How to Pattern Match

Here’s a quick tutorial on how I pattern match on my sewing projects.  Whether across a seam or across a piece like a pocket, the steps I use are the same.  All it takes is a little bit of patience and some precision and you’ll be matching in no time!

I took the time to match the pattern across the skirt to the pockets on the Sunday Picnic Dress I shared yesterday.  Accidentally, I also lucked into a reasonable match from the bodice to the skirt.

1. If you’re going to try to match patterns, you’ll likely need to purchase extra yardage beyond what the pattern indicates.  How much depends on how large the pattern is and how frequent the repeat.
2. Start by cutting the main piece from the fabric.
3. Select a piece large enough to fit the pattern piece with room for playing around.
4. Put that next piece underneath the main piece and slide it around until the patterns match as closely as possible.
5. Main piece flipped up to show the match.
6. Now, slide the pattern piece in between the main piece and the target piece.
7. Line up the pattern piece where it will be once sewn, taking care not to move either piece of fabric.
8. Now, lift off the main piece, leaving the pattern piece where it should be on the target piece.  Carefully cut this piece from the fabric.
9. Check for alignment to the main piece, then sew in place.

Ta-da!  Now wasn’t that fun?  The only difference for matching across a seam is that you have to take the seam allowance into account for that match.  Let me know if you need a separate tutorial for that; I’d be happy to revisit this technique.  *Edited to add:  I forgot I already did a tutorial for matching across a seam; I thought I had only posted to Instagram, but here it is! https://www.ajennuinelife.com/2014/04/kids-clothes-week-day-2-tutorial-for.html