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Understanding Pattern Symbols

Amie Romine

Created on November 5, 2022

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TEXTILES TECHNOLOGY

YEAR 9

How to Read Sewing Patterns

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING PATTERN SYMBOLS

1. What do the symbols and lines mean?

Each of the symbols on a sewing pattern has a different meaning. The symbols are a shorthand key that holds all the information about the patten peice in question. Some of the lines and symbols will differ slightly depending on the sewing pattern brand.

The size guide

Info

The fabric key

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING PATTERN SYMBOLS

2. Cutting lines

On every sewing pattern you will see cutting lines, there are usually quite a few, overlapping in places. Each cutting line is assigned a size and that is the line you will cut for all your pattern pieces.

Info

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING PATTERN SYMBOLS

3. Lines and arrows

The grain line on a pattern shows you how to line up the pattern piece on the fabric

Sometimes pattern pieces will have a fold line instead of a grain line

A cross grain symbol or, bias, indicates the pattern piece should be placed at an angle to the salvedge edge

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING PATTERN SYMBOLS

4. Notches and darts

Most comercial patterns will have little triangles on them, these are known as notches. Darts are used to shape fabric near the waist or bust.

Notches
Darts

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING PATTERN SYMBOLS

5. Activity

Click on the number corresponding to the symbols and place on the pattern pieces in the correct possition

Info

1 Front notches

2 Grainline
3 Size
4 Cut number

5 Back notches

7 Cut on fold
6 Pattern name