Sewing: Projectors Vs. Paper Patterns

Sewing has been one of the most lucrative crafts for a very long time. Although quite a number of people make dresses, sewing gives enough room for everyone’s work to be unique and remarkable. One of the major developments in the sewing industry is the use of sewing patterns. Guides and models are placed on clothing materials to shape them before making them into dresses. Later, many people are in for paperless sewing with a projector.

Paper patterns  

Paper patterns are solid sewing patterns. They are materials made from paper, cardboard, or paper boards, which are used as precursors in the construction of garments.  

Advantages of using paper patterns 

1. Sturdy paper patterns can be stored and used over and over again. 
2. Paper patterns can be graded to make new patterns of the same style. 
3. Complex styles can be created from simple ones. 
4. Patterns can easily be modified. 
5. Mistakes can easily be corrected in the pattern. 
6. It is relatively cheap. 

Disadvantages of using paper patterns 

1. Paper patterns can be really difficult and strenuous to make from scratch. 
2. Paper patterns take a lot of time to complete. 
3. Paper patterns can be easily destroyed or misplaced. 

Paperless sewing 

A faster and easier technique than paper pattern making has been introduced. In paperless sewing, patterns are projected onto the surface of fabrics and are used to cut and shape them before sewing them into garments. Sewing projectors can  project very clear and bright pattern images for sewing. 

Requirements for paperless sewing 

1. Projector: It is important to consider the factors influencing the most suitable projector before getting one. Understand the workspace, decide on a budget, and consider comfort.  
2. Compatible device: It is essential to have a device that is compatible with the projector and can easily be used to scan pattern designs or illustrate patterns. 
3. A cutting table that is large enough to accommodate fabrics and patterns from sewing projectors is required. 
4. Power supply: Whether a sewing projector uses batteries or plug-ins, it still needs a sufficient power supply to work effectively. 

Advantages of paperless sewing 

1. Fast (time-saving). 
2. Less strenuous after it is first fixed. 
3. Creating multiple styles within a short period of time. 
4. No need to worry about misplacing old patterns. 
5. Easy to align the patterns on a fabric with the grid lines from the projector and determine the right size of fabric to cut. 
6. It does not require printing out patterns on paper, cutting paper patterns, or tracing out lines and curves from old garments. 
7. It does not require the deconstruction of ready-made garments. 

Disadvantages of paperless sewing  

1. The initial cost is high. 
2. It is difficult to modify pattern pieces. 
3. Getting the right projector can be taxing as you have to consider certain factors like budget, size of cutting area, throw distance, room brightness, etc. 
4. Setting up a projector can be strenuous without assistance. 
5. It may not be easy to carry sewing projectors around when going to a sewing event or when moving to a different but temporary workspace. 
6. If there is a mistake in a projected pattern, it’d be difficult to salvage the fabric if it has already been cut. 

Conclusion  

Both paperless sewing and paper patterns have advantages and disadvantages. However, they can both be handled and enjoyed by the right people. 

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