The Best Pattern Makers Paper and Alternative Affordable Options.

When it comes to sewing we all know we must have Pattern Makers Paper on hand at all times. But, do you know how to actually choose the best pattern paper for your needs?

In this post, I want to talk about which is, in my and other seamstresses’ opinions, the best pattern makers paper for home sewing.

I also want to tell you about all the different types of papers there are for making or tracing your patterns. As well as when and how you would want to use them.

Finally, I would tell you about the cheaper and costless alternatives you already have in your home to make your patterns.

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When it comes to making patterns I have used all the pattern-making paper on the market.

As I have been on both sides, the commercial and the home sewing businesses, I can say with confidence I know them pretty well.

I have very strong opinions about all of these. As I often do with all my important sewing supplies.

Having the right material to trace or make your patterns is indispensable when it comes to sewing your own clothes.

You need to consider what your specific needs are first. 

For example, do you want it to be see-through? Do you need guidelines? Or, do you prefer to have a paper that endures several times of cutting your favorite patterns?

A very important thing for me to consider when I choose the pattern paper is how I am going to store my sewing pattern at the end. I use boxes and envelopes to do it so my sewing room can be more organized.

So the most important thing for me is that the paper can be folded flat and able to be stored in an envelope so I can save it with its pattern card.

Even if you have been sewing for years as I have, you might haven’t actually tried the one paper that fits all your sewing needs.

I had to pass through all of these to finally find the one paper that I will be buying for the rest of my living days.

It might sound like an exaggeration for you. But I truly can put my hand down for this material. 

Not only has it made my life so much easier, but it has also saved me a lot of money on tissue paper, which is what I used to use.

WHAT IS A PATTERN PAPER?

Pattern makers paper is the term used to draft, trace or make blocks of patterns for sewing.

It comes in a wide variety of thicknesses, colors, and widths depending on your needs.

Non-technically speaking a pattern paper can be any paper you use to make patterns either for garments, sewing projects, or crafts. 

It can be bond paper, tissue, and even come from paper bags.

In my case, I have even used non-woven fabric to trace patterns when I am out of paper.

WHICH IS THE BEST PATTERN MAKERS PAPER?

When it comes to the absolute best choice for pattern paper, the Bienfang Sketching and Tracing Paper is the best option available. This paper has the perfect thickness to endure yet the ease of manipulation. It’s perfectly see-through so you will find that tracing your commercial patterns comes very easy. You can write and draw on it very smoothly and it also erases very well without tearing apart.

Pros:

• Durable
• You can pin without damaging the paper
• See Through
• It comes in a lot of different widths
• Easy to store and use
• Cheap/Affordable
• Suitable to use with pencil, ink, and markers

Cons:

• It comes in a roll so it could be hard to flatten it.
• This paper does not tear easily or straight by hand. Use scissors or rotatory cutters.
• It is thicker than tissue paper so it is bulky to fold and store on envelopes.

WHAT GSM DOES PATTERN PAPER HAVE?

A general great gsm for this type of paper is 29GSM.

Of course, you can always go up or down depending if you want a more durable and thicker paper you can use to trace with. 

If you want a lighter and easier to handle paper go for a lower gsm.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS DEPENDING ON THE USE.

BROWN CRAFT PAPER

Brown craft pattern paper is ideal to make basic blocks of patterns, also called slopers. 

This is because its thickness allows you to trace the pattern directly on the fabric or to another pattern paper to make modifications.

If you have a pattern that you use a lot, tracing it on brown craft paper can make it more durable.

The not-so-cool thing about this material is that it is super difficult to store. It usually takes a special rack just to hang the patterns made with it.

So think if you really need it before making the investment of buying a complete roll.

DOT PAPER

This type of paper is slightly see-through and it has either letters or dots on it.

It is perfect if you need help to align your patterns or fabrics. 

But in general, the thickness is not that great to write or draw on it. And if you want to erase something it will break very easily.

TISSUE PAPER

This tissue paper will never be my way to go when I make patterns anymore. It might be cheap but it is not worth it.

Although it is very thin and easy to trace with paper, it is also very weak. It breaks so easily that it will only cause you stress and extra work.

The only reason I can see to use this material is if you want to avoid the bulk when you fold and store it.

Otherwise, don’t even bother.

NON-WOVEN NON-FUSIBLE INTERFACING

You can use a non-woven non-fusible interfacing fabric if you want a super extra-durable pattern that is easy to pin to your fabric.

This won’t tear even if you try. 

And the most important thing is it will last as long as you need.

I grant that it’s bulkier than all the options above, but it is very easy to work with. 

And if what you want is long-lasting endurance this is the way to go.

CHEAP OR COSTLESS PATTERN MAKING PAPER

1. Newspaper: This is actually the very first paper I used to make patterns when my granny was teaching me how to sew. We didn’t have a lot of money to spend on fancy things like proper paper. So we will use old newspapers to make our patterns. If you are going to use this paper, watch for anything wet nearby you! The ink can transfer to the fabric.
2. Brown paper bags: There are plenty of these stored and forgotten under our sinks. So if you ever see yourself in need of free pattern paper go grab your grocery paper bags and tape them together to make your patterns.
3. Craft tissue paper: Not exactly free but very cheap if you only need a quick piece of paper to trace on. You can find it in all craft and art stores, party supply stores, and even in the grocery store in the craft section.

What kind of pattern maker’s paper is your favorite and why? Let me know in the comments. I would love to read your opinion.

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