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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: anamariacries
Date: 09-01-2006, 10:50 AM (1 of 3)
marked on right side of fabric and it's too dark for lines to show up even white didn't work?
User: anamariacries
Member since: 08-01-2006
Total posts: 11
From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-02-2006, 09:40 PM (2 of 3)
There are a few ways. I often fold the pattern along the lie to be traced, and then use chalk along that line. Sometimes, to mark a circle/dot, I'll put a pin through the spot, and I'll lift it the pattern a touch and use chalk right against where the pin goes through each layer. And often (don't freak out!) instea of fabric marking utensils, I just just a pencil with a fine point. ...And then there are the sensible ways... You can get a pack of tracing paper (it's kind of like that old fashioned carbon paper and comes in different colors--look for it at joann.com, for example) and put it under the pattern on top of the fabric and trace along on the pattern, pressing the marks onto the fabric. You can even get a fancy little "tracing wheel" which looks like a tiny pizza cutter, and that makes quick work of this job. Sometimes I use "tailor's tacks," which isn't something you buy, but rather a technique. You use a needle and a long brightly colored/contrasting thread. Double thread the needle to keep your marks more visible. Now you go through all layers of pattern and fabric, making a stitch to mark your pleats, circles, dots or what-have-you, cutting the thread in long, long lengths, so that when you lift each layer, you can snip it and leave a visible thread in the spot you'll be referring to later. It sounds long and arduous, but it takes no time at all and is quite accurate. Honest!
Andrea
User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005
Total posts: 1007
From: paroper
Date: 09-02-2006, 11:18 PM (3 of 3)
I trace my pattern on a seperate piece of paper. I get rolls of tracing paper from Nancy's Notions or Clotilde. The rolls are 22 inches by 77 yards and are pretty much the same as the medical paper I used to get from my sister when she was living. I just lay the pattern down against the window or on a white surface and trace it off, then I cut it loose as I cut the pattern, just as I would if I were cutting the original pattern. I transfer all markings to the traced pattern and store it in the envelope when I am through.

Using the tracing paper and wheel from the store isn't that reliable and for the longest I couldn't even imagine what people were doing with it when they "traced patterns" with it. The tracing paper isn't as good as it used to be, usually comes up very light on any fabric. The old stuff was great and the lines were easy to see....matter of fact, I have some that is over 40 years old that is still very good...so if you find some at a garage sale I'd sure grab it! Also, it has always been my experience that if you don't have something like fabric between the tracing paper and the tissue, you not only tear your pattern but the wheel's teeth penetrate the tracing paper and pattern, not leaving a mark. Tracing paper is usually put between layers of fabric and traced from the top. It works best if you put a magazine or something under the bottom layer of fabric when you trace it. I also discovered that smooth tracing wheels are better than the old fashioned ones with teeth. They don't tear the paper as bad.
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
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