how to preserve a pattern: freezer paper

Today, Sarvi is back to share her expertise on preserving sewing patterns using freezer paper. This technique can help keep your patterns intact and reusable for future projects.

 

 

What Freezer Paper Is

Freezer paper is a thick paper with a slick plastic coating on one side. It feels similar to the paper used to wrap fish at the market—water-resistant on one side. While it's not wax paper or parchment paper, it often comes in rolls in the same kind of cardboard box. When you apply heat from an iron, the plastic side adheres lightly to fabric, eliminating the need for pins. Unlike wax, it doesn’t melt or fuse with the fabric, leaving no residue behind. Initially, I struggled to understand its functionality until I got my hands on some myself.

 

 

 

 

How to Use Freezer Paper

While it isn't entirely transparent, freezer paper is translucent enough to see through to the pattern lines, even without backlighting. If you have a large window and prefer working vertically, or if you simply need better contrast, you can tape your pattern sheet to a window and place the freezer paper over it. For this demonstration, I'm using a scaled-up version of the Lullaby Layette PDF pattern, which I've placed on my dining table. I tore a piece of freezer paper from the roll to make handling easier.

 

 

I took advantage of the paper's straight edge, placing the plastic side down and aligning it with the longest straight line of the pattern piece I was tracing. I weighted it down with items nearby (such as a can of beans) and taped one corner that kept wanting to flap up. I used blue painter’s tape, which lifts off easily without damaging the paper, and folded one end of the tape to create a tab for easy removal later.

 

 

Marking the Pattern

Since it’s just paper, a standard number 2 pencil works perfectly fine! You could use any writing tool you have on hand—pens, markers, etc. The paper side you're marking on has a slight texture, so keeping a pencil sharpener nearby might be useful. Although it’s challenging to photograph, I can clearly see the details of the pattern, including the tiny letters. Once you’ve traced everything (don’t forget to copy all the markings for pleats, folds, and grain lines), you can cut it out with regular paper scissors.

Similar to traditional tracing paper, after your pattern is fully traced and cut out, you can treat your single-size copy as a new master pattern. If the iron is too hot, it can warp my self-healing cutting mat, so I prefer to iron my fabric first, then unplug the iron and let it cool while arranging the pieces. Once the iron cools slightly, attach the freezer paper pieces to your fabric and trace around the edges with a pencil or chalk. Then, peel the freezer paper away and cut out the pieces with a rotary cutter or scissors. Alternatively, you can carefully cut around the edges with a rotary cutter before removing the freezer paper. After several uses, the freezer paper becomes less sticky, but it can still function like a regular paper pattern, held in place with pins or weights. For instance, if you're trying to fit pieces tightly onto a small fabric swatch, flipping the freezer paper coated-side-up may allow certain pieces to nestle better.

Where to Buy Freezer Paper

I purchase my freezer paper at the local supermarket, and I’ve also found it at bulk supply stores like Smart & Final here in the U.S. Given that it’s explicitly labeled as a craft supply (it says so right on the box), I imagine you could also find it at hobby or craft shops. Readers outside the U.S., feel free to share your go-to sources if you know of any! A roll typically costs a few dollars.

Tomorrow, we’ll explore another method: Swedish tracing paper.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});  

One thing I noticed when experimenting with freezer paper is that it holds up well even after multiple uses. This makes it a cost-effective solution for those who frequently sew. Additionally, since it’s non-toxic and leaves no residue, it’s safe for both beginners and experienced sewers alike. I’ve even tried using it on delicate fabrics without issue, which is always a relief when dealing with expensive materials.

Another tip I learned is to store your freezer paper in a cool, dry place when not in use. This helps maintain its adhesive properties and prevents it from becoming brittle. Over time, I’ve developed a system where I keep a stack of pre-cut freezer paper pieces in various sizes, ready to be used whenever needed. This saves time and ensures I always have what I need on hand.

In conclusion, freezer paper is a versatile tool for preserving sewing patterns. Its ability to adhere temporarily to fabric while allowing precise tracing makes it invaluable for anyone looking to protect their patterns. Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or just starting out, giving freezer paper a try could enhance your sewing experience significantly.

Knitted Hats

Dress Party Hat,Knitted Hats,Floppy Winter Hat,Ladies' Party Hat

SHAOXING YONGJING FASHION HATS & ACCESSORY CO.,LTD. , https://www.yongjingchurchhat.com