Sew-Along, Day 1

As defined in Saturday's post-

Monday, January 24-  Pattern review, pattern tracing (do NOT cut that pattern!  You're going to love the pants so much you'll want to make another pair later, and since kids grow, you're going to need it intact), supply review, and basic sewing tips and terminology

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The pattern we are using consists on 3 things:  The envelope that everything is stored in, the directions (2 pages), and the pattern (that would be the huge white piece of paper).  Leave the pattern folded up for now. 

Let's take a look at the envelope:

First, you need to measure your child.  Don't go by the listed size.  Pattern sizes & commercial sizes vary quite a bit to little at all. 

A child's full measurements:



What you will need:  Hips (7), waist (6), and if you want the pants to be full-legged, inseam (8).

Now, look at the directions.  On it you will see a Body Measurements chart.  Find the size that best fits the widest part of your child's body (most cases, this is the hips).  If you cloth diaper and have a pretty fluffy bum, make sure you measured with the diaper on, at the fullest/thickest point.

If you haven't already, wash & dry your fabric.  While the laundry is going we're going to trace the pattern.  For the pants, we'll need to trace pattern pieces 7,8,9,& 10.  Spread the pattern on a flat surface and locate those numbers in the cooresponding size needed.  Lay the paper of your choice on top (wax paper, freezer paper, tissue paper, or parchment paper) and use a marker, I prefer permenant, and trace the lines for the size you need.  Once you've traced all 4 pieces, use a pair of paper scissors & cut the pieces out.

Find the pattern numbers:

Find the size you need:

Trace the pattern, including marking the sized dots:

The final traced product:

Before you fold the original pattern back up and replace it in the envelope, take note of the suggested pattern layout for pinning the pieces to your fabric.

Iron your fabric, fold it by lining up the salvages (not the cut egdes) and set it to the side for tomorrow.

Supplies:

Make sure you have pins (I prefer glass head), a pin cushion, some kind of fabric marking device (chalk, disappearing fabric ink or wax fabric pencil), a sharp pair of sewing scissors (pinking is great but shears work well also), thread, a sewing machine, and your notions (in this case: 4 buttons & 3/4" wide elastic).

Most of my supplies to make 2 pairs of Sailboat Pants:

Glossery:

Backstitch- sew in reverse for a few stitches at the beginning & end of a seam to lock the seam

Baste- using the longest stitch length to temporaryly keep multiple layers of fabric together or for creating gathers/ease

Edgestitch/Topstitch- from the right side, straight stitch 1/8" from the edge of seam

Finger press- using your finger to do the work of your iron

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Any questions so far?

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