First things first-you may want to take a Listen to this short audio file. Is the pattern printed (marked) or unprinted (unmarked)?
Printed patterns contain construction lines and markings printed directly onto the pattern pieces.
Unprinted patterns don’t contain construction lines and markings printed directly onto the pattern pieces. Instead, pieces contain perforations. Perforations are cutouts of circles, squares and triangles. Perforations are pattern markings. Refer to the instruction sheet for explanations of the perforations.
1. Read all of the pattern instructions. Most sewing patterns contain a printed instruction sheet (also called a guide sheet). On some early sewing patterns instructions are printed directly on the pattern envelope.
2. Review the pattern layout thoroughly.
3. Use a yardstick or square to pencil in seam lines, darts, hemline, guidelines and other construction markings. Write the name of each pattern piece on the pattern. Rule grain lines the full-length of pattern pieces. Write the meaning of perforations directly onto pattern pieces if it’ll help during construction.
4. Construct a muslin of the pattern before cutting into your final fabric. Check your measurements against the pattern’s measurements and compare. Check your muslin for ease, balance and line placement.
5. Invest in a good vintage sewing book. They’re worth their weight in gold.