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How to smoothi pattern pieces?

user-435801 | Posted in General Discussion on

Hi,

I’m taking up sewing again after awhile (I’m probably semi-demi-intermediate). How do you all get your pattern pieces nice and flat for cutting out? I was taught to dry iron my pattern pieces to smooth them out and make them nice and accurate for cutting out. The problem is, the pattern I’m using seems to not want to cooperate! I iron it and it’s slightly smoother but the folds are still there and most of the wrinkles. I suspect it was ironed to fit in the package (the pieces are somewhat large). my iron is a basic iron.
Thanks
Lisa

Replies

  1. sarahkayla | | #1

    how about if you iron it onto a piece of freezer paper???

    1. user-435801 | | #3

      Do you have to iron freezer paper or is it naturally sticky? When I steamed the paper it seemed to wrinkle it. I tried ironing a piece of wax paper to smooth and seal it but no dice. Now I'm basically laminating the pieces with tape (I plan to make this pattern a couple of times, but this is definitely not the way to go on a regular basis). I wonder if I need a new iron? Anyway, you gave me an idea with the steaming, I'm going to lightly mist the paper and see what happens...

      Lisa

    2. SherryG | | #6

      Dont' steam your pattern.  The time I tried it, the paper actually shrank!!

      Sherry in Texas

  2. ablakemo | | #2

    I know this is a no-no, but on some of my pattern pieces that have been stubborn I've held the iron over the pattern piece to lightly steam the pattern piece (for a second or two), smooth it out and then iron it again with a dry iron. I haven't had any problems. Be careful not to burn yourself tho, steam is hot.

    Good luck!

  3. Kiley | | #4

    Possibly you can pin your pattern pieces to some "Do Sew" I don't know if I spelled that right..but anyway you can recut new patterns out of this interfacing like Do Sew. The Do Sew lasts forever doesn't tear, you can mark on it and fold it and iron it. It stores nicely..better than paper.

    1. user-435801 | | #7

      Well, so far the best thing was ironing longer and ironing wax paper onto the pieces. steaming and misting did not go well (luckily I have extra pieces). I have to run out today and get some freezer paper. I feel like I should be wearing a labcoat! The odd thing is, I have to have it at the highest non-steam temp. possible while everyone says use mild temp.

      Lisa

      1. SherryG | | #8

        Yes, high heat, no steam.  Just don't hold the iron in one place too long.  You could also place pattern weights on the intersections to keep the pattern flat while placing on the fabric.

  4. Elisabeth | | #5

    Maybe just a hotter iron. Not that you want to toast your pattern paper but somewhere in the mid range. Sometimes the lower settings just don't do the job.

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