Working away on these ruffles over here! Perhaps the weather will warm up at some point and I can get some live model pictures!! A girl can hope.
Meanwhile, I thought I’d share a little freezer paper tip. If you sew, you may already know. But if you haven’t heard this one yet, it is going to change your [sewing] life. I promise. One part of sewing that I used to dread was pinning and cutting the fabric from the pattern. It is always difficult and awkward to smoothly follow the lines of the pattern without it moving when cutting the fabric.
But now we have an easy fix using Freezer Paper!
Trace your pattern onto a sheet of freezer paper and cut it out.
Then iron the freezer paper pattern onto your fabric (cotton setting, no steam) and you’re ready to cut your fabric pieces without the need for pinning.
The pattern won’t move while you’re cutting and it peels right off the fabric without leaving a trace.
Freezer paper comes in really handy, too, when you’re printing downloadable patterns. I tape a piece of freezer paper onto a sheet of cardstock and just run it right through the printer to print out the pattern. Then, remove the tape, cut out the pattern, and it’s ready to apply to the fabric! Life changing, I tell you.
Alrighty? So go get your curviest pattern and some pretty fabric and get sewing!
Comments & Reviews
Amy @ Positively Splendid says
Oh my word, Stef. This. Is. Brilliant!
Kelli says
For all of the sewing I have done in my life and for all the times I’ve used freezer paper for stenciling or quilt templates, it never once occurred to me to use it for clothing pattern templates too. Duh! Thanks for the wonderful tip! I HATE cutting for the exact reason you mentioned. Maybe this will save me…
Amy at Ameroonie Designs says
Great tip! I’m going to run out and buy some today. 🙂 I love the fabrics in your pics- so soft and pretty. You make such beautiful things. 🙂
xoxo,
Amy
Kris says
I love it for quilting. I use it all the time. What fabric line is that??? Scrummy!!!
amanda persinger says
I have heard a little about freezer paper but never actually used it. I would more likely use it now that I know it can be used for patterns!! I cut out my own pattern quite often just using regular paper so this little tip is awesome!! thanks so much for sharing!! question though…. is there a certain side you should iron on with the freezer paper?
Tanya says
I read this tip about freezer paper somewhere else, too. Brilliant, I tell you!
Morgan says
I can’t believe I never thought of this before. Thanks! It’s going to make cutting fabric soooo much easier 🙂
Kristie says
Thanks for the great tip! I love the fabric of that new dress. Super cute!
Kevin, Holly, Kari and Bryce says
Uh, that’s nothing short of pure genius! One of the parts I hate most is pinning and cutting out my pattern pieces. This will be an uber time saver. Thanks!
Anonymous says
Awesome idea..must try it out! Love the new fabrics!!
Christene
Melanie says
Oh, that soft yellow fabric just cheered me right up on this blustery day. Neat tip, I had no idea about freezer paper. I will use that… someday…
Sandy says
Wow, oh my, I have this huge roll of freezer paper that I never use in my studio.
I use it for making quilt applique’s (in a blue moon). Every time I buy a pattern I have my girls cut out the pattern when the weather is too hot or when it rains. So that when I want to start on the project I can start immediatly.
I dislike the flimsy feel of the so easy tear patterns too. And because I sew a lot (you can check out my blog and see the latest dresses and quilts since I am preparing for a craft fair too.)they get a lot of wear and tear! You don’t know how happy I am with this tutorial.
You made my sewing experience “sew” fun.
I love the dresses you made too. I am a very ruffly lover and mother of 3 girls and two boys and one little one on the way.
I will become a dear follower of your blog.
How did I find you? Through http://www.theBlissfullycontentlife.blogspot.com
Cannwin says
You are a gem of incalculable worth. My pinning days are over!!!
Mollie says
What a wonderful tip! Thank you so much for sharing. I have two dresses waiting to be worked on for my girls…and I have been putting them off because because I didn’t want to cut them out. Now I can get to work on them:o)
Gmama Jane says
Sometimes it’s the SIMPLE ideas that change how we do everyday activities for the better!! Thanks
Blessings
Gmama Jane
http://grandmamasstories.blogspot.com
Kara says
This is an awesome idea! I’m going to have to try it for sure. 🙂
Sarah says
Grat tip! thanks!! i am a new follower!
A.Vang says
Are you kidding me! You are a genious! I cannot wait to do this thank you so much!
Polly @ Helping Little Hands says
What a good suggestion!! Thanks!
Jessica at Me Sew Crazy says
seriously – genius! What a great tip! Love it!
Sarah AJ says
That is brilliant. I’d heard of this, but not the part about running it through the printer for downloadable patterns. Genius!
Sandy says
Hi Stef,
I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to visit my blog! What an honor to be visited and complimented by such a great seamstress as yourself!
Crafty Girls Workshop says
That’s so great! I do teach my students in my sewing classes to use freezer paper for their pattern pieces. It just seems easier. I was wondering if you have any ruffle tutorials or want to share your link to this post, I have a post about ruffles on my blog. I’d love it if you’d like to link up!
Sandy says
Hi Stef,
Thank you a mile! I have tried it yesteday, at first I was not so sure… but, actually doing it and being busy with it I noticed the time saver in this.
I love it. I used a pattern that was already a little beat up. And in a way I preserved it.
My patterns will now have a longer life!
I still have to try the downloadable tip though – just run the freezer paper through the printer.
Have a great weekend Stef!
I am working on making a doll for my youngest I will be showing it (off) soon.
Soumya nayak says
Can you please share your fabric source? i absolutely love them!!
Maureen, Stacey's friend :) says
Brilliant!! Thank you 🙂
e8f3ef00-d44e-11e1-85b4-000f20980440 says
Hi, I am new to sewing and I am wondering what type of fabrics do you use when you sew. And how do you choose them? I just pick out what I like the most when I go shopping, but maybe there is a formula I should be applying that I am unaware of.
Buttersweet27 says
Sorry I just did the last post….my name is Elisa…lol
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Jan says
Thank you so much for such a neat “trick”. Love you site. 🙂
Maria says
Fantastic! Thanks for the tip!
margaret balance says
I love this brilliant idea of the freezer paper. Thank you!
soumya says
Can you please share where you got this gorgeous set of fabric from?
Barbara says
Thanks so much for this tip. If only I could find freezer paper! Been looking for a while now for appliquation purposes. Hardest to find. Best and “stay safe” wishes to you and yours!! 💐