Great British Sewing Bee - really basic question about patterns

[5Foot5]

Apologies in advance if this seems like a stupid question!

I recently received the book that wen with the GBSB Series Two - Sew Your Own Wardrobe. This is accompanied by five pattern sheets containing a set of full size pattern pieces. If anyone else has this book would you mind telling me how you think these should be used? Since many of the pieces overlap each other then you can't be meant to cut them out as you would destroy other patterns if you did. So are you meant to trace over them then? And if so where does one get such large pieces of tracing paper? Is that sort of thing standard equipment if I go in to a haberdashers or material shop? If I ask for it will they get it out without a murmer or look at me blankly like I am an idiot?

And if tracing is not the thing then what are you meant to do with them?

Again, sorry if this is so basic a question but it doesn't actually say in the book anywhere.

[Dutchoma]

It's not a stupid question I had to be told as well

Yes, you are supposed to be tracing them. I use bits of greaseproof paper, like you get on a roll to line baking tins with. If they are not big enough I sellotape them together until they are. Best of luck.

[Lambstales]

Most good sewing shops will have all types of paper on huge rolls. Just explain that you want to trace a pattern. Place like Fabricland stock all sorts and the staff are so helpful as they all sew themselves (or are students on all sorts of design courses etc).

[Tabby1963]

OP, my gran taught me to adapt patterns by using old newspapers sellotaped together to make a large enough piece of paper to trace pattern pieces on.

Doesn't cost a penny .

[Thumbcat]

I use greaseproof paper sellotaped together too.

What are you planning to make 5foot? I've made the draped top which was a nice quick project, although it turns out very short, almost showing my bellybutton and I'm not tall. I think they've made a gimmick out of making it from just a metre of material. I'd get more material and add a few inches to the length next time.

[Trappedandfedup]

You can buy pattern tracing paper at most haberdashery stores. It costs about £2 for a packet and each packet contains enough sheets for around 5 patterns.

[5Foot5]

Thanks all - I will see if my greaseproof is big enough and if not I will try our local haberdasher.

Thumbcat I haven't quite made my mind up yet. I fancy doing the pencil skirt but am a bit confused about the invisible zip. I might start on either the silk tunic or the simple top where you have to use bias binding.
I have made a few things before from simple commercial patterns and the instructions then are much more detailed.

[DeWee]

I use newspaper. The free one that comes through the door.
It has been the basis of many patterns!

[574ejones]

I use greaseproof paper too! I have made the draped top which is just right on me, but I am short! The Easy skirt has an error in the measurements, so search for the amendment before making. I love the gingham dress.

[Missunreasonable]

I'm thinking of buying this book, do those that have it find it useful and a worthwhile buy?
Is it suitable for those who are not quite beginners but not far above beginner stage (if that makes sense)?

[Missunreasonable]

Another question, how do people manage to trace patterns using newspaper as it isn't see through enough for tracing. I usually buy pattern paper as the sheets are huge (so no need for sticking bits together) and I can trace the pattern easily but if it is just as easy to use newspaper then I might be wasting my money.

[Dutchoma]

I still have a tracing wheel that we were taught to use at school, more years ago than I care to remember. I don't use it, as I find tracing through grease proof paper easier.

[Lambstales]

Oh, I've got a tracing wheel! It would leave little pricks in the newspaper.(light bulb) What would you use for copying a trench coat (say). Would you still use greaseproof for large garments?
What is carbon paper used for? I can picture my DM using it with a tracing wheel but have no idea what she was doing.

[Dutchoma]

Trench coat is a very big project. No idea, never made one from a pattern that needed tracing. If it is just a a multi size pattern I would fold the pattern to the size I wanted.

[Lambstales]

I've got a very old velvet/cord coat that has been loved for 20+ years and is now looking rather sad. (It's lower calf length.) Could I get a pattern without picking it apart?

[Dutchoma]

Never done that, I've always gone for paper pattern. Sorry.

[TunipTheUnconquerable]

Lambstales - yes, you could. If you google there are youtube videos about how to do it but it's basically about laying it flat panel at a time and remembering to allow for darts, gathers, seam allowances etc. I don't think it would be easy for a complex garment but I've done it very successfully for skirts.

When my mum was a student her friend copied a very expensive coat by sneaking a tape measure into the shop and measuring the seams!

TBH if I was doing it I'd probably adapt a paper pattern to get the characteristics I like in the original coat, though. It's easy to add pockets, shorten or lengthen sleeves or skirts, change the shape of collars, add darts, etc. Structural things that affect the whole shape of the garment are trickier.

[Lambstales]

Tunip - thank you for your detailed post. I have an OOP vogue pattern for a coat that is similar (stress similar).
What I think I'll do, is take the coat and compare it to the paper pattern. Then change the paper to the coat IYSWIM. Does that make sense?

[Lambstales]

Love the idea of sneaking into shops! That's why some shops abroad won't even let you take photos of their windows.