I always trace off the sizes I want. With cost of patterns, I get the most out of them, especially with the rate the kids grow, if you can get all 3 or 4 sizes out of one paper pattern, it makes a huge difference to the cost. I use a tracing material sort of like interfacing which doesn't tear and fall apart like paper does.

Most of the time I don't make a copy (and then it is usually only a small pattern piece or two). I usually use some of the "blank" pattern tissue that comes with all patterns when I do make a copy but then I am only making a copy of a small pattern piece. Usually I just fold back the straight edgesand cut along the folded pattern piece. On the curved areas I just cut "under the tissue paper". If the cut needs a little tweeking I turn the pattern over and trim from the backside. You can see the cutting line from the back. The only time I don't so this is on little tiny patterns where the pattern lines are so close together. On those I wait for $.99 sale at JoAnns or Hancocks and buy two patterns. My oldest is 29 and I have been doing this for a very long time. The dresses I made and displayed in projects were all made in this manner. 3 sizes--one pattern.

I've used everything from cheap tissue paper to lightweight interfacing depending on how often I plan to use the pattern. Don't have time to trace; make cuts perpindicular to the seam line and fold the edges back. However it can get a little tricky around necklines and shoulders. Use a little removable tape to hold the edges back. If you plan on using the pattern often, I recommend investing in the tracing veline or interfacing.

I also trace off the size I want to use since I sew for adults I might use a couple of the different sizes..I use a grid marked paper that I get in Fabricville (Canada) this also helps with lining up the grain and markings...*4U

You have some good answers. I too trace my patterns onto tracing fabric from JoAnn's. Yes, it is a lot of work, but I feel it is worth the time so I can re-use the pattern for a different size.

trace it out..........*4u

I hate to say this, but I find my granddaughters often out grow patterns before I use them. I only buy them when they are on sale. I usually keep a list on ones I like and wait until they are on sale. I, too, often buy 2 when they are 99 cents. I suppose if you plan to use it many times it would be worth your time to trace it. Another silly thing I do is save the plastic covers that magazines come in. I cut across the top to remove the magazine and save the clear plastic to put used patterns in. You know they never fit back in original envelope!!

If I am only going to use 1 size on the pattern, I go ahead and cut it out. If I want to use all sizes I trace them out on cheap interfacing if it is something i will be using a lot or trace on tissue paper if only using it once or twice. I too only buy patterns when on sale because they are so expencieve. Happy sewing *4U

I always cut the patterns on the largest size and fold to the smaller size if I need to, hope this helps, *4u

You have your answers but wanted to give you a flower Good Luck

WOW, 0.99c patterns. We pay on average at least $15 for a pattern and Vogue patterns can be $20 or more. I wait for the sales, but even then you still pay only half price or maybe sometimes there is buy one get two free. I trace and then once all done, use ebay. Also buy on ebay. Saves so much more money and then girlfriend with same age kids and I share.

Well just to ad to your choice and confusion, I have been sewing for both the family and the commercial world for many years, and when using multi sized patterns, I always use clear plastic to transfer the pattern pieces from the printed sheets. I use a different coloured permanent coloured pen for each size. The advantage of using clear plastic is -1. will last a long time, can see the fabric under the pattern. The clear or almost clear plastic can be bought on rolls from hardware stores.

Thank you for all your ideas and suggestions. I do trace some of them onto what we call polytrace. With the wedding things I'm doing now I have been photocopying the smaller pieces and then cutting them out. I use a thin photocopy paper and it works well. When the piece is too big I copy sections and join them.
*4 all of u.

I cut slits in to where the line is that I need to work with for the size. this is only necessary on the curved parts, then I fold all of the tabs under on the appropriate line. I then have a fast pattern for the size I need without tracing, and I can use the other sizes by just refolding.

I inherited a roll of something call "Typar" from a friend of my mother's. General it's used in furniture making - it's that white or black stuff on the underside of your couch to cover the inner works. It can be purchased in the apholstery section of most fabric stores (at least in Canada). It makes GREAT patterns. It is also a great stabilizer on difficult fabrics for embroidery! :)