The Cutting Class

An essential element of a pattern makers tool box is to have a really good pattern notcher. Pattern notchers are used to make small notches in the edge of cardboard and paper patterns to mark seam allowance and positions of darts and pleats.

The picture below illustrates where and how it is used on paper and cardboard patterns to mark the seam allowance, for more information on how to use the notcher you can also visit the related post further down.

Pattern notcher image from MacCulloch&Wallis. Technical drawing from TheCuttingClass.

Related Posts:

Pattern Making Fundamentals: Seam Allowance »

Tracing wheels are usually a blunt or serrated edge wheel on a wooden or plastic handle. The blunt ones can be used for tracing with carbon paper to mark off one pattern onto another paper or piece of cardboard. The serrated or spiked wheels are the ones I see most commonly used which pierce a line of small holes through from one layer of paper or cardboard onto the layer underneath.

Tracing wheels also allow you to trace off sections of toiles which you have draped on a mannequin or on fine fabrics can be used to mark out lines and markings where needed, such as pleat placements. Always check your wheel first to avoid damaging your final fabric.

Image from PerfectPatternAids.