Laying out patterns on patterned fabric

[lavendersparkle]

My Ultimate Sewing Bible claims that when I lay out my pattern on patterned fabric I should lay it out so that the pattern matches up at all of the seams. Logically, this should be impossible because the sections of the garment are not flat and square, and therefore if the pattern matches up at one part of the seem it won't at another. I tested this theory by looking at some of my clothes which are made of patterned fabric and this leads me to conclude that actually all you usually do is ensure that the pattern is the same way up on all parts of the garment and aim to get the pattern repeat at roughly the same level on all parts of the garment.

Is that correct?

Comments

[naath.livejournal.com]

Basically, yes. If you had a big pattern you would (er, maybe, if you care) want to try to line it up at at least one point. Also you (if you care) can line up horizontal stripes.

IM(H ha!)O it's a waste of fabric to try to line up the pattern because you really *can't* on curved seams.

[lavendersparkle.livejournal.com]

My plan is to line it up horizontally on the straight seams and then try to get everything roughly level on the bodice, which has curved seams. I think that will look reasonably balanced.

[naath.livejournal.com]

My plan is to never buy patterned fabric :-)

But yes, I suspect that your plan is the best possible with a pattern and curved seams.