My favourite for "not enough fabric dilemmas" is specially for tops, to split the back in half. So if you have 2 narrow pieces of fabric. So instead of a foldline, sew them lengthwise together and everyone thinks it has to be like that.
Great tips, I often find that I can fit a pattern on less fabric than is suggested just by folding the fabric to the width of my widest pattern piece rather than in half. Using other fabrics to make facings and pocket bags etc
Great advice. Some additional tips: fit the pattern first, as shorter arms and legs can make a big difference. I have cut sleeves in half lengthwise and added seam allowances, to allow me to fit sleeves in narrower fabric scraps. Cut on front facings instead of separate facings can save fabric. If really pushed for width, change a button placket to a zipper.
Great tips! I find cutting on a single layer saves a lot of fabric. You don't have to cut on a fold but of course it requires making full rather than half pattern pieces. I prefer to cut this way anyway because it's so much easier to place pattern pieces the way you want on a pattern and to keep track of grain on unstable fabrics like challis. Also, alterations will increase or decrease the needed amount of fabric. I have to shorten everything, so between that and cutting on a single layer, I never need as much fabric as indicated.
I have made the Peppermint Pocket skirt, that is recommended in my size for 1,70 m fabric - and I just had 1,30 m. Worked out perfectly as I gathered leftover fabric for the underlying invisible parts of the pockets and used leftover stripes for the waistband instead of cutting the pieces including waistband out of one part. Get creative!
GREAT TIPS! #11 take a look at finished garment measurements and/or compare size of pattern pieces to your body. Is there a ridiculous amount of ease to allow you to size down on all or a section of the pattern piece? OR can your own body measurements determine less fabric can be used here and there in comparison to a pattern piece? When some complain about a garment being too voluminous, that can be a bit wasteful if they never bothered to measure properly or at least hold up the pattern pieces to their bodies before cutting out larger unnecessary amounts of fabric. IMO
Great suggestions. Thanks Tilly. Will definitely help when short on fabric. Ignoring layouts and folding twice to centre is something I do all the time. I recently stitched two smaller pieces together to get to what I needed, used it so join was in centre of panel for a v neck as a ‘design feature’. 😂Could probably go off centre for some things🤔.
Great tips Tilly, I’ve tried a few! Always been a bit apprehensive about changing grainline, but it makes sense that it doesn’t matter with some pattern pieces. No waste too, good for environment and cost.
I just did the 90 degree turn thing two hours ago to fit a loose tunic for a friend out of some fabric she loves. Also had to hack the sleeves a bit by connecting two pieces because the original didn't fit on the fold. Thank you for all the great suggestions!
Just love your tips Tilly. Love all of your books, looking forward to the next book? Lol....if you're in the process of one. 😀 I have all of them and have mailed several to friends looking to begin sewing because your instructions and pictures are so very great! Thank you. 😊
Thank you! Although I was aware of some of these tips, I tend to forget about cutting at 90 degrees of the grain unless making a deliberate style choice. I also thought your tip about altering the seam and hem allowances very helpful.
