Mimeo HE-206
January 1954 (5m)
Purdue University
Agricultural Extension Service
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PATTERN AND FABRIC
Clothing Project
Lottie E. Sumner and Frieda C. Stoll
If you are learning to sew select a pattern with few and simple construction lines. Select fabrics that are easy to handle and easy to make.
POINTS TO LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING YOUR PATTERN
1.	Becoming to you, yet suited to the use. Slender or thin people need some fullness in the blouse. Choose a neckline or collar to give softness; rounded collar edges rather than sharp points. Plump types need lengthening lines - slenderizing waist and hip lines. Four or six gore skirts with a moderate flare are slenderizing. Often collarless necklines or narrow flat collars are better than roll collars. Watch the width of collars.
2.	Suit your pattern design to your fabric. Stiff fabrics may be too bulky for gathers, soft fabrics may not hold pleats well. Sheer fabrics made too tailored look skimpy; heavy fabrics gathered or frilled are too bulky. A wrong choice of pattern for your fabric so often gives that  "homemade" look. The fabric and the pattern must be right for each other. Suggested fabrics on the pattern envelope are a good guide.
3.	Washable dress - easy to wash and iron. Avoid designs that make ironing problems.
4.	Buy a good tested pattern. It insures better fit and "hang" to the finished garment, also saves time and effort.
5.	Buy the right size pattern. Check your measurements and buy the size most nearly like your measurement. Do not buy according to size of your ready-made dress. Ready-to-wear dresses and pattern sizes are not always the same. Shoulder, neckline, armscye or bust are most difficult to fit. Select a pattern to fit through the shoulders and chest. If necessary, alter bust, waist or hip-line.
6.	Check pattern with your measurements. Make alterations before you cut your dress. This is your first fitting.

how to choose your fabric

1. Choose fabric that is becoming to you in color, texture and design. Keep in mind how the fabric will look on you. Is the color too bright, too neutral? What about the print - is it too large, too bold, too detailed? Can you wear stripes or plaids well.
2.	Consider both the pattern and the color of the fabric in relation to the age of the wearer. Small, all-over prints may be too drab looking for the older person, but form a good background for a peppy young girl. Bright colors may appear harsh against
skin tones of the mature woman.
3.	Consider the personality of the wearer. A quiet type person should select a medium size design in closely related colors. The active type might also choose a medium size print but with more contrast in color and value.