This a a beginners’ guide to reading and understand sewing patterns. Patterns list the measurements, notions needed, and yards of fabric needed for each fabric width size. The pattern pieces are labeled so that you can easily recognize which pattern piece is referred to by the pattern. Cutting directions show the best way to layout the pattern on the fabric with the least fabric waste. Before cutting the fabric, first unfold and trim around each pattern piece. The pattern pieces will be labeled with grain lines, to allow you to lay the pattern piece straight on the fabric before cutting. Notches are guides to help you match pieces together. Dots are used when sewing darts or pleats.

While garment and home sewing patterns are printed on tissue paper, commercial grade patterns are printed on 20 pound paper, which is the same weight as typing paper. This heavier paper stands up to repeat use, since commercial patterns are used many times for different customers. Commercial patterns’ instructions are usually printed on book-sized paper, so that the instructions don’t open up like a map, taking up valuable workroom table space. Commercial patterns, unlike home sewing patterns, let the customer make items for resale from the pattern. Commercial patterns can also have licensing fees for larger commercial workrooms, since larger workrooms will want to have multiple copies of the patterns due to their larger volume orders. Decorate Now Patterns offers a line of commercial valance, curtain, and window treatment patterns, as well as workroom supplies, such as decorating and workroom books, heavy-duty large magnetic pin bowls, and ShapeSure (a soft cornice stiffener similar to skirtex, that can also be used to stiffen needlework).

While this video discusses garment sewing, the basic information is the same for window treatment patterns for curtains, draperies, panels, valances, and other window treatments.