101
Objectives
This lesson will help you to
• identify the various ways fabric may be folded in preparation for layout, pinning, and
cutting.
• correctly lay out a pattern.
• give reasons for various layout, pinning, and cutting procedures.
• interpret layout, pinning, and cutting information found on the pattern instruction sheet.
Words to Know
lengthwise fold double fold even plaid
partial fold repeat uneven plaid
crosswise fold
Gathering Information
Following the correct pattern layout will help ensure that your garment is cut out on-
grain. Pinning and cutting your garment carefully will avoid wasting fabric. This lesson will
provide the information you need to lay out, pin, and cut out your pattern pieces.
You will first need to make sure the cut ends of your fabric are on-grain. If they are off-
grain, follow the directions in Lesson 4, “Fabric Preparation,” to straighten the grain before
preparing the fabric for pattern layout.
Folding
the Fabric
Fabric can be folded in a variety of ways
before pattern pieces are positioned for cutting.
The type of fold used depends on
• the number of pattern pieces that must be
placed on a folded edge
• the fold that results in the most economic use
of the fabric
• the width of the fabric
• the pattern size
Pattern companies have already taken these
factors into consideration for you. Therefore, you
should fold your fabric as shown in the diagram
found on your pattern instruction sheet.
Layout, Pinning Pattern
t and Cutting
Lesson
8
(Continued)