Reading sewing patterns is difficult especially if you’re a beginner. You need to mentally prepare yourself because there will be a lot of reading involved. Make sure before you buy or download, you’ve read through the specifications. Think of it as buying a gadget. Get the specs that you need. Here is a simple step-by-step guide that you can follow when deciphering your sewing guide. Step 1: Look for the pattern number. The pattern number indicates the pattern design and size. Step 2: Identify the size. Sewing patterns does not have one standard size. You need to check if the size range indicated in the pattern suits what you need. Step 3: Go through the pictures one by one. It shows which fabrics go well with the design. How the clothing is to fit. Also, it will show design variations. As well as the essential pieces to make those variations. Step 4: Browse the drawings of the design. Views is another term for design variations which can you can see at the back of the sewing pattern set. Every view has a corresponding symbol. You can use the symbols to navigate the chart and the patterns for more details about that specific view. Step 5: Consider the fabric suggestions. The sewing pattern set also includes a prescription of fabrics that is ideal for the design. Read it, consider the suggestions, and choose a fabric that you can work with. Step 6: Skim through the notion and trim requirements. Your patter may have specific notions and trim requirements. The notions will show all the other pieces that you’ll need for the article. Step 7: Learn the body measurements and size chart. You need to be accurate when you determine your size before you start cutting. The size of the pattern and the size of ready to wear clothes are different. Step 8: Check the fabric requirements. You’ll see this listed below the body measurement and the size chart. Step 9: Take note of the measurements of the finished article. Your finished product is larger than your actual measurements for ease of movement. You can find the size of the finished garment in the last section of the chart. Step 10: Study the line drawings. The line drawings depict the front and the back of the clothing. Under each, you’ll be able to see corresponding symbols of the garment. Step 11: Digest all the information on each pattern piece. Every image has a label with a descriptive list of information below the drawings. Step 12: Go through the sewing instructions. Before you start cutting the sewing pattern, read through the sewing instructions. There you’ll see details about inserting zippers and seam allowance. Step 13: View the cutting layout. There is a cutting diagram that will guide you on the number of pieces that will fit the specific size of the fabric. Step 14: Look for the pattern pieces required for your clothing. Get your cutting layout guide and use it to identify the pieces that you’ll need. Step 15: Iron the pattern before cutting. To remove the wrinkles from the paper, iron it out. After, you can start cutting. Step 16: Familiarize yourself with the symbols. There are different kinds of symbols in a pattern. You need to learn so you won’t have a hard time following through. Step 17: Wash, dry, and, iron the fabric. Like the pattern, make sure to prep your fabric before you start cutting. Fold the fabric based on the instruction given before cutting. Step 18: Pin the pieces on the fabric. After cutting your pattern, secure it on the fabric. Look through your cutting diagram again before cutting the fabric.