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Mrs Bowden’s top tip – pattern symbols

Mrs Bowden’s top tip – pattern symbols

There are many pattern symbols you will be familiar with but sometimes we can stumble across an overlooked or more unusual sign when using a commercial dressmaking pattern.

vogue 8974

I’m presently working on this little number, Vogue 8974. Here is the pattern piece for the front bodice.

Front bodice pattern piece

Front bodice pattern piece

The circle with the cross in it indicates the bust position.

Bustpoint symbol with finished garment measurements

Bustpoint symbol with finished garment measurements

You will also see this symbol being used to represent the hipline, waistline and sometimes biceps. Why do we need to know this? It makes pattern adjustment much easier as the pattern piece then relates to specific body points. Sometimes there is also a measurement given of the FINISHED garment at this point which, again, is useful for pattern adjustment.

Facing placement

Facing placement

Can you also see the dashed cross symbol? This indicates the placement of the facing on the inside of the garment so you know where it should be lying if attached correctly.

The large and small circle at the top indicate the placement of the strap and would be marked with a tailor tack/disappearing fabric pen or tailor’s chalk.

In stitches,     Amanda xx

 

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