Getting Started
Size Chart
How to Take Measurements
Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust. Make sure to keep the measuring tape parallel with the floor.
Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, keeping the measuring tape slightly loose.
Hips: With you feet together, measure around the fullest part of your hips.
Key to Pattern Symbols
Note: Diagrams and illustrations in the project instructions are not to scale.
Basic Supplies
You'll need the following supplies for most of the projects at Altered Cloth:
- sewing machine
- machine needle suitable for your chosen fabric
- coordinating thread
- tape measure
- ruler
- scissors
- straight pins
- chalk or fabric marker
- seam ripper
- iron and ironing board
- hand sewing needle (needed occasionally)
The fabric and any other materials needed for a project are listed separately in the project instructions.
General Sewing Information
Preparing Fabric: Before measuring and cutting fabric, you should preshrink it by washing and drying it as you would the finished garment. For nonwashable fabric, steam press instead.
Seam Allowances: 0.5" (13 mm) seam allowances are included in pattern pieces and measurements unless otherwise stated. Typically, neckline edges have a seam allowance of 0.25" (6 mm), which is noted on the neckline templates and pattern pieces.
Finishing raw seam edges: Seam allowances should be trimmed if necessary and finished with an overcast stitch, zig zag stitch or other finishing technique.