I’ve received several questions about what to use when tracing pattern pieces for repeated use (paper? tissue? interfacing?). My absolute favorite choice is Swedish Tracing Paper, which is washable, reusable interfacing (“paper” is a bit of a misnomer). You can even make your fitting toiles from this stuff, as it will stand up to sewing and seam ripping. I absolutely love it and use it for all my master patterns.
I get this from Birch Street Clothing, which sells it at a special discount (buy two rolls, get one roll free!) Click HERE to go directly to the product page.
3:00 pm
I would like to know more using this “paper.” Why do you need to trace the master pattern? Do you do it each time you make a dress? If I get an epattern, is it the correct size, or do I have to alter it? I’m new and like the patterns, but am not sure I know what to do.
9:37 pm
Hi, Meredith! If you trace off your pattern pieces, then you don’t cut up the paper pattern, which means all the sizes are intact for any future projects you might wish to undertake in other sizes.
I also have fitting tips that explain how to modify patterns to fit your unique shape. Once you know what you need to alter for your own silhouette, you can trace your master pieces to match. Using interfacing like the Swedish Tracing Paper makes it possible to experiment with the pieces (basting them together; even washing them!) before you cut into fabric. Hope this helps!
12:01 pm
Yes, thank you, Jennie! I’ve just discovered this site and I’m excited to find so much information, which allows me to get going rather than being confused. I’m going to get some of this “paper.”
12:03 pm
Open Sky says the Swedish Tracing Paper is out of stock! I’ll try Birch Street Clothing.
10:44 am
I think the recent sale quickly depleted the stock, as Birch Street is the one listing the tracing paper on Open Sky. Give it a week or so, then try again.
10:06 am
But you also cut the tracing paper, and so need a great deal of it? Sorry to be so naive, but I’m new to sewing, and trying to figure out what I’ll need.
10:43 am
Hi, Martha! It depends on how many pattern pieces you plan to trace.
A ten-yard roll will last quite a long time unless you sew up a new pattern every week. I use the Swedish Tracing Paper to trace my “master” pieces after I have made and adjusted my bodice fitting toile. That gives me sturdy pattern pieces to use over and over again–and they don’t have to be pinned for cutting, as they naturally stick to the fabric. I love this stuff!
5:50 pm
Thanks, Jennie. I have to say, I stumbled onto your site after watching Pride & Prejudice (1995), and wanting patterns for some Regency gowns. Your name seemed SO familiar to me, and I couldn’t place from where, until I was browsing for a book one day on my shelves, and realized you co-authored the Passionate Housewives book! What a great read! Thank you for such an inspiring treatise on motherhood; it really put things in better perspective for me. God Bless you!
2:36 pm
The tracing paper is still out of stock. is there another place that sells it? Are there any in Canada that you know of?
4:58 pm
Wow! This has been a popular deal. Try clotilde.com, as they also carry it.
8:32 pm
Hi, I live in Australia and my craft store doesn’t stock Swedish Tracing Paper so is there anything similar?
11:10 pm
Sure! You can use lightweight interfacing.
4:39 am
For Aussie sewers Spotlight stock a version of Swedish tracing fabric/paper that is on the roll & can be found in the interfacing section. I’ve been using it for a few years now. From memory it’s 99c a metre.
7:21 pm
In Australia, I buy it from http://www.catherinesplace.com.au. Quick shipping from Perth. It is exceptionally good quality and I use it for all my tracing out of Burda patterns etc.
10:12 am
What width is best for the Swedish tracing paper, I found some that was 29″ by 30″. Is that large enough?
11:57 am
It usually comes 10 yards to the roll. 30″ wide is great.