Make a Sewing Pattern From a Packing Tape Mould

Make a sewing pattern by covering an object with a plastic bag and wrapping in packing tape.

I made a sewing pattern for a bike helmet cover, but this technique can be used to make a pattern for just about any object, even people!

Step 1: Cover and Wrap the Object

Cover the object with a thin plastic bag. A dry-cleaning bag is a good weight for this. Now wrap the object in packing tape. I cut lengths of around a foot (30cm) to make it easier, but the important thing is that you want to wrap the object tightly! Your packing tape will get lots of wrinkles - that's fine. Baggy bits? Just go over them again with more tape. Make sure the entire object is completely covered.

Step 2: Make Some Guide Marks

If you know where you will definitely want a seam, or if you want to mark in special features of the object, do it now. If your object is symmetrical, mark a centre line now. If you want to be really accurate, measure the object to find the centre line.

I marked the ventilation holes on the helmet and the stripe I will eventually put down the centre. I also marked along the bottom edge of the helmet.

Step 3: Cut It Free

I was able to cut the helmet free by cutting along the mark I made at the edge of the helmet. If your object is not as conveniently-shaped as my helmet, you might have to carefully cut down the middle or cut in a few places. If you have to do this, draw the lines first where you're going to cut. Place marks along this line as shown in the next step (step 4) so that you know where your cut lines match up.

Step 4: Cut the Pattern Pieces

If your object is symmetrical, cut down the centre line now if you haven't already. The aim of cutting the pattern pieces is to cut pieces as flat as possible so they can be later cut from fabric. I found it easier to do this piece-by-piece, starting from the edge and feeling which pieces of the shape were naturally flat.

Draw the lines first with a marker and make extra marks to show where the pieces match. If you don't do this, you could end up with a bunch of weird shapes, not knowing how to put them back together!

Don't forget that you can also cut "darts" to make a pattern piece flat without cutting it in two.

Step 5: Trace Onto Paper

Trace each piece onto paper. leave enough space for a seam allowance around each piece. I also measured each piece and put a "notch" to help match the seams. Don't forget to transfer darts if you have them.

Step 6: Make Adjustments

Cut the pattern pieces out of fabric and sew up the first draft. You might need to make a few adjustments at this point. Transfer the adjustments back onto your pattern and make a new draft until you're happy with the result.