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You can save money by purchasing a pattern from a discount manufacturer.Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
Take your own bust and waist measurements to determine your pattern size before heading to your favorite sewing store or online site. If you need to adapt a pattern, you will know whether or not it will adjust for your size. - 2). Look under headings such as: Women's Fashion, Lingerie or Tops in the pattern books. In the "Tops" section you will find some basic style shirts, which work equally well as undershirts.
- 3). Read the back of the pattern envelope for fabric suggestions. Cotton, cotton blends and silk are all good options. Record the washing instructions for the fabric you purchase before you leave the store. These instructions can usually be found attached to the large bolt of fabric or one of the salespeople will be able to provide the information for you. Purchase your matching thread and any other notions you might require. The back of the pattern envelope will list the notions needed.
- 4). Wash and iron your fabric. Use a low setting on your iron suitable for delicate fabrics. Iron the pattern pieces with a cool iron.
- 5). Lay out your fabric on a large, flat, clutter-free surface. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric, making sure the pins are within the black lines of the pattern pieces.
- 6). Cut along the solid black cutting lines of the pattern pieces using scissors or pinking shears. If you do not use pinking shears you will need to use a zigzag stitch to sew around the outer edge of each pattern piece to prevent the cut edges from fraying.
- 7). Transfer any pattern markings to the fabric using the tailor's chalk. Thread your sewing machine with the correct thread color on both the top spool as well as the bobbin. If you could not find an exact match for the thread do not worry. Thread color a shade lighter than your fabric will work equally well. Sew the pieces together carefully following the instructions included with your pattern. Press each seam open before starting the next pattern piece.
- 8). Finish your undershirt by ironing open your seams. Starting at the edge of the fabric open the seam by separating the sewn edges the same way you would separate two pages in a book. Carefully hold the edges of the seam open with one hand while you glide the iron with your other hand along the center of the seam where the two pieces of fabric have been joined.
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