Best Creative Tips and Techniques - Pattern Design

Creative Pattern Design - Techniques to Take Tried and True Projects to Spectacular New Heights!

Halloween season is here and as usual, crafters everywhere showcase their creativity with spook-tacular costumes that hopefully outdid last year's look. Artists pull out all the stops and post some truly amazing artwork in the form of face and body makeup. If you're a crafter, you can find inspiration everywhere as long as you're looking. If Halloween isn't your thing, you can still get those creative juices flowing with by taking your tried and true project patterns and reimagining them in new ways. Don't just settle for using the pattern as-is. Experiment with different fabric textures, bias cuts or how about combining multiple fabrics to complete your project? We'll take a look at option three today.

Below top is the latest cloth face mask design option available on SewYou.net - the 3-layer mask. The finished size of this mask in adult size is 4" x 7". As you can see from the top photo of the collage (pic 1), I wanted to use multiple fabrics for my project. I was pretty married to the idea of having a "peekaboo panel" (top) and installed a beautiful blue & grey hibiscus fabric in the center but the finished product left something to be desired. Instead, I opted to switch up the construction techniques and ended with a product (bottom photo of collage pic 1) that I love and can be easily constructed - taking less than 10 minutes more to construct from start to finish.

With a few simple changes you can take a project that you're familiar with, and make a finished product that you'll love for its aesthetics And functionality. I do have a few simple tips if you're thinking of diving into pattern design.

• Work with a pattern that you have made before so that you are confident in construction techniques and fit (if it's a clothing pattern). 
• When piecing pattern pieces (taking 1 pattern piece and cutting it into 2 or more sections), don't forget to add seam allowances (s.a.s.) to any edge that you split. After all, once you split a pattern piece the two edges won't magically stick together. 
• Including larger than normal s.a.s. on your outside edges is always a smart move - not only when you're manipulating patterns but also for new projects as well.
• Measure twice and cut once! (This is a standard rule in all sewn projects so take it to heart!) Extra fabric can be cut away but nothing can fix a pattern piece that is too small.
• When piecing pattern pieces, the bulk of s.a.s. can become a problem. Always trim the seam allowances to remove bulk before crossing with another seam.
• Pre-folding outer edges (hems) that must be finished with a double-fold and pressing into place will give your fabric some memory that will make it much easier to fold and sew the edge in place. (I apply 1/4" cuts of HeatnBond Lite to the right side of the fabric to "baste" my edges in place whenever possible. It saves a lot of time and headache unless you have a hemming foot on your sewing machine. Keep in mind however, that if you have seam allowances within your outer edge they tend to be unruly and resist folding unless you have pre-pressed or basted in place.
• Basting makes life so much easier! It's especially important when seams need to line up perfectly where they cross one another. Use whatever basting method you prefer but don't neglect to baste. It can make all the difference between a professional looking project and one that looks "home sewn with love".