Card 37 · Using Patterns
Cutting and sewing stretch garments.
Stretchy fabric needs to be cut and stitched differently. Patterns for stretch clothes may be smaller, made to fit closer to the body.
- Two-way stretch (t-shirts, dresses, leggings): the stretch goes across the body.
- Four-way stretch (swim, dance, gym wear): stretch goes across and down the body.
- No sleeve ease, facing, interfacing, darts or fastenings.
- No or very small hem allowance.
- Small seam allowance, 0.5–1cm.
Top tip: Line up the grain-line on the pattern with the direction of stretch on the fabric, so it stretches the right way on the body.
