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Pattern Tracing Paper

Started by PrincessSara, July 25, 2008, 09:22:18 PM

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PrincessSara

I just received a pattern and I would like to transfer it to a thinner material for ease of cutting later, but I haven't the faintest idea what I should trace the pattern onto.  I'll be tracing it through the paper, not cutting out the pattern and tracing around it.  Brown paper bags and newspapers won't work because they aren't transparent enough for me to see through to trace.  Any ideas?

gem

Would Tru-Grid work?  Or another sheer interfacing?

Alternately, you might try tracing onto something *below* the pattern, instead of above it.  When I'm merging pattern sizes, I trace *through* the pattern using a fine-line Sharpie, onto blank wrapping paper below.  A (fine-point) Sharpie will bleed through ordinary pattern tissue without tearing it.  I'm not sure if it would work with a heavy paper pattern (like JP Ryan's), though.  Of course, dressmaker's carbon would work, as well.

PrincessSara

#2
Whatever I'm using, I need to be able to find it here in Brantford.  I don't have time to order anything and then make the costume.  I might be able to find something like that at the local Fabricland, so I'll have a look tomorrow.

The pattern paper is really heavy - heavier than normal 8 1/2" x 11" printer paper.

Also, what's dressmaker's carbon?

Orphena

*S* Hello Princess Sara!

I have used the following cheap things to trace patterns - usually available at ANY dollar store.

White or light plastic tablecloths - you can see right through them - I've used lilac, yellow and white.

Plastic shower curtains

Tissue paper - from the gift wrapping section - but be prepared to do a bit of taping for the larger pattern pieces. So long as you stick to plain white, it comes 10 sheets for a dollar!

If you plan on reusing the pattern again and again, I would trace it onto one of these, cut it out, and then trace it onto something sturdy!

Happy Sewing!
Luxurious Lady ~ Statuesque Seamstress ~ Winsome Wayfarer
Enjoyer of Elegant Elizabethan Ensembles

Lady Rosalind

If there is an art supply store in your area, you can get a roll of tracing paper. I like the 24" wide. After you trace off the pattern, lightly press the back of the paper to get it to lie flat.

peggyelizabeth

I'd also suggest tissue paper-it's cheap and if you goof it up, who cares?

isabelladangelo

Get chalk to draw over the pattern outline.  Use a roller cutter (I'm not sure what it's really called but it's a spiky wheel that you can roll) and trace the pattern with it first.  This will cause some small holes in the pattern outline.  Then, trace over the pattern with the chalk.  The chalk will go through to the paper bag you have underneath enough so that you can redraw it there.

gem

Quote from: isabelladangelo on July 27, 2008, 12:40:00 PM
Use a roller cutter (I'm not sure what it's really called but it's a spiky wheel that you can roll) and trace the pattern with it first. 

It's called a tracing wheel! :D  Mine actually came in my package of dressmaker's carbon.

Lady Caroline

Hi PrincessSara,

whenever I am in Brantford, I always pop into Lens Mills Outlet.  They have all of the sewing implements and such, as well as good deals on fabric.  They do have tracing wheels and carbon paper.


Naween

I second the dollar-store white tablecloth and a sharpie! Extrmely easy to see through, and VERY able to withstand pets walking on it, holes from dull/bent pins, being crumpledinto a ball, etc. I love them!

Kate XXXXXX

I have a roll of Dot & Cross paper, as used by designers the world over for making paper patterns.  It was very economical: http://www.morplan.com/ProductDisplay/Dot%20&%20Cross%20Paper/83409/16251/349825

Yes, I bought a 200m roll!  I'm almost finished it...

LadyStitch

I found butcher paper/ craft paper from a craft store or Ikea.  It only comes 36 inches wide but it works.  I use it so I dont' have to cut out/ damage my good base patterns & blocks.  If I good up a little tape or an eraser and it is good as new.

You can get the big rolls of butcher paper from restrant supply stores but they run 45-50 bucks a roll, and are a little unwieldy,

On a side note, what do you use to take your patter pieces together when the paper isn't big enough? I use this pale but see through masking tape.  When i use cello tape my pencil won't take the marks.
It is kind of strange watching your personal history become costume.

Kate XXXXXX

Glue tape like this:http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/images/products/uk_379375_1_enl.jpg

Doesn't shrink the paper, or warp or stretch it, and you can iron over glued areas.  I also use it for gluing together the 'tiles' of patterns printed from Wild Ginger or downloaded from various web sites.

PrincessSara

Thanks for all the suggestions!!  I'll try them out next time I need to trace a pattern.

I found something called Trace-A-Pattern at my local Fabricland which is sort of like interfacing, with dots on it marking out one inch squares.  It's really great stuff, easy to draw on, ironable, and cuts beautifully.  Drawbacks are that it's only 22 inches wide and it's kind of expensive at $3 a metre.  But it worked really well for this project.

Cilean

I go to the art store and I get a 36inch roll of Vellum for tracing. It really is easy because I tape the thing I want to trace on my sliding glass and then place the vellum over it and it is simple to trace over!

I used to have a glass table top and I would put a light under the table and darken the room and bingo easy peasy but I do not have one anymore :(



I hope that helps!

Cilean
Lady Cilean Stirling
"Looking Good is not an Option, It is a Necessity"
My Motto? Never Pay Retail

PrincessSara

Glass table....that's a great idea!!  My family has this glass table when I was a kid, and when we eventually got a dining set they wanted to get rid of it, but I wouldn't let them.  My parents told me I could have the glass table when I moved out, but I really didn't have any idea what to do with it, it was mostly sentimental value.  Now I have the perfect use for it!  Thanks Cilean!!