8 Ways to Transfer Pattern Markings to Fabric

Sewing patterns come with all kinds of notes and markings, many of which must be transferred to your fabric in order to accurately complete your project. This video explores eight common methods for transferring pattern markings to fabric.
Many of the tools shown in this video are easy to find at your local fabric store or online. However, waxed tracing paper can be a little more difficult to find. Check out this link if you are interested in buying some (not sponsored):
www.richardthet...

[@sheilaleverson5182]

These are great options. I would add that there is a different method for making tailor's tacks that eliminates the possibility of accidentally pulling out the marking threads before you're ready. This is done by taking that first stitch as demonstrated, but then taking another stitch in the same way. This anchors the threads on both sides, and you can now pull the fabric apart without worrying that the thread will pull out, and snip the thread between the layers. This is how I was taught as a child many years ago.

[@ColleenMarble]

Yes, I've done that too on some projects! It really does help.

[@dawnbliesener7679]

TY TY TY!!!! I love the tailors tack method and ty for the hints @ tracing paper. I never knew the paper fades over time...all along I thought I was just buying lousy paper!!! I am going to try and find the vintage wax paper and not the disappearing pens but the other marking pens... Thanks again!!!

[@ColleenMarble]

You're welcome! I actually just found a complete, unopened pack of vintage waxed tracing paper in a thrift store. That stuff is just the best! And the tailors tacks and iron-away pens are also fabulous. It's good to know several different methods - I use them all over the course of time because each project has its own unique needs.

[@alexkowalski7912]

Best and simplest example of tailor tack I've seen

[@ColleenMarble]

Oh thanks! Tailor's tacks are so useful for some fabrics. They take time but do the job well.

[@JamesSmith-od7po]

Fabulous, loved the tailors tack , thank you so much

[@ColleenMarble]

Tailor's tacks are so useful! Especially on fabrics that don't work well with other marking methods.

[@sandreawhite7534]

Those pens that go away with heat………. After you iron it away, put it in the freezer and see what happens. Watch out on clothes you wear in the winter. LOL.

[@ColleenMarble]

Good point!

[@caddywampus]

Thank you, a very handy list 😁

[@ColleenMarble]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@kaygibbs8639]

On those chalk tailor triangles: #1) using a 1 quart size ziplock bag, #2 measure/cut/glue a 5" X 5" piece of #200 grit sandpaper (for wood) (inside) the baggie , #3 lightly press down chalk on both sides & drag the chalk edges onto the sandpaper (inside the bag!) to sharpen chalk edges, #4 make a baggie for each color chalk(s) if desired. Maybe the accumulated chalk powder residue can go into a chalk wheel?

[@ColleenMarble]

That's a great idea!

[@mdhistorygirl]

Thank you! Helpful! 🧵

[@ColleenMarble]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@marysinclair804]

I have used vintage typewriting carbon paper, its great, but a little messy, so i would recommend that you use a test garment on calico.

[@ColleenMarble]

Thanks for the tip!

[@SuddenUpdraft]

Thank you so much! This is great! I’ve come back to sewing after many years and seem to have forgotten more than I remember. I have trouble transferring things like darts onto fabric. I wonder if transferring with tracing paper, and then going over the marks with something more visible would work. Then there’s the problem of it damaging the tissue, assuming you want to use it again. Maybe carefully using tape to piece it together again would work? Does anyone have any ideas about this?

[@ColleenMarble]

I'm sorry, I'm just now seeing your comment. Do you mean damaging the tissue pattern? Yes, that's a risk with many pattern transfer methods. I know a lot of people will trace the original pattern onto a separate piece of paper first, before working with it, in order to a) protect the pattern and b) preserve the multiple sizes for future use. It seems like a lot of work, but I've done it and it doesn't take too much time. Otherwise, for me, the least damaging method is to use the pin to poke through where you need to mark, lift away the tissue and use a pen or chalk to mark where the pin is.

[@lauraangel2037]

I use Crayola children's washable markers. They wash out everytime.

[@ColleenMarble]

Ooh, interesting idea for washable projects! Thanks for sharing.

[@lillychevalierfox]

I sharpen my chalk with open scissors

[@ColleenMarble]

That's a great idea!

[@anjaliamarasekara4719]

❤

[@sharletmurad2532]

you can baste it

[@ColleenMarble]

Yes you can! And that's a form of thread tracing. Very useful indeed! My most recent video showed another handy tool for marking fabric.

[@MrNeilTV]

I use a white crayon 😅

[@ColleenMarble]

SMART!! what a good idea!