FAQs and General Information

Whether you are just starting or have been sewing for years, you should pick a pattern that speaks to you. Making a garment because you are able to but have no intention of wearing kind of defeats the purpose of a handmade wardrobe.

Sewing pattern designers usually give an indication of the level of difficulty for each of their pattern ranging from beginner, confident or advanced beginner, intermediate to advanced. These are indications only. An advanced sewist can totally find satisfaction in making a pattern rated for beginner. As a beginner however, you may feel overwhelmed if you pick a pattern that requires a lot of technical skills. Depending on your personality, you could see it as a challenge and fight your way through it, learning a lot in the process, or you may totally get lost and throw it all away.

The pattern collection in the shop offers several options for beginners including:

• Grainline Studio Lark Tee, Linden Sweatshirt or Scout Tee
• Merchant & Mills 101 Trouser and Fielder
• Megan Nielsen Briar Sweater and T-shirt or the River dress and top
• Wiksten Shift Dress & Top
• Closet Core Patterns Fiore Skirt

 

For fabrics, what does the weight mean?

GSM is commonly found when shopping for fabric online. GSM stands for grams per square meter. It is the metric measurement of the weight of a fabric or how much 1 square meter of that fabric weights. The higher the number, the heavier or denser the fabric is. Patterns will usually call for either lightweight, medium or heavy weight fabrics to be used. The imperial equivalent is ounce (OZ) per square yard which is usually simply referred to as OZ. Denim is often described using OZ.  

The weight of a fabric doesn’t determine its quality, but it can reflect its opacity, fluidity and sturdiness. As a general guideline, a heavier fabric will yield a more structured garment, may not need interfacing and would probably be more durable. A type of fabric can presents various weight. For example, linen can range from lightweight (around 100 GSM, sheer and more suitable for summer tops and blouses), medium weight (around 200 GSM, opaque and suitable for clothing and heavy enough for pants) to heavy weight (for home decor applications). The composition (i.e. cotton, rayon, bamboo, spandex, etc.) and whether it is a woven or a knit fabric will also affect the weight.

The following table summarizes the weight categories and GSM ranges to expect.

Weight Category	GSM Range	OZ Range
Lightweight	50 – 170	1.5 – 5.0
Medium Weight	170 – 340	5.0 – 10.0
Heavy Weight	340 +	10.0 +

 

In summary, GSM info is provided to help guide the choice of fabric online without being able to touch and feel it, but it can’t be used to assess all the qualities of a particular fabric.

Each pattern designer drafts for a specific cup bust size and average height in mind. Based on your measurements, you might want to adjust the length or bust area if it differs a lot from what the designer drafted for. Adjustments might not always be required depending on the style of the garment.

Sewing cup size is not necessarily the same as your bra cup size. Your sewing cup size refers to the difference between your upper or high bust measurement, and your full bust measurement.

Full bust: Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust. Don’t pull the tape measure too tight or you will end up underestimating your full bust measurement.

High bust: Wrap the tape measure around your chest and measure just under your armpits.

Pattern cup size = Full bust measurement – High bust measurement

1″ is an A cup, 2″ is a B cup, and so on.

Pattern Company	Cup Bust	Average Height
Closet Core Patterns	B	1.68 m (5’6”)
Grainline Studio	B	1.65 m (5’5”)
Merchant & Mills	N/A*	1.68 m (5’6”)
Megan Nielsen	B	1.75 m (5’9”)
Pauline Alice	B	1.65 m (5’5”)
True Bias	C	1.65 m (5’5”)
Wiksten	B	1.70 m (5’7”)

* Not available. Patterns are not fitted/tailored.

I personally prepare, pack and ship all your orders within 1 to 2 business days. You will receive an email with your tracking information when your package has been shipped.