3.3: Pattern Symbols
Symbols on patterns give a variety of information including cutting lines, stitching lines, alternation lines, button/buttonhole placement, fold lines and dots and notches, which help match the pieces during construction.
- Solid and open dots—indicated placement to match seams or construction details, i.e. pocket placement, pleats, gathers, etc.
- Single notch—indicates the front of a garment piece and is used to match pattern pieces for construction.
- Double notches—indicate the back of a garment piece.
- Double ended arrow line– used to indicate grain line.
- Double ended bent arrow line-used to indicate grain and to place pattern piece on the fold of the fabric.
- Dotted line indicates stitching line. The distance between the dotted line and solid line is the seam allowance.
- Solid line on the outer edge of the pattern piece indicates where to cut the pattern piece.
- Double solid lines on a pattern indicate where to lengthen or shorten a pattern piece for alternations.
- The crossed circle indicates the apex of fullness. Usually located at the bust line and hip line.
- The X indicates where to place buttons.
- The line with end bars indicate buttonhole placement and length of buttonhole.