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Understanding Patterns

Besides the pattern shape, there is a variety of other

information on the pattern pieces. This brief guide will help

you understand what the terms mean and what they are for.

notch

pattern piece name and

standard information

Top

The 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack

(Pocket Flap)

5 of 5

Includes 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance

snap marking

seam allowance

information

grain line

Language skills …

You’ll quickly become familiar with

sewing terms and abbreviations.

Keep referring back to these pages

until you become confident.

Getting Started

✧

Seam allowance – this is the distance between the edge

of the fabric piece(s) and the sewing machine needle.

So, if a pattern indicates that the seam allowance is 1cm

(3/8in), you need to sew your stitches 1cm (3/8in) in from the

edge of the fabric. A pattern should always state the seam

allowance size and whether or not it has been included in

the pattern.

✧

Grain lines – these are the two pointed arrows that help

you to align the pattern piece with the straight grain of the

fabric. The top arrow points to the top edge of the fabric

and the bottom arrow points to the bottom edge of the

fabric. The straight grain of the fabric runs parallel to the

selvedge (the non-fraying edge of the fabric, which often

has the company and fabric name printed on it).