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From: Dustbunny01
Date: 03-08-2006, 02:53 PM (1 of 22)
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What is the best way to mark the pattern markings onto your fabric, I remember the notches being on the outside of the pattern, now they are inverted.. which makes it really hard to cut out the notch now. ( I take a lucky guess, and never get them to line up 100% correct) I am also wondering if there is a better way now do mark the round, for darts etc.. then using thread and needle. And the Transfer of the Markings with chalk or pins.. OH my is there not a better & faster way to do this today? How much luck, do you all have with the tracing wheel and tracing paper? and while I am on this " trip" What ever happened to writing this all down on the instructions, it seems now there is more information on the paper pattern then ever before that is not written down on the instructions  I want to sew, not spend two days writing down info from the patten onto the paper Instructions. on top of this, McCall's can't even seem to get the cutting instructions printed off correctly, I have already found an BIG error in the pattern layout! I must be getting old, because this never bugged me in the past, in fact I never used the markings, now I find myself wanting to use them. DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159 
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From: Magot
Date: 03-08-2006, 02:58 PM (2 of 22)
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I still cut my notches outwards and mark with tailor tacks - old habits die hard...I feel sort of naughty when I mark with chalk - my teacher at school would have roasted me.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-08-2006, 03:51 PM (3 of 22)
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I cut my notches to the outside and mark with chalk or thread. Once in a while I use those disappearing pens -- but the seem to disappear before I'm done with them. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-08-2006, 04:01 PM (4 of 22)
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I've almost always used a tracing wheel and paper. That is the way we started in school and I don't think it is terrible. I use tailors chalk when I think the marks will show or won't come off. Over the years I've gotten away from the perforated mark made by the tracing wheel. It tears the pattern and sometimes doesn't come off all that well. I use a smooth tracing wheel. The paper isn't as dark as it used to be. That is a blessing and a curse. Sometimes you can't see the marks very well. The good thing is that they now put the carbon on both sides of the paper where you used to have to fold in half or use two pieces to mark a dress on the inside. I always mark from the outside in. We were also taught that the marks come off better if you put a magazine or something under the fabric before you lay down your fabric and pattern. The thing is that you also need to put a sheet of white paper on top of the magazine. Sometimes newsprint will come off on the fabric where you mark if you don't. The magazine helps the wheel make a better mark. I also cut my notches out. The only time I don't is if I lay the pattern pieces too close together and can't make the notch. Then I just make a small slash for every notch. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 03-08-2006, 07:39 PM (5 of 22)
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I've caught on to tailor's tacks. Have you tried them? It sounded like a pain, but now I see it as easier, quicker, and more accurate than the process of chalking that I used to use. Especially when going through two or more layers. You use a contrasting thread color, and a very long strand of it. You just do a fast stitch (in and out)at each point in the darts, or a single stitch at the side markings. I find it great for marking pleats and start and stop points for zippers. You go through all layers at once, and then, as you lift the pattern up, you snip between layers, leaving a few inches sticking through each layer. I saw it done on tv, and then I was sold.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-08-2006, 08:48 PM (6 of 22)
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I still cut mine out too...or use chalk or pens, one disappears and the other washes out with water.
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Sancin
Date: 03-08-2006, 10:30 PM (7 of 22)
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I snip the notches. Two short snips in for 2 and so on and so forth. I mark marking with chalk. Put pin into the mark through the pattern and then dab the fabric with chalk. Unless it is a really complicated pattern I don't differentiate the marks. I usually pin the darts as I am taking off the pattern pieces and thus don't use marks. I also snip pleats at the waist line. I haven't used tailors tacks since high school but a few times had wished I could remember how to make them. Now I know, Andrea Sews! Thank you. I have never used a tracing wheel as the few times I did it didn't show up. I think I don't use enough pressure on the pattern. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: esrun3
Date: 03-08-2006, 11:08 PM (8 of 22)
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I use the disappearing pens to mark mine.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 03-09-2006, 06:34 AM (9 of 22)
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tailor's tacks, is what I use with the needle and thread... :( I was wishing for a new & faster way of marking now Paroper, I think your on to something here with a smooth wheel, I have the teeth, and your correct, where do I get my hands on a smooth wheel? 
DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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From: paroper
Date: 03-09-2006, 08:59 AM (10 of 22)
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You'll be amazed how common they are. They are just stored with the perforated ones at the fabric store. I happened upon them about 15 years ago and have used them almost exclusively since. I don't mess up nearly the quantity of patterns that I used to. There also used to be a fabric marker that looked a little like a hole punch. You just slipped it around your fabric and pushed at the dots on the pattern (with carbon between). It would make a simple round mark on the pattern. I never owned one, just used one at college. I don't know what they were called or if they are still made. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Mariellen
Date: 03-09-2006, 09:24 AM (11 of 22)
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Hi all. I do not cut out my notches...I just use disappearing ink pens and put a small mark where the notch is. I also use the tracing wheel/paper to mark special things like darts and button holes..it is the fastest and easiest for me. Have a great day everyone! Off to make my grandkids easter baskets! If I had known that grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first!!
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User: Mariellen
Member since: 02-16-2006 Total posts: 58 
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From: Lynnie
Date: 03-09-2006, 10:36 AM (12 of 22)
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I tried cutting notches outward at first, but it felt awkward cutting that way. Now I cut a very small "v" inward, but so far I'm just working with plain cotton. I may try something else when I start on heavier fabric. I've been wondering about the disappearing ink pens. So far I've only dared use the fabric pencils because I can pick one that just slightly contrasts with the fabric. All the pens warn you not to press the fabric until the ink disappears. Do you guys do that? Do you wash the ink out or wait for it to disappear before pressing a seam, or is that statement put there just to cover the company's behind should the ink set on some weird fabric you're using? |
User: Lynnie
Member since: 02-23-2006 Total posts: 44 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 03-09-2006, 12:18 PM (13 of 22)
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paroper where do I find information about the fabric marker that looked a little like a hole punch? that one sounds something for me.. I have been looking online, but can't find it.. Remember only Wal-Mart here.. did look at joanns.com without luck.. also denver fabrics, and Nancy'sNotions. DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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From: paroper
Date: 03-09-2006, 02:03 PM (14 of 22)
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Like I said, I haven't seen one since college. If it is still made it may be one of those things you just need to be on the lookout for. If I knew where to get one, I'd own it. You might be able to devise something that would do that with some tracing paper and a little ingenuity. I don't know.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Mariellen
Date: 03-10-2006, 08:48 PM (15 of 22)
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Hi everyone!!! Lynnie...I use the air disappearing pens and the only problem that I have it that sometimes it disappears before I am ready to sew!!! LOl. What I do a lot of the time is get all the pieces cut out and then when I am ready to sit down and sew, I mark the pieces. Like I said earlier for darts or anything like that, I use tracing wheel..smooth one...and carbon paper. But for notches, dots, etc I pull out my pens. Dustbunny and paroper...I am not sure what you all are talking about but you may want to try ebay. They have a lot of "older" notions and parts. Good luck in your search. Have a good night everyone!! If I had known that grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first!!
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User: Mariellen
Member since: 02-16-2006 Total posts: 58
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From: LadySloPokes
Date: 03-10-2006, 08:51 PM (16 of 22)
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"A long time ago in a life time far, far, away..." Yeah, that's when I took sewing in school for 1 1/2 semesters. I was taught to use a tracing wheel and paper for marking the darts and dots, and to cut the notches facing out. However, now I find that cutting the notches inwards (towards the stitching line) is making it much easier for me to cut my fabric. I cut the whole piece out first, then go back and snip the notches inward. But, I still use the tracing wheel...some habits just stick with ya!  Cookie 
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 03-11-2006, 12:26 AM (17 of 22)
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I like the disappearing ink pens, I have three of them, white, blue and purple. I have accidently ironed a purple one and had a bit of a time getting it out, but it's pretty well faded now. They wash out quickly with a damp cloth or sponge. If you are leary of using one on fabric, test it out on a scrap and see what happens. I find too that if I don't sew on it soon enough, I've lost the marks and have to start all over again. Andrea, I like the idea of tailor's tacks, will have to try that next time! Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 03-12-2006, 09:05 PM (18 of 22)
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After pondering how to make marking for faster, and adding what everyone have said here.. I found a neat and fast way to make marks for the many dots on patterns.. I am working an a top for myself, and I notched out the arrows ( this goes much faster) so Thank you for that!! But the dots where driving me nuts.. after a few days to ponder this.. I came up with something I like and so far is working well. I am using my basting gun, and shooting the dots!  Yes I was a little worried about the hole it would leave behind. so before I tired it on the the shirt pattern ( useing 100% poly) I did a few test on the same left over fabricwhen shooting the hole, it does look big, But when I removed the tack, and smooth it over, you can't tell it was even there. now since they where in the shirt, I find the same thing as the test fabric, no holes left behind. DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-13-2006, 06:27 AM (19 of 22)
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Christina -- Just be sure you test with every new fabric you use -- or at least that you are marking in the seam allowance. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 03-14-2006, 01:17 AM (20 of 22)
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I've never heard of a basting gun, I think I will have to go see if I can google one up! Is there a brand name to look for?
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 03-14-2006, 01:19 AM (21 of 22)
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Oh, now I know what it is, we use those for attaching the identification tags to the blood bags in the transfusion lab! I wonder if they'd notice one go missing? (that's gross!, those guns are probably totally contaminated). So you find the plastic things don't leave holes in the fabric?
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 03-14-2006, 09:48 AM (22 of 22)
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There is a brand out on the market that has a fine needle & tacks.. I use my basting gun to hold the quilt together ( I am more of a quilter then a garment maker) I have an eye Dr appt, today.. and when I get back I will see if I can't find the fine basting gun for you. but yes the holes just melt away..or so far they are on the 100% poly fabric I am working with, and I know for a fact they do with 100% cotton fabrics. DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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