If you are staring at a gorgeous pattern and wondering how to read sewing patterns, keep reading.
This guide is one of the three secrets to mastering commercial sewing patterns. After learning this skill, you’ll be ready and confident to tackle your next sewing project.
Here’s what we will learn:
- Different symbols found on sewing patterns
- Comparison of the big/popular pattern brands
- Benefits of Knowing how to read sewing patterns
How to read sewing patterns: Symbols and markings

- Size- indicates the range of sizes included in the pattern
- Cutting Line: Shows where to cut the fabric.
- Placement Mark: Indicates the positioning of pattern pieces on the fabric.
- Grainline: Specifies the direction of the fabric’s grain for proper alignment.
- Notches: Match these points when sewing pieces together for proper alignment.
- Markings: Various symbols for pockets, buttonholes, darts, and other details.
Commercial Pattern Brands Comparison
Brand | Symbols Differences | Ease of Use (1-5) | Sewing Instructions | Seam Allowances | Provides Free Patterns |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Simplicity | Minimal differences | 4.5 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Vogue | Detailed markings | 3.8 | Yes | Yes | No |
McCall’s | Clear notches | 4.2 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Butterick | Simple symbols | 4.0 | Yes | No | Yes |
Burda | European markings | 3.5 | Yes | No | Yes |
New Look | Beginner-friendly | 4.7 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Notes: My rating is based on my experience from a beginner’s point of view.
- Symbols Differences: Refers to how distinct and easy-to-understand the symbols are for each brand.
- Ease of Use (1-5): Indicates the perceived user-friendliness of each brand, with five being the easiest.
- Sewing Instructions: Indicates whether the pattern brand provides detailed sewing instructions.
Remember that ease of use can vary based on individual preferences and experience levels. Beginners might find brands with more precise symbols and detailed instructions more user-friendly, while advanced sewists prefer more complex patterns.
3 Benefits of knowing how to read sewing patterns:
- Correct size: Each size corresponds to different measurements of the body. You have to check your body measurements and choose the sizes accordingly.
- Excellent result: Knowing how to align your notches correctly will result in the expected fit of the garment.
- Productive and efficient sewing: Fewer mistakes. Unstitching isn’t fun! I learned to cuss because of it. Lol!
Check the other guides on sewing patterns: