Okay friends, by now we’ve done all our pattern alterations and we’re ready to cut our fabric! I thought it was a good time to do a pattern alteration roundup!
Just a recap, here are the alterations we have covered:
- Pattern alterations: Full bust adjustment
- Pattern alterations: Small bust adjustment
- Pattern alterations: Lengthen the bodice
- Pattern alterations: Raise the neckline
- Pattern alterations: Rounded neckline
- Pattern alterations: Fishtail hem
- Pattern alterations: Add darts to the back bodice pattern piece
Obviously, this isn’t an exhaustive list of possible alterations you could do to the dress – but in the interest of time, these are the most commonly requested.
Now let’s chat about cutting.
I admit it. Cutting is my very least favourite part of any sewing project. I always forget how much time it takes and then I get cranky. But honestly, even if you’re like me and you’re impatient to start, don’t forget to take your time with the cutting process and like any part of sewing, do it with care.
A few of my little tips to remember when cutting:
- Prewash that fabric!! Just incase you forgot – because I am literally the prewashing police.
- Iron your fabric before cutting. If you try and cut your pattern on wrinkly fabric it will be completely inaccurate. And can often end up a few sizes too big without you even realising it. I promise. Been there, done that.
- I think most people cut out their patterns with scissors/shears. This involves pinning the pattern to the fabric. Though there is nothing at all wrong with that method – but personally, I prefer to do things a little differently. I use a big cutting table with a large self healing mat and a rotary cutter. I lay out my fabric, then my pattern pieces on top, use weights to keep everything in place, and then zip zip with the rotary cutter. I like this method because it feels quicker (remember i hate cutting? hehe) and i feel that for me, i’m able to cut more accurately this way.
- If you have a fabric which you find hard to distinguish the right side from the wrong side, mark the wrong side with some tailors chalk or a pin now before you forget which is which.
LOOKING FOR MORE TUTORIALS?
Here’s the full list of Darling Ranges tutorials:
- Project preparation
- Pattern alterations: full bust adjustment
- Pattern alterations: small bust adjustment
- Pattern alterations: lengthen the bodice
- Pattern alterations: raise the neckline
- Pattern alterations: rounded neckline
- Pattern alterations: fishtail hem
- Pattern alterations: add darts to the back bodice pattern piece
- Sewing & construction: Bodice & darts
- Sewing & construction: Skirt & pockets
- Sewing & construction: Attaching the skirt & bodice
- Sewing & construction: Placket & Neckline
- Sewing & construction: Sleeveless version
- Sewing & construction: Attaching the sleeves
- Sewing & construction: Hemming
- Sewing & construction: Ties & beltloops
- Sewing & construction: Closures
- Sewing and Construction: Sleeveless variation
- Sewing and Construction: Dartless Versions (V2 &V3)
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNdarlingranges and @megannielsenpatterns if sharing on social media.
Don’t have the pattern yet?
