Once the pattern is ready, the details on the pattern should be transferred to the cloth by marking. Accuracy in marking and cutting is necessary to construct a well fitted garment. The various methods of transferring patterns markings onto the fabric is done using
Dressmaker’s Carbon The carbon paper method requires dressmaker’s carbon, tracing wheel, ruler and pins. The carbon marks must not be visible on the right side of fabric being cut. This method is suitable on any firm fabric.
Place carbon paper between fabric and pattern, with the waxed sides of carbon facing the wrong side of the cloth.
Tailor’s Tacks This method uses a double strand machine thread to transfer pattern markings onto the fabric. It is good for silks and sheer fabrics.
Use double thread
Do not knot the thread end.
Take a stitch through both layers of fabric, leaving 1 ½” of thread at the beginning of the stitch.
Take a second stitch at the same point with a 1” loop
Repeat the same process along pattern lines (darts)
To remove the pattern from the fabric, cut the threads between tailor’s tacks and pull gently and cut threads between two fabric layers
Tailor’s Chalk Tailor’s chalk can also be used to transfer the pattern markings. Only the outer edges can be transferred while the marks on the pattern can be transferred using through carbon paper and tracing wheel.
Method of Marking
Advantages
Disadvantages
Dressmaker’s carbon
Quick, easy and accurate
Entire stitch line details transferred
Identical marks on both layers
Shows on right side if fabric is flimsy or if marked heavily
Participants