Tips Tricks and Techniques: Make Reusable Pattern Pieces

Do you have a favorite paper pattern or template that you use all of the time?  I have several, but the problem with having favorites, is that they receive quite a bit of wear.

A cousin of mine shared an idea for preserving personal patterns.  This works best for small pattern pieces and templates.  Simply purchase some inexpensive drawer or shelf liner at the dollar store, cut your template to size, and use and reuse it.

The foam/plastic material makes it waterproof.  I do a lot of sewing in my kitchen, and on more than one occasion I've laid down a paper pattern piece on the counter, only to discover that there was a wet spot waiting for me.  

I also love the small holes in this material.  You don't need to worry about damaging your pattern with pins.  

You can also write directly on the material with a magic marker. I've made bib templates, burp cloth templates, baby bootie patterns, and even headband patterns out of the material.