Lesson 8 1077
• When using a rotary cutter, always be sure to
place a protective plastic cutting mat beneath
the fabric. Shift the cutting mat under your
work as you proceed around the pattern.
A metal ruler can be used as a guide for
cutting straight edges. When cutting complex
shapes, a small rotary wheel is easier to
maneuver than larger ones. You will not be
able to cut out the notches with a rotary
cutter. Instead, cut off the notches and mark
them using another technique, such as chalk
or washable marking pen.
• Before cutting pattern pieces from a
multisize pattern, determine which lines you
need to follow. To do this, compare your
measurements with those on the envelope
size chart. Identify which size you should
use for different areas of your body. Use a
colored pen to trace along the lines you plan
to follow before placing the pattern on the
fabric. Taper from the cutting line for one
size into the cutting line for another size,
as needed. You might also wish to cut out
the pattern on the desired size lines before
placing it on the fabric.
Working with
Striped Fabrics
Keep the following suggestions in mind when
working with striped fabrics:
• Stripes should be matched at seamlines
to form a continuous line around the body.
You may have to purchase extra fabric for
matching.
• Avoid using patterns that are labeled “not
suitable for stripes.” Matching stripes on
these patterns will be difficult.
• Interesting patterns may be created with
stripes by cutting small pattern pieces on the
bias.
• When using stripes vertically, place the
dominant stripe at the center of major garment
pieces.
• Make certain that stripes are on-grain before
purchasing the fabric.
(Continued)