Transfer Markings From Your Pattern

·         Most of the time, I find that all I need to transfer are the dots, as in darts.  I’ve found the best way to do that is with a retractable ball point pen.  Place the transfer paper under the cut out piece of fabric and between the pattern and the fabric, place the pen on the dot and spin the pen.  Voila!  Matching the dots when you sew makes a minimal mark on the fabric.

·         When I want to transfer entire lines, as in piece placement, using the tracing wheel and transfer paper is the best way to get the greatest accuracy.  I try to choose a color as close to the fabric as possible.

·         Tailor’s chalk is great because you can brush it right off immediately after sewing.  Place a pin through the marking on the pattern and chalk both sides of the fabric. 

·         Washable markers are a good choice for washable fabrics, and for those who don’t sew all in one session.   If your fabric is not going to be washed, you’ll want to use fading markers to transfer dots and markings.  Just make sure you sew within 48 hours, or you’ll lose your mark and have to mark it again, risking a less accurate mark.

·         Tailor’s tacks (yes, I’m showing my ageJ) are an old-school option for transferring pattern marks that might take a little practice until you get an accurate mark.  Thread a hand needle with 24 inches of contrasting thread, double strand (12 inches doubled).  At the dot, sew through all the layers, leaving about a 3 inch tail.  Come up right next to your original entry, sew down through the original entry again, coming up through the second hole again, making a loose loop.  Leave a tail when you come up.  The tails should be longer than the loop.  Cut the needle off, and when you pull the fabric apart, clip the threads in-between.  You should have a little thread tack that marks the dot on both pieces of fabric.