Jalie Patterns' Blog

What would a pattern be without instructions? One big puzzle!

Since the very beginning, Jalie pattern have always included illustrated instructions with French and English text, along with black and white illustrations.


People were not keen on having to go back and forth between text and illustrations. To solve that, we decided to put everything together, images in the middle and texts on both sides, like this:


That is the format used for all patterns since 2014 (pattern numbers 3460 and up). We are always happy when we can find ways to make our customers' lives easier :)

A Very Important First Page Always take the time to look at the first page of the instructions! It contain essential information:
A // LINE (TECHNICAL) DRAWINGS Front, back and different views that are included in the pattern. You might have to come back to this section when you select the pieces you need to trace for a specific view.

B/D // SEAM ALLOWANCE INFORMATION
Seam allowances are always included. We indicat…

After finding your size on the back of the pattern and having read the labels on your pieces, it's time to lay them out on the fabric.

The cutting layout we provide will allow you to use the yardage listed on the back of the fabric. It is a recommendation and is very helpful for people who want a little guidance to minimize fabric waste. If you have serious Tetris skill, could save even more fabric but it is important to understand the theory behind the cutting layout and follow the rules to have garments that hang straight.

Terminology You will find on the cutting layout some symbols or terminology that you may not be familiar with if you are new to the sewing world. They are crucial to understanding why some pieces are positioned a certain way. Once you know what those words mean, you will have more confidence when cutting or altering pattern pieces.


SELVAGE / SELVEDGE No markings on the pattern
Finished edge of the fabric that does not unravel. Its texture might be a little diff…

The most important section of the pattern is of course the pattern pieces themselves. As any sewist knows, they are much more than just a pile of lines. Let's look at them closer to better understand some little things that will help sew a perfect garment.


Pattern Sizes In Jalie patterns, you will find LETTERS on the pattern edges, not numbers. We have been using letters for nearly two decades now. It simplifies things (8... would it means kid size 8 or women size 8?) and as explained in the post about the back of the pattern, it requires you take a few measurements and increase the chance of getting better results.


Patterns 2907 and up have colour-coded lines. Once you know which size you want to use (the Jalie size, which is a letter between F and GG), locate it on the piece and follow the line all around. The tiny letters you see on the pieces are added manually. It might happen that two letters were inverted by accident on a pattern. Don't worry about it. If you are on the …

Before you open any printed pattern, most people first turn the envelope over to look at the back of the envelope, right after looking at the cover photo. If you purchased a downloadable (PDF) pattern, you will find that information in the Instruction package.



When looking at a the back of a Jalie patterm for the first time, you might be a bit overwhelmed for various reasons:
French and English coexist on the same page (and English is not listed first)Both metric and imperial units are used (for measurements and yardage)There is usually over 20 sizes on the pattern (up to 28 sizes in one pattern!) Don't worry, you'll get used to it :)

Let's break it down together:


A: Pattern General Information You will always find the pattern number, name and description at the top. At the bottom, you will always see the pattern pieces, line drawing showing the views included.
B: Body Measurements We work very hard to have good fitting garments that fit true to the Jalie size. The Jalie size…

Many people wonder how Jalie is different from other patterns they have tried. We thought it would be a good idea to sum it all up in a few blog posts. It will also give you useful info about patterns, things you perhaps never noticed before ;)
Format 99% of our sewing patterns are initially released in paper (printed) format and then converted in PDF (a digital format that works on Mac and PC) in house, for those who prefer printing at home (or copy shop). We make exceptions for design ideas that would not fit on the standard 38x50 sheet (like our circle skirt pattern or the Galaxie bags pattern)

Whenever a printed sewing pattern is discontinued to make more room in the warehouse, the PDF pattern stays to keep the pattern available to people who might have missed it during the 8-10 year period where it was available in print.


You are getting the exact same product whether you buy a paper or PDF pattern, but the information that comes with the pattern pieces is simply packaged a bit …