Burda World of Fashion: Twist Top
Well, I opened up my Burda magazine and took out the pattern pages. I gently ironed out the page that I was to trace and then layed it out on my counter. We renovated in January and February and now I have a countertop that is wide enough for me to trace and cut my patterns out.
After laying my pattern page out, I traced it using canary paper which is used by architects. I found a roll at a local drafting and art supplies store. I traced the pattern pieces using a fine-tip felt pen. I then had to add 1.5 cm (5/8″) seam allowances to the edges. Burda WOF patterns do not include seam allowances. I made a nifty tool with a pencil and felt pen by putting a piece of cardboard in between. They are held together with an elastic. Its cheap and it works.
To cut my pattern pieces, I squared my fabric by folding the fabric in half with the selvages matching. I adjusted the selvages until there were no wrinkles in the fold. Then I took my quilting ruler which is 6″ wide and 24″ long and squared it and then cut along the crosswise grain. The purpose of this is to get the fabric on grain. Very important otherwise my top would twist. There is a lengthwise grain and a crosswise grain. On each pattern piece, there is a straight grain line indicating where the pattern piece must be placed. The straight grain line must be parallel with the selvage. Some pattern pieces must be cut on the fold. One edge will indicate a center fold and this edge is put on the fold.
I used a rotary cutter to cut out my patterns. Using this tool to cut out your patterns is faster and more accurate. Why more accurate? The fabric is not lifted up when cutting. With scissors shifting of the fabric can occur slightly when cutting. But there are times when I like to cut with scissors.
Before I get started I dread the task of tracing. But when I get started I actually find it relaxing. Now that I can trace on my counter i enjoy it even more. I’m also upstairs with the family. Sometimes I’d like my sewing machine to be upstairs too but that is not possible. I don’t like the upstairs to look cluttered either.
Check back in the next few days as I will be beginning construction of this popular twist top.
In Stitches
Thanks for the Canary paper idea. I’ve used parchment and wax to trace, but they are too short for some wider patterns. Happy Sewing.
Please Visit The Lovely Rosa • 8:26 am
Have fun working on your Twist Top! I’m going to have to start trying to do the rotary cutter on my fabric. I just hate cutting.
As for the tracing – I do the same thing! I saw that clotide has a tool for marking similar to what we’ve made at home that only costs a couple of dollars, but I know that shipping would kill me!
Please Visit The Lovely stacy • 6:21 am
Oh my gosh!
Great idea with the canary paper.
But I never had a rotary cutter…I’m just running with my scissors.
I only trace the paper and cut it without the seam allowances, and the I do not trace anything on the fabric itself…i simply cut at the same distance from the paper pattern…speeds things up at lot, but your work on this is a lot more professional.
I am so used to the patterns not having the seam allowances, that I dislike the separate bought patterns from Burda. I think they allow you to draw the exact line where the seam will go.
Check out Burda style, I sewed this top and I really like the pattern and how it turned out.
Please Visit The Lovely Mirela • 7:52 am