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How-To Sew

Understanding Fabric Selection & Shopping for Fabric Online

Duration31:56

Understanding fabric selection involves knowing how different fabric types behave—like stretch, drape, and weight—so you can choose one that suits your pattern. When shopping online, carefully read fabric descriptions, check fiber content and width, and always order a swatch if possible to avoid surprises.

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Tips to Remember

  • Learn basic fabric types (like cotton, linen, knits) and how they behave to match them with your project needs.
  • Always check the fabric content, width, stretch, and weight in the product description to ensure it suits your pattern.
  • Order swatches when possible to feel the texture and see the color in person before committing to yardage.

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Ease of Sewing—Know Before You Sew

VERY EASY
The easiest and quickest patterns to sew. Great for beginner or the experienced sewer with limited time available. Expect limited construction details, hand sewing and fitting. Easy-to-sew fabrics are recommended.

EASY
Easy-to-sew patterns but with more details than the Very Easy category. Perfect for those with limited sewing knowledge or little time. Expect a wide variety of sewing procedures—there will be more details when the techniques are simple and fewer details when the techniques are more involved. Some fitting knowledge required.

AVERAGE
These patterns are perfect if you have more time to sew, and more experience sewing. Look for challenging designer techniques, tailoring, unique construction details. Expect more fitting and inner construction. Find more variety in fabrics from the stretchiest knits to synthetic leathers and suedes.

ADVANCED
The finest patterns featuring the best of European and American Couture. Perfect for those who like the sewing challenge of professional tailoring and fine couture techniques. Expect intricate fashion shaping, hidden construction details, couture inner construction, fine touches of hand sewing and bias draping.

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