These boxes make outstanding patterns and templates for your most frequently sewn items. I have cereal box templates for bibs, burp cloths, eye masks, dishtowels, and fabric boxes.
If I am cutting three or more of one design, I will raid our recycle bin for the thin cardboard that can be found on food boxes. It's easier to cut than cardboard from boxes, sturdy enough for tracing over and over again, and basically free (well not really free, but you've already paid for and eaten the food, so why not use the box too?).
This is just one way to extend the life of your patterns and make sure you are tracing your image accurately onto your fabric. You can also use the cardboard back to make notes such as elastic length (as in this photo for my vintage eye masks).
Anyone else have a favorite craft tip to share?
I bought some clasp envelopes for my patterns that I trace and make. I label the the front of the envelope of what pattern it is. It keeps my pattern pieces all together. And the great thing about these envelopes is that they are the same size as a pattern envelope so they fit into my patterns drawer.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea too! I agree that mine are all different shapes and sizes so it seems as if yours are probably more organized! :)
DeleteGood Tidings to you!
Amy
I use giant Artist folio envelopes for my pattern pieces. I hardly use commercial paper patterns, so none of mine are a standard size. I have envelopes for kids clothes, ladies clothes, craft and baby goods. I keep them under the bed.
DeleteGreat ideas to keep them under the bed so they don't get folded! I love it!
DeleteI love Cheerios boxes for patterns! I consider it free, because it's just trash otherwise. =)
ReplyDeleteI use quilting plastic ( or if I can get sheets of plastic for free... so much better) I can write on them but more importantly I can see the grain lines through the plastic!!
ReplyDelete