Find out exactly what a pattern card is and why you need to be using one!
What is a pattern card?
Pattern card is a term used in the industry to describe a record of the pattern style. It will will contain a list of all of the pieces in the pattern set. It will also include any special information about the pattern, how many to cut of each piece, if there is lining or interfacing, notions, sewing instructions, and a flat technical sketch of the garment.
Why do I need to use a pattern card?
Easy. Organization. You should be using a pattern card. Period. Pattern cards, when used in conjunction with pattern hooks and a rabbit punch, are great tools to keep your patterns organized and easy to store. And I know that many of you have a problem organizing and storing patterns!
Pattern hooks can be used a couple of different ways. But ,the best part is you can hang all your patterns to keep them organized!
A rabbit pattern bunch punches a perfectly round hole so that you can hang your patterns using pattern hooks. (Pictured above)
What does a pattern card include?
Pattern cards are essential if you want to draft your own patterns. Once you start to build up a library of styles…things will get ugly if you don’t take preventative measures!
The pattern card will include all of the important information you need to know about a style, at a glance!
- Style name and description
- Size range of the pattern
- Pattern pieces and how many to cut
- Notions needed to sew garment
- Fabric and yardage
- Fabric care and washing instructions
- Any special notes about the style
Pattern cards can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, the goal is the same….Keep you organized and informed! You can keep a record of anything was difficult to sew, sewing tensions, or maybe you found it was easier to sew something in a different way than the instructions.
Pattern cards can be used for more than just patterns you’ve drafted at home. There is no reason why you can’t create a pattern card for your store bought or PDF indie sewing patterns! There is no need for bulky instructions. I mean, c’mon…you already know how to sew!
Just take a moment to really think about it….how convenient would it be to have all of your patterns organized! I promise, it only takes an extra minute or two to achieve pattern bliss!
Storage Tips
I like to use a clear plastic sheet and a pattern hook to keep my store bought or PDF patterns neat and tidy! You can also use a manila envelope!
For all of my drafted patterns, I use the rabbit punch and pattern hooks mentioned above to hang them in my closet. This is not the only closet that has patterns in it..Ahem!
I hope that you will find not only a pattern card, but the rabbit punch and pattern hooks useful.
Do you have a better way to organize patterns? Leave me a comment and let me know how you do it!
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