Tracing a Pattern From a Ready-made Garment

The easiest way to duplicate a favorite garment is to cut it apart and make a pattern from it. But, if it’s not worn out yet, you probably don’t want to cut it up. In this class, you will learn to trace a garment to make a pattern from it, a method that’s also called rubbing off. This is my favorite method of making a pattern, as you can exactly duplicate what you already know fits and eliminate the flat measuring and guesswork in custom fitting. We also offer a follow-up class on understanding how to sew the garment that you make a pattern for. You can enroll in this follow-up class here: How to Sew a Garment without an Instruction Guide. 

To bring to the class:

Shirt or vest that you want to make a pattern from.

Before you take the time to trace a garment, you should try it on and decide if it fits perfectly or if there are any adjustments that should be made. Write any changes down (such as: lengthen 1” at hem edge or sleeve tight at elbow or horizontal wrinkle from top button to shoulder; make adjustment for square shoulder, and so on). Another thing to keep in mind is that sewing your traced pattern in a different type fabric than what the garment you are tracing is made from will change how the garment looks and even how it fits. Knit material is more difficult to accurately trace, so I recommend avoiding knit to learn on.


Please call (254-829-7119) or come by the shop if you have any questions.