tells where they're
going.
In patterns, this arrow must be in the same direction as the
length and parallel to the selvage. This will make the fabric
prevent from falling and be more resistant to movement. If
you place it parallel to the crosswise grain, the fabric will
hang after it is sewn. When fabric yarns do not cross at exact
right angles, the cloth is off-grain. But if the lengthwise and
crosswise yarns cross ech other at exact right angle, the
fabric is grain-perfect
Pleat

This little symbol marks the beginning and ending of a


pleat. The arrow indicates which way to fold. In this
example, you would pleat from left to right. It is usually
indicated by an alternating solid and broken line.
Notches

These help you match pattern


pieces. In sewing garment pieces,
the front and back notches should
be aligned. Notches will help the
sewer perfectly match the pieces
easily. You can find one triangle or
more. Some patterns include
numbers beside the notch to help
you. These are the V-shaped
symbols or triangles along the
cutting line.
Fold

Fold the fabric and


place the pattern's edge
on the fold. When you
cut do it around the
pattern only, never cut
the folded edge.
Dots

They are used to mark important


parts of the patterns such as
dart points or pocket placement
(see the image above). Their
meaning varies depending on
the pattern.
Slash

Lengthen or shorten
here. This is the part of
the pattern where you
can safely adjust the
length. Avoid doing this
before or after because
the pattern's shape
could change.
Cutting Lines

These vary depending


on the pattern company
but they're usually
marked with a dark line
and scissors symbol or
dotted line.
Buttonholes

Mark where to make the


buttonholes. They are
indicated by a solid line
having a short line at right
angles to one end.
Buttons

This is where to sew the buttons.


Stitching Lines

Not all pattern pieces include


stitching lines. If they are included
then there is a broken line, indicating
the areas that will be stitched
together. These are a guide so you
can see where the line of stitching
intersects and where you will not be
stitching. It is not recommended that
you mark every stitching line on to
your garment. This would result to
excess handling of your fabric.
Fold Line

This line indicates that the edge of the pattern piece must be
placed on a fold of fabric. The edge of the pattern piece is usually
indicated as a broken line, to remind you not to cut on that edge. If
you cut this edge, there is no seam allowance and trying to join
these will change the way the pattern fits, as well as how other
pieces will join to this piece.
Centerfold

This indicates that the edge


of the pattern must be
placed on the folded part of
the fabric. This is when
cutting two sides of the
garment parts as left and
right or back and front parts.

You might also like