Friday, May 21, 2021

Are You On Team Trace?

Regular readers here will know that I like my Burda magazines, and enjoy a good Indie sewing pattern in pdf as well. But with both of these things comes the question of tracing off patterns.


When it comes to traditional tissue patterns I just cut that sucker! However, I do always cut at the largest size and then snip and fold where necessary when laying it out. 

But I am firmly in the tracing camp when it comes to pdfs -- I cut all my fabric with scissors so using the paper a pdf is printed on doesn't work well for me, it's just not very pinnable. And there isn't any other choice with magazine patterns.

How about you? Where do you fall? If you are also a tracer what is your preferred tracing material?

I've been using plant covering sheets from the Dollarama for a long time but ran out recently and of course the stores are mostly closed right now. 

Fortunately I had a roll of medical exam table paper from a sewing friend that kept me going for a bit. But it was time to get a new supply.

I started looking around and found that a person can order by the case from Dollarama -- 12 packs of the plant cover material to a box. I considered it, but found while I was trialling the first paper roll that the medical exam paper was easier to write on and also easier to use when altering patterns since tape sticks to it much better. 

So I checked around in various places that sewing friends fhad mentioned. There were no local sources to be found,  but after a lengthy search of a number of Canadian online stores, I think I found the most affordable option. Sharing it for any of my fellow Canadians who might need the same!

I had to buy a case of 12, but the 21" x 225' rolls work out to approximately $7/roll. That's including shipping. I found this option at TherapySupply.ca and will give a full opinion on it once it arrives & I test it out. If you have a favourite material or source I'd love to hear it !


11 comments:

  1. Burda magazines do rather teach you the benefits of tracing (and of patterns with no seam allowance). After years of using them I too trace my pdf patterns. I use McCall's Trace & Toil - cheap nonwoven sew in interfacing - which drapes enough for tissue fitting, and is nice and strong for making adjustments. As I have to make many adjustments that is essential. I mostly avoid tissue patterns, but if I use them I trace them to, as they are so fragile.
    https://www.spotlightstores.com/sewing-fabrics/dress-apparel-fabrics/lining-interfacing/sew-in-interfacing/mccalls-trace-toil-100-cm-interfacing-fabric/80243138?

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    1. Thanks for the tip! I also have to make regular alterations so it's nice to know about material that works. Also, I am with you on the useful nature of no seam allowance on a pattern!

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  2. I use pdf a fair bit. I print it off , tape together and keep a multi size one as a master pattern. I use medical exam paper to trace the kids, grandkids and gift for others, but use the good stuff for my own sewing. Swedish tracing paper, or gridded tracing paper. It is similar to a sew in interfacing in that it is sturdy enough to use multiple times but soft enough to pin.
    Barb

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    1. Interesting that you use different materials depending on the end use! I guess interfacing keeps a pattern that you're going to use multiple times more useable! The plant cover material that I mentioned is kind of like a nonwoven interfacing, but a little thinner perhaps.

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  3. I also trace most patterns. I usually use the gridded Pelion interfacing (not sure of the name). I live in the U.S., so I buy a bolt from Joanne’s when it is half price.
    I have also used the back side of ugly wrapping paper when I didn’t have anything else available. A good way to use it up.

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    1. Ah, great idea! I know that some people really like the gridded wrapping paper for this kind of thing.

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  4. I know some people add the seam allowances to their paper pattern first, and perhaps if something becomes a TNT (tried and true) pattern for me I would do that. But I like to leave the pattern pieces without the seam allowances so I can further doctor them if I need to, for a future version — sounds similar to your thinking.

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    1. Sorry, I was copying and pasting and only my last paragraph copied. Here’s the rest of my comment, sorry it’s now in reverse order.

      I am team trace! And I use that medical exam paper. I am in the USA so I don’t have a source to suggest. I do have a few little tips I have picked up over the years:

      First, the instructions in the BurdaStyle magazine include a miniature illustration of each pattern piece, and those illustrations include all the markings. Before I lift my tracing paper, I take a quick look at the instructions to make sure I have placed all the markings, which can be easy to miss.

      Second, I get the best curves if I freehand a dotted/dashed line, and then use a curved ruler to more precisely connect my dots or dashes.

      After making my standard alterations to the pattern, I trace the pattern onto the fabric using whatever method makes sense. I then add the seam allowance before cutting — sometimes I freehand it (for joined seams that is often fine), and sometimes I measure, mark and cut it (hemlines). When I am laying out my paper pieces on my fabric, I have to be careful to leave enough room for seams.

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    2. Thanks for making all these points. So many good ones -- I never thought about checking the mini illustrations to make sure I had all the markings before removing the tracing paper. I usually realize I've missed one afterward, and then have to lay it out again and find the right spot ;)

      I like to freehand the seam allowances as well, but as you say, be sure to leave enough space for them! I like not having the seam allowances on the pattern pieces when I'm adjusting them. And I've only forgotten to cut with the seam allowances once.... ;)

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  5. I don't trace. I mostly make big 4 patterns and I cut them out in my size; same with the occasional PDF. If I make it again and want a different size, I'll buy another copy (waiting until the $2 sales at Joann) or print the PDF again.
    A few months ago I bought a roll of tracing paper from Mood so I can finally use patterns from Gertie's books. Her book patterns are printed on both sides of the paper so tracing is required.

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    1. I cut the largest size in big 4 just because we don't have those great sales here! But if I knew I could pick up another one like that, I just might cut with abandon ;)

      Gertie's books and some other sewing books, as well as magazines, are the real necessity for tracing, for sure.

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Share your comments, ideas or suggestions here -- I am always interested in hearing from readers. It's nice to have a conversation!