aren't cuties the best! I have learned about Kwik Sew from Babash (thanks so much )& was lucky enough to find both of these books complete with patterns online. I am excited to learn all that these books have to offer. I wonder if someone could tell me what do you trace your patterns on to? I was told to use something called drafting paper? Never heard of it

I have used these patterns for years!! They are very good. I had 4 children and made most of their fleecy clothes for years and also use the adult book now for them and me!! easy to adapt patterns to make yokes and different colour combos on patterns as well!!

I use freezer paper. works very well...

Ask your Doctor if you can buy a roll of examining table paper...that is what I use...it is like tissue paper and it comes on decent size rolls.

1 comment

by pldc 16 Sep 2016

oh wow that is a gr8 idea thanks I will give that a try

ok for anyone (like me) who isn't aware of grease proof paper, here we call it parchment paper & it can be bought @ the Dollar stores in Canada. I had no idea I could use this as tracing paper so thanks to all you wonderful cuties for your advice over the years. Today is no exception you are the best!

I use the Grease proof lunch wrap bought at the Supermarket a couple of $ a roll. It is the one that has no wax on it and you can see through it.


Maybe even oven bake paper could work for you.


I only ever use a pencil to trace with. ( my first job was in a Men's ware store and Ink pens were a no no incase you got it on the merchandise)


Once I have made my pattern I scan a picture and keep it in a zip lock bag then when garment is made take a photo and put in bag as well. If I do 2 different sizes I have a bag for each. The Master copy books I keep in an A4 Zip bag.
Forgot to say I am glad I was a help as I have been helped by so many on here myself.

I also use grease proof paper and I use a glue stick to join the pieces together. I like using the kwik sew patterns they usually have a good fit.

1 comment

by pldc 16 Sep 2016

sorry I'm afraid I don't know what grease proof paper is here in Canada? Maybe another cutie can tell me

I use the kitchen grease proof paper as well. I have had these books for years and have made lots of things for the grandchildren from them. You will have fun creating. Hugs Shirley

1 comment

by pldc 15 Sep 2016

many thanks Shirley, I am hoping to get creative once I can find some tracing paper

I always use kitchen greaseproof paper that I buy at the supermarket. It comes on a 30cm wide roll.Any big pattern pieces I tape together.

1 comment

by pldc 15 Sep 2016

I am not sure what this is? Parchment paper?

I use the cheapest interfacing I can find... usually at JoAnn's with a coupon...I find it holds up much better than pattern tracing paper...just be careful if using a felt marker as it may bleed through to the original pattern.

1 comment

by pldc 15 Sep 2016

oh good tip Kim thanks

I have these books and the baby one been using them for many years I allways trace on to iron on interfacing ...linda

1 comment

by pldc 15 Sep 2016

oh that's another good idea thanks Linda

I have a bolt of Pattern material- it is cheap, especially since I buy it by the bolt and can use a 50% off JoAnn's coupon. It seems lighter than even light weight stabilizer and you can see through it well enough to trace off a pattern or to use a garment you already have to create a pattern from it. Prior to this method I had also gone to our Newspaper company and was able to purchase the end rolls of the newspaper before they printed the letting on it. This would be more practical for small patterns but I now prefer the pattern material as it is wider and the pattern material holds up much better and easier to see through, compared to the newspaper and lets face it some pattern pieces are too large to put up on the front window to be able to see the lines to trace off the pattern. If you need the item number off the bolt from JoAnn's just let me know. Pam

2 comments

by pldc 15 Sep 2016

thanks Pam that is just what I have done in the past lol I use the window to trace lol I use a small tupperware with lights on the inside for a lite box & that like you say is too small to trace most patterns
I would very much like the number for the bolt pk

by pacmp 16 Sep 2016

Sorry for the delay getting back to you.- It is from Pellon and called Easy Pattern 830, it is a Non woven tracing material, 10% poly/ 90% viscose regular price was $1.99 per yard and 45 inch wide when I purchased in August 2009 but I used a 40 or 50% off coupon. It is machine wash cold and dry with low heat. I have not washed any of it yet, but I have ironed it. Wish you were close as I could send you a chunk of it as my bolt is still almost full. It came with 25 yards on the bolt. Congratulations on your books on line that you found with all the patterns intact- a great find. Let me know if I can help in any other way. Pam

Cute is a huge source of information, far, far wider than machine embroidery. I use tissue paper to copy my paper patterns onto. I have used this method for years and is very useful with multi sized patterns. I then fold the tissue pattern and put it and the original into a plastic pocket for use again.

3 comments

by pldc 15 Sep 2016

thanks I have tried the tissue paper too but it is thin & since I am thinking long term I was thinking of maybe using an inexpensive interface but then they aren't always as wide as need be

by theduchess 16 Sep 2016

Just zigzag two pieces together to get size needed. Same with stabilizer never throw out small pieces. Still have patterns made over 20 years ago.

by theduchess 16 Sep 2016

On embroidery stabilizer just slightly moisten your finger and piece them together. Hold perfect.

I use either tissue paper or thin craft paper. If I want to re-use the pattern I will trace onto a non-woven polyester that I purchased from Nancy notions, however I did not find it today.

1 comment

by pldc 15 Sep 2016

thanks Christine I think these will end up being used frequently

Drafting paper can be found at any office supply store. I've also used butcher paper that I get at the grocers.

1 comment

by pldc 15 Sep 2016

I will check our local office supply store for comparison thanks Jerrylyn

Stretch and Sew used to have a product (Do-Sew?) for this and I have found products at Jo-Ann's. Your least expensive stabilizer will work, or brown grocery bags opened up (sort of thick for storing if you cut lots of patterns, but free and will hold up for many uses). I have even used the white side of Christmas wrapping paper! White tissue paper will work, but not for many uses of a pattern. I have these books and Kwik-Sew is awesome!

3 comments

by pldc 15 Sep 2016

thanks Betsy I love paper bag idea but we no longer have them & how would you get the pattern on it? can't see it but I do like the idea of inexpensive interface, do you buy tearaway?

by lindav 15 Sep 2016

I agree with you Do-sew was the best for patterns, it was similar to a thin stable interfacing. I have used only that type be able to see through for all the markings. and later to see patterns of the fabric to be sure you are in good alignment.

by Patricia109 15 Sep 2016

Sewing interfacing, not embroidery machine stabiliser.
Make sure that it doesn't stretch. I once bought some that stretched the patterns were unusable.
Go to the sewing section of your fabric shop and look for the cheapest, thinnest, non-stretchy interfacing. I buy 10 yards/metres at a time.
I have all the Kwik Sew Books. They are so versatile.