Sewing Pattern Paper: Everything You Need To Know

Sewing patterns from different types of paper packets and rolls can be a challenging task. There’s a lot of information about the paper that will help you sew patterns using paper, and soon you will be able to create different types of clothes.

Different types of paper can be used in dress sewing patterns, home décor, etc. Paper patterns enable you to mix and match to create a stunning look.

This guide will help you understand more about sewing pattern paper and how you can preserve them.

What is Sewing Pattern Paper?

The sewing pattern paper is used for creating different sewing patterns for beginners. From making patterns from scratch to tracing the existing pattern and preserving the sewing pattern, it can be used for everything.

There are so many brands that create a number of different sewing products, but sometimes it is hard to trace them.

See-through and high-quality sewing pattern paper are costly and harder to find in the market. Sewing pattern paper can help you create your own free sewing patterns by taping sections together.

Characteristics of Paper for Making Sewing Patterns

Different sewing pattern papers are used in making a variety of things. The pattern paper used for making different types of clothes is a numbered-dotted white paper. 

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It comes with pre-marked points and numbers at 1-inch increments which helps beginners create patterns on the fabric.

Here are a few must-have characteristics of the paper for making sewing patterns:

Durable

The pattern paper should be durable enough. It should not be ripped when pinned or handled.

Flexible

It should be easy to handle and folded without creating deep creases. When ripped, it should be deformed without ripping.

Easy to Pin

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The pins should go through with ease without damaging anything.

Not Too Thick

The paper should not be too thick unless you use it on slopers.

Top 6 Paper Used for Sewing Patterns

If you are ready to take your sewing journey to the next level, then you are ready to make your own patterns. Using store-bought sewing patterns is great for beginners, but making sewing patterns at home can allow you to design an impressive and unique outfit.

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Professional pattern paper is one of the best ways to use, but sewing can be an expensive hobby. High-quality sewing fabric, needles, trims, and all necessary tools require a lot of money. You must read the “how to make sewing patterns” guide if you’re learning how to sew using a sewing pattern.

The paper used for sewing patterns is one of those items that require constant replenishing. It helps you find replacements that work well and cost less.

Different types of pattern paper work well, but each has its own qualities, and some are made for a specific purpose like pattern making, tracing, drafting, and altering.

Here are some of the types of paper used for sewing patterns.

Artist Tracing Paper

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Artist tracing paper is one of the most preferred papers when one wants to keep all the sizes intact. With this easy to see-through paper, you can trace one size on the shoulder and other sizes in the hips or anywhere.

This paper is also useful when you haven’t started sewing anything and want to trace a pattern. With simple alteration, it doesn’t need to be lengthened in a particular area.

Pros:

• • 36-inches wide paper, so most pattern pieces can fit on it without needing to tape pieces
  • Cost-effective
  • See-through paper

Cons

• • Too thin and create a danger of tearing when erasing the drawing
  • Create noise when being moved out

Bonded Textile

Bonded textiles are non-woven, non-fusible, and lightweight interfacing. These are 100% polyester-based papers that are easy to sew and non-tearable. 

This means you can trace vintage sewing patterns on the fabric, cut it out, paste the different pieces together and check the measurement before cutting it on the actual fabric.

They also vary by the features like inkjet printable or preprinted with a grid, transparency, and width.

Pros

• • Tear-resistant
  • Doesn’t curl like a normal paper

Cons

• • Expensive

Brown Paper Roll

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This is a kind of sewing pattern paper roll you will find in many nearby and online stores. It is easy to use, thick, and affordable pattern paper that comes with a great base to draw on it.

Its stiff property makes it excellent for tracing fabric when using another garment to make a pattern. It can be folded with ease and doesn’t tear as compared to natural pattern paper, which is thin and flimsy.

Using brown paper for drawing sewing patterns is great since it doesn’t leave any mark or oil on your fabric. Many of these types of sewing pattern tissue papers can be found in post offices and packaging areas of supermarkets and stores.

Pros

• • Strong and sturdy
  • Reusable
  • Cost-effective

 Cons

• • Folds are not crisp due to the thickness

Dot Paper/Alphabet Paper

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Many designers and craftspeople use dotted paper to create precise and eye-catching patterns. The dotted paper is a bright white paper that comes with a blue number, letter, or marks placed at an inch distance in both directions and forms a grid. 

When you learn to sew pattern pieces, these dots can help you create a great base and measurements.

These sewing pattern papers are not transparent and see-through papers. That is one of the reasons why you should use a light-colored background and good light for tracing the pattern.

If you can find a roll for dotted paper, then it is great for making different pants sewing patterns. Individual sheets can help you make sewing patterns for kids.

Pros

• • Stronger than tracing paper
  • Can erase pencil marks without tearing the paper

Cons

• • Expensive paper
  • Hard to find in local stores

Medical Exam Paper

Medical exam papers are pretty similar to Artist pattern papers in terms of weight and transparency. These papers are also available in 21-inch wide rolls.

Pros

• • Easy to see-through paper
  • Cost-effective

Cons

• • Width is more as compared to other pattern papers available in the market
  • Thinner than tracing paper
  • No tear resistant

White Paper Roll

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These sewing pattern paper rolls can be found in shops, supermarkets, and craft stores. White paper roll is popular for children’s crafts and painting since it is an endless piece of paper.

Buying a white paper roll is an excellent choice since it comes in different sizes and widths. The roll length is also great for making jumpsuit sewing patterns and trouser patterns.

It doesn’t tear without much force and is easy to make numerous patterns. Markings made on white paper rolls can last longer and helps you create a great element in pattern paper.

Step-by-step Instruction on “How to Use Tracing Paper for Sewing Patterns”

Tracing papers are kind of semi-transparent sewing pattern paper that you can use to trace or draw patterns.

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Once you have traced a pattern onto tracing paper, then you can transfer it to another piece of paper or even a canvas. Make sure you use graphite pencil so that your drawing shows up without any confusion on the paper. 

Here is everything you should know about using tracing paper for sewing patterns.

1. 1. Place a tracing paper over a pattern/image/drawing you want to trace. Make sure the entire image is covered on the tracing paper.
   2. Fold the edges of the tracing paper on the original drawing/pattern and tape them. Use masking tape to keep the tracing paper in place.
   3. Trace the original image/pattern onto the tracing paper using a graphite pencil. Follow the lines of the original pattern and focus on getting them all onto the tracing paper. Do not use a marker, pen, or colored pencil. You won’t be able to transfer the traced pattern to another sheet if you use it.
   4. In case the tracing paper slips back while you are working, just put it back and use the line you have already traced.
   5. Erase incorrect lines using an eraser but be gentle while erasing anything so that you don’t tear tracing paper.
   6. In this step, remove the tracing paper and peel off the tape that was holding the tracing paper. Set the tracing paper just beside the original pattern, and you will be amazed to see the results. They should be identical.
   7. You can leave the tracing paper and enhance your sewing pattern with more elements. Make your unique skirt sewing patterns using easy-to-use pattern papers and personalize them with super easy and super custom woven labels and hang tags.

How to Preserve Paper for Patterns Sewing?

Preserving paper for patterns sewing should be your first priority as you can pass it through generations and create a legacy of clothes.

Buying sewing patterns every time can be expensive. Many times your favorite pattern becomes unavailable and you can not think of replacing a pattern when you love how it comes out.

Image Source: Ksenia Chernaya On Pexels

Increasing demand for easy-to-use and low-maintenance sewing patterns has urged everyone to preserve and protect their favorite sewing pattern paper so that they can use it whenever required. Here are some tips for preserving your favorite paper for patterns sewing.

Materials Needed

Just a couple of materials are needed to protect and preserve your favorite patterns for years to come.

• • Lightweight fusible interfacing
  • Your Favorite pattern
  • Parchment paper

Instructions

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• • Press the sewing pattern papers so that there are no wrinkles left. It has to be smooth so that the final piece will be accurate.
  • Keep the fusible interfacing on the ironing board with the fusible side on the front and the paper side on the ironing board side.
  • Lay the paper for patterns sewing right side up on the interfacing so that it will be fused to the pattern paper’s wrong side. Keep the pattern pieces close to each other to prevent wasting of interfacing but make sure you do not overlap them.
  • Lay parchment paper on the paper pattern pieces and press it to the interfacing while keeping everything smooth and flat as you iron.
  • Cut out paper pattern pieces and rearrange them to ensure all of the fusings have been taken and paper pattern pieces are fused together.

Bonus tip:

It is a great idea to insert a sheet at the front of each sewing pattern paper. You can just pop out your desired pattern piece and make your own garment. 

With heavyweight paper, you can have the option of hanging your sewing pattern pieces on a wall. You can also roll paper pattern pieces and store them inside cardboard poster tubes with care labels from Superlabel Store so that anyone can use them.

Organizing Your Sewing Pattern Paper Collection

One of the most challenging things with paper patterns is how it can be forgotten what’s in it. No matter how well you are with organizing clothes when it comes to maintaining paper patterns, you need to keep track of everything you own.

Here are some suggestions some categories that will help you organize your sewing pattern papers:

• • By design
  • By garment type
  • Alphabetically by pattern name (for example, Skirt sewing patterns)
  • By designer

Conclusion

Do you often shop for fabric, thinking that something beautiful can be made out of it? Then, it would be great for you to make it on paper patterns.

The above-listed information will help you find your ideal sewing pattern paper. It will also help you preserve your favorite paper pattern for years to come.

Just grab a fabric, some sewing tools, a pencil, eraser, paper, and you are all set to go! Make your own pattern and be ready to wear clothes designed by you!

When you finish making clothes, don’t forget to personalize them with super easy, custom woven labels and hang tags from Superlabel Store!