Do you have special pieces of fabric that end up not getting used because you are too afraid to mess it up?

Hey, you are not the only one! There have been so many pieces of fabric that almost get dusty because I am too afraid I am going to wreck it.

Ruin the whole piece by cutting out a dress that ends up not fitting. Or by cutting it out wrong to begin with and not having enough fabric to start over.

Let’s unpack these fears of cutting into special fabric and see if we can send them packing. So that the next special piece of fabric can get sewn before it gets moldy in the cupboard.

Rehearse

Spread out your fabric and lay the pattern on that you want to use. Here are a few items to check off before you get started so don’t cut into anything yet!

• pieces all face the same direction
• number of pieces to cut
• they all fit on the fabric

Make sure all your pattern pieces lay in the same direction. Yes, on some fabrics it works to lay pattern pieces in alternating directions to fit better.

But for the best results, lay them all in the same direction or the direction the arrows on the pattern pieces indicate.

Now check each pattern piece so that you know how many to cut out of each. Also check pieces like the skirts and bodice on which ones to cut out on the fold.

S do the pattern pieces all fit on the fabric? Or are you running short?

If they don’t all fit then it’s time to choose a different pattern. Or you can do a variation of the one you chose. Like, you could a different skirt or short sleeves instead of long.

You want to know that the pattern will work and fit on the fabric.

There are solutions if the fabric doesn’t seem to be enough. Be solution minded instead of focusing on the problem.

Getting another “thinker” involved sometimes helps to come up with a solution. You can do this. 😊

If it all fits, you still don’t want to get those scissors out. There’s another step.

Remember, this is to make sure you don’t ruin that special fabric.

Sew a test dress

Sewing a test dress before cutting into that special fabric will ease your mind, erase those fears and give yourself the confidence that this is going to work.

But of course, if you are using a pattern that fits and you have sewn before AND it works on the type of fabric your special fabric is, there is not need to test it.

But, if you are trying a new pattern or adding a detail you haven’t done before then test first.

Here are a few things to check out.

• fabric type
• pattern type
• pattern and fabric match

The test fabric needs to be the same type or close to the same type as your special fabric.

This is especially important when using knit fabric. Knit fabric comes in so many different types of stretch and weight.

So if you are using knit fabric make very sure that your fabrics are very close to the same. They need to stretch the same amount and be the same or close to the same weight.

The next thing to check off is do your fabric and pattern match? Will the pattern you chose look how you have in mind out of this special fabric?

The weight of the fabric makes a difference on how the dress hangs, how it feels, how it sits on your body. So test the drape of your fabric to see if it will work well with your pattern.

Cutting out

Once you have tested the pattern and you know it’s going to work, it’s time to start cutting on that special fabric. (Eeeek!)

Ok, take a deep breath… You got this!

Here’s what you can do.

• check number of pieces and those cut on the fold
• cut large pieces first
• have faith in yourself

Now lay out the pattern pieces on the fabric. Double check the number of pieces you need, those that need to be cut on the fold and the direction of the grainline.

Cut out the skirts first. That way the smaller pieces can fit in around them.

And last of all, have faith in yourself. You can do this. Even if you make a mistake, there are solutions to that too. Think solutions and don’t give up.

And remember that everyone makes mistakes. We all mess up special fabric at times.

So rehearse the pattern layout on the special fabric. Then sew a test dress to make sure the pattern fits and works well. And lastly, double check the layout and pattern pieces and cut out the dress giving yourself confidence and faith that you can do it.

Take your time and do your best. That’s all anyone can do. 🥰

What fears do you have when it’s time to cut into fabric to sew a dress? Let me know in the comments below!