Do I have to iron....?

Question

a sewing pattern before I cut it out? I have never sewed from clothing patterns. I make quilts but never have sewed clothes. This is the first time. The pattern is for a pair of flannel pj bottoms.

Answer 1

the patterns are all creased and wrinkled in the package. It is much easier to pin them in place if they are pressed first. They won't be as accurate if you don't press out the heavy creases.

And from your quilting you already know about accuracy in patterns and the fact that they won't go together properly if they aren't right.

Sewing clothing is good fun!! Especially the super simple PJ bottoms!! I use a PJ bottom pants pattern for my divided skirts and adjust the length. This gives me the correct crotch depth.

And yes, I iron the pattern everytime I take it out of the package. I also fold it up and press to make it flat to put it back in. They are much too expensive to buy a new one every time.

Answer 2

"Pressing is not an option," as quoted by a good friend Betty E.  It just takes a few seconds but is sooo helpful in making your sewing experience easier and more accurate.

Judith Lester

Answer 3

I don't , just smooth it out with your hand and pin in place ;)))

Answer 4

If the pattern is tissue paper, yes, iron it!  It will lay flat and thus provide more accurate cutting of the fabric.  

Answer 5

The only time I iron them is if they are really wrinkled. Otherwise, I lay them out and start cutting.

Answer 6

Yes iron them. I always iron out all the pieces. You really don't get the right shape of the pattern if you don't iron the tissue out

Answer 7

I've always ironed mine...but I'm kinda monkish about stuff like that! If it's not too wrinkled, you could probably get away with not ironing...but then again, you stated that it's your 1st clothing project, so use your best judgement.

Answer 8

It helps if the paper is wrinkled and not laying nicely for cutting purposes. But if it's not real bad, I usually don't iron them. They are ok if I pin them flat to the fabric.