For whatever reason, I have the sewing bug. I got started looking at online sewing patterns. There are some really beautiful ones out there. I just can't bring myself to spend $10-20 or even more for the rights to print on my own paper using my own ink. Is anyone else like this?

Most sleeve patterns around the armhole is about the same. make a muslin pattern sew it up with baste stitches and try it on until u get it right for u.

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by parkermom 18 Jan 2020

Good idea. I went to Joann’s today to look for some basic interlock knit to try a t-shirt pattern. I left without buying a thing because I wasn’t about to pay $17 per yard on it. I was so disgusted with that store. Seems like prices keep rising and rising there

Here is some place to start. You can browse until something catches your fancy! Hugs. Nan
https://sewing4free.com

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by parkermom 18 Jan 2020

That’s a new site for me. Thanks!

You are not alone. I have downloaded some free "print your own" patterns and have not attempted to print and tape yet.

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by parkermom 18 Jan 2020

I’ve taped lots of crafty patterns together but not clothing. That’s lots of tape to use!

Yes, definitely. I actually was given a file in the early days of print your own and found the printing out such a barrier that I never used the pattern. I do NOT feel this way about cutting my own patterns from the old multi-sized Stretch and Sew patterns or the Kwik Sew patterns still available these days. THAT feels like being frugal because I can use for more than one person, or more than one age of a child!

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by parkermom 17 Jan 2020

And the Kwik Sew and a few other brands are out there for $4 or less. I can do that

Think I could just about cope with the printing but the sticking it together is the bit that puts me off

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by parkermom 17 Jan 2020

They say you can take it to a copy shop and have them print it on AO paper, but I have no clue how much that costs or how big the paper is.

I have seen my Mother fold and old garment and cut a pattern from that, also Nancy Zieman shows you how to make a pattern from a ready made garment check her web site ,however I always made my own they fit me better

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by parkermom 17 Jan 2020

I can do that some, but I am a little hesitant about fitting the sleeves correctly.

I agree that printing sewing patterns is a pain...especially if you have to do it with 8.5" x 11" paper and then tape all those pieces together! For me, it is sometimes even too much trouble to do that when the pattern is free... I know I could take it to a printing shop and have them print out on larger sheets, but I am even too lazy to do that!

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by parkermom 17 Jan 2020

I think it probably isn't laziness at all--it's that you and I don't think all that work to get something ready to cut makes the patterns cost that much more. People may turn up their noses at the big pattern companies, but I love the price when they are on sale. And I can customize them too.

That is me. The only thing better than an 80% off sale is a 90% off sale. Lol!

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by asterixsew 17 Jan 2020

Ah a woman after my own heart

by parkermom 17 Jan 2020

mine too

What type of patterns are you looking at? Do a google search you can find a free pattern and/or tutorial for almost anything. Good luck. Hugs. Nan

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by parkermom 17 Jan 2020

I'm really not looking for anything in particular. I think I just have the winter doldrums and am being resistant

Yes, I agree - sometimes you can buy those patterns cheaper in store at fabric stores etc when they are on special

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by parkermom 17 Jan 2020

Yes. I won't pay$17 for a Butterick or other popular brand either, but these go on sale routinely for only a few dollars. And no printing and taping and hoping.

by Equinox 17 Jan 2020

If you live close to a Joanne's Fabric, they frequently have those $18 patterns on sale for $1.99. You can find their ad on their website.