Perfect Pattern Matching: Plaids, Stripes & Beyond
Amy Alan
Class Preview
1:43
- In-depth Instruction; over 121 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Planning Garments
14:48
Meet Amy Alan, expert sewing instructor and your guide to perfect pattern matching. Follow along as she walks you through the planning process for creating a garment with well-matched plaids, stripes or prints. Then learn what to look for in a pattern and how to evaluate the visual impact of a fabric.
Buying, Tracing & Cutting Fabric
23:43
You might need extra fabric for matching, but how much? Amy will teach you how to estimate yardage for any fabric. Follow along as Amy demonstrates tracing her pattern pieces and the fabric design elements for matching. Next, find out why single-layer cutting is best, and pick up tips for accurate marking.
Matching & Layouts: Stripes & Prints
27:10
Learn how to identify what type of striped fabric you have and how to plan a pattern layout for it. Then Amy will teach you her strategies for creating pattern layouts that feature floral and wide-repeat prints.
Matching & Layouts: Plaids
16:53
Take a dive into the world of plaids as Amy teaches you the different types and how to identify them. Follow along as she demonstrates pattern layout methods for balanced plaids and more difficult unbalanced plaids.
Bias Grain & Complementary Fabrics
10:39
Go beyond basic pattern matching as Amy shows you how to use the bias grain for gorgeous garment details such as pockets, plackets and cuffs. Amy will also teach you how and when to use complementary fabrics as a solution to matching problems as well as for a design element.
Basting & Stitching
26:49
All your pattern and fabric preparation and planning will pay off as you sit down to stitch perfect seams. Amy walks you through basting methods and how to keep your match points aligned as you stitch straight seams, curved seams, and even an invisible zipper seam.
Learn how to match fabric patterns across seams for garments that look better than anything you’ll find on the rack! In this class, popular sewing instructor Amy Alan will start by helping you choose a sewing pattern suited for plaids, stripes or prints, estimate the yardage you’ll need and trace your pattern pieces for matching. Then, she’ll get into the nitty-gritty of how to match fabric patterns. You’ll find out how to identify the type of stripes or plaids you’re working with and create pattern layouts for matching these and other patterns with confidence. Want to go beyond pattern-matching basics? Amy will even show you how to use the bias grain of your fabric to create pockets, plackets and cuffs. Plus, bring it all together with step-by-step guidance for keeping your patterns matched as you sew straight seams, curved seams and even invisible zipper seams.
Amy Alan
Amy teaches sewing at Modern Domestic in Portland, Ore. and blogs at Really Handmade. She started crafting as a small child and has always made an effort to turn the everyday into art!
Bonus materials available after purchase