How to Read and Understand Sewing Patterns

If you’ve ever picked up a pattern and thought, “What in the world does all this mean?”—you’re not alone. I remember the first time I tried to figure out how to read and understand sewing patterns. I stared at that envelope like it was written in code. Turns out, it kinda was.

But once you get the hang of it, sewing patterns open up a whole new world. You can make pretty much anything—pants that fit just right, costumes for your kids (or yourself, no shame), even a custom apron that screams “I made this!” So let’s break it down together and get you past the paper panic.

Read More About How to Read and Understand Sewing Patterns

Pattern Envelopes Are Sneaky

The front looks all innocent with that perfectly dressed model—but flip it over, and boom: charts, numbers, and abbreviations galore. This is where your journey into understanding begins. Inside, there’s even more: folded sheets that resemble road maps and an instruction booklet that might make your eyes cross at first glance.

But don’t worry—we’re going to make sense of it all.

More Things to Know About How to Read and Understand Sewing Patterns

Start With the Back (Yeah, Really)

When you want to know how to read and understand sewing patterns, the back of the envelope is gold. This is where you’ll find:

• Sizing info (which is not the same as your store-bought size—more on that in a sec)
• Fabric suggestions
• Notions (just a fancy word for extra stuff like zippers or buttons)
• Yardage (aka how much fabric to buy depending on your size and the fabric’s width)

One time, I misread the yardage and had to Frankenstein two different fabrics together for a shirt. Honestly? It turned out kinda cool. But it taught me to double-check that section.

Sizing Is Tricky—Don’t Panic

Here’s something that surprised me: pattern sizing is different from what you wear off the rack. I wear a medium in stores, but when I sew, I’m often cutting out a size 14. It’s not about vanity—just numbers. The key is to use your actual measurements (waist, hips, chest) and match them to the chart on the back of the pattern. That way, your finished piece will actually fit.

And if you fall between sizes? Most patterns let you blend sizes. You can draw a line from one size to another. I do it all the time, especially with pants. You’d be surprised how often people are one size on top and another on the bottom.

Decoding the Pattern Pieces

Let’s talk about what’s inside the envelope. This is where people usually sigh dramatically. (I did.) But learning how to read and understand sewing patterns on the inside is actually kinda cool.

Each piece is labeled with a number and a name (like “Front” or “Sleeve”), and there are lines showing different sizes. You’ll also see things like:

• Grainline arrows (these help you place the piece in the right direction on your fabric)
• Notches (little triangles that help match pieces together)
• Cutting instructions (how many of each piece you need to cut)

I used to ignore notches—don’t. They’re little lifesavers when it’s time to match seams, especially if you’re trying to make a sleeve not look like a disaster.

The Instruction Sheet—AKA Your Sewing GPS

Once you’ve got your pieces cut out, the instruction sheet becomes your new best friend. It shows step-by-step what to do with each piece. You’ll see things like “staystitch” or “ease”—and I’ll be real, some of these terms sound intimidating at first. But most instruction sheets include a glossary or visual guide.

And if something still doesn’t make sense? YouTube is a treasure trove. I once paused a project for a week just because I couldn’t figure out what “understitching” meant. A five-minute video later, and I was back on track.

Fabric Matters More Than You Think

When you’re learning how to read and understand sewing patterns, you’ve gotta listen when they tell you which fabric types work best. A stretchy knit behaves way differently than a stiff cotton. I once tried a silky fabric for a beginner pattern meant for quilting cotton… Let’s just say it looked amazing on the hanger and awful on me.

Start with something stable like cotton or linen. It’s easier to cut and sew—and honestly, you’ll feel a lot more confident when your seams behave.

My Biggest Tip: Take It Slow

I know it’s tempting to rush. You’re excited. You want to wear that shirt/dress/jacket now. But take your time with the pattern—read through the whole instruction sheet before you even touch your fabric. Think of it like assembling IKEA furniture. It only works if you follow the steps (and don’t end up with the drawer facing backwards).

You’ll be surprised how much more fun sewing is when the puzzle pieces start to click.

Understand Sewing Patterns and Sew With Confidence

The first time you sit down with a sewing pattern, it might feel like you’re reading an alien language. But trust me—once you know how to read and understand sewing patterns, it gets way easier. And honestly? It feels kinda powerful.

You’re not just following instructions—you’re creating something from scratch. Something that fits your body and your style. That’s pretty awesome.

So don’t let the paper and symbols scare you off. Take it one section at a time. Laugh at your mistakes (we all make ’em). And before you know it, you’ll be whipping up handmade clothes like it’s no big deal.

Got any pattern horror stories—or wins? I’d love to hear ’em in the comments!