Pattern tissue alternatives?

[jnxxx68]

Hello! I'm new here but have been sewing for a while. I've been using a roll of pattern tissue from Sure-Fit Designs for a while now and I love it, but it's getting a bit pricey to keep replacing. I'm looking for a more economical option that's similar to the weight and transparency of commercial pattern tissue. I know some people use things like medical exam paper or brown kraft paper, but I'm curious what others have found that works well for tracing and making alterations.

I was in a discount shop the other day and saw they had rolls of plain white gift tissue paper. It seemed pretty thin, but it was incredibly cheap. Has anyone ever used this for pattern drafting? I'm wondering if it would be too delicate to work with, or if it might tear too easily when pinning to fabric. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[Geniusgirl]

I've used plain white gift tissue before and it tears more easily than commercial pattern tissue, so I usually handle it gently and avoid over pinning. For cheap alternatives think about lightweight butcher paper

 

[Jillian]

Pellon makes pattern paper. Not sure of the #
I mainly use white craft paper.
I tape the orig pattern (uncut) to a window, tape the craft paper on the window over it and trace.
I have a pajama pants pattern I made prob 10 yrs old, still works great even after pinning, folding and re-folding over the years.
Same with the Pellon, I have a flannel shirt pattern that's close to 10 yrs old too.
Hope that helps?

 

[Cathy]

Used it before, I actually like it and its really cheap and works surprisingly well for tracing and alterations. The only place where I have an issue is with pinning since it can tear, and yeah...maybe go for slightly thicker sheets if you can find them

 

[hallsands56]

Pellon makes pattern paper. Not sure of the #
I mainly use white craft paper.
I tape the orig pattern (uncut) to a window, tape the craft paper on the window over it and trace.
I have a pajama pants pattern I made prob 10 yrs old, still works great even after pinning, folding and re-folding over the years.
Same with the Pellon, I have a flannel shirt pattern that's close to 10 yrs old too.
Hope that helps?

That's super helpful, thanks! I'm just getting into sewing and trying to figure out what works best for tracing and storing patterns long-term. Does the Pellon hold up better than craft paper over time? And do you ever iron your patterns to flatten them out after folding? Got a few already looking pretty wrinkly!

 

[Lena]

I use exam room paper from Amazon. Works great and is inexpensive. Am trying to post a photo but can't seem to do so. The photo link brings up a request for a url as does the photo/video link. Anyway - search "Exam room paper" on Amazon. Have used it for years! To store my patterns, I use 5x7” brown envelopes. In the upper left corner of the envelope, I write the name of the pattern company, name of the pattern and pattern number. This way, I don’t have to trace and re-trace; my patterns are right where I need them all set with any modifications, etc. Another thing I do is take a photo of my patterns (front and back of envelope) and keep them in a 3-ring binder with dividers (coats, children, home decor, shirts, skirts, pants, etc). This way when I want to make something, I can just look at the photos and decide which pattern I am going to make. I can even take the page with me to the fabric store if I want. Sounds cumbersome when I write it out but it really does work great!

 

[ciarunji99]

I use exam room paper from Amazon. Works great and is inexpensive. Am trying to post a photo but can't seem to do so. The photo link brings up a request for a url as does the photo/video link. Anyway - search "Exam room paper" on Amazon. Have used it for years! To store my patterns, I use 5x7” brown envelopes. In the upper left corner of the envelope, I write the name of the pattern company, name of the pattern and pattern number. This way, I don’t have to trace and re-trace; my patterns are right where I need them all set with any modifications, etc. Another thing I do is take a photo of my patterns (front and back of envelope) and keep them in a 3-ring binder with dividers (coats, children, home decor, shirts, skirts, pants, etc). This way when I want to make something, I can just look at the photos and decide which pattern I am going to make. I can even take the page with me to the fabric store if I want. Sounds cumbersome when I write it out but it really does work great!

This is super helpful, thank you for sharing @Lena ! I just started sewing again after years away and I’ve been struggling to keep my patterns organized. Do you print the photos for the binder or just keep them digital? Also curious if the exam paper holds up well with heavier fabrics or just for tracing.

 

[Lena]

This is super helpful, thank you for sharing @Lena ! I just started sewing again after years away and I’ve been struggling to keep my patterns organized. Do you print the photos for the binder or just keep them digital? Also curious if the exam paper holds up well with heavier fabrics or just for tracing.

I actually use the actual envelope (empty) and keep the pattern pieces in brown 5x7 envelopes with the pattern company and pattern number written in the left-hand corner. I keep the 5x7 envelopes in those blue and white pattern boxes which I keep in the closet in my sewing room. The paper holds up fine for me. I can keep them in the same 5x7 envelopes that house the original pattern. I use index dividers in my notebook to separate garment/pattern types.