Simplicity New Look for Kids Pattern 6709 Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This instruction manual provides detailed guidance for using Simplicity New Look for Kids Pattern 6709. This pattern is designed for creating a girls' jacket, skirt, and pants with various style options, specifically tailored for knit fabrics. Please read all instructions carefully before beginning your project to ensure the best results.

Image of the Simplicity New Look for Kids Pattern 6709 package, showing design variations for a jacket, skirt, and pants for girls.

2. Setup and Preparation

Before you begin cutting and sewing, proper preparation is crucial for a successful project.

2.1 Materials Required

• Simplicity New Look for Kids Pattern 6709
• Appropriate knit fabric (refer to pattern envelope for yardage)
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
• Pins or fabric clips
• Measuring tape
• Iron and ironing board
• Optional: Serger for professional finish

2.2 Fabric Preparation

1. Pre-wash and dry your fabric: This prevents shrinkage after the garment is made.
2. Press your fabric: Ensure the fabric is smooth and wrinkle-free before cutting.
3. Identify fabric grainline: This is essential for proper drape and fit, especially with knits.

2.3 Pattern Piece Preparation

• Carefully cut out all pattern pieces for your chosen view and size.
• Smooth out any wrinkles in the pattern pieces.
• Identify all markings on the pattern pieces (e.g., grainlines, notches, darts, button placements).

3. Operating Instructions (Cutting and Sewing)

Follow these steps to cut your fabric and assemble your garment.

3.1 Laying Out and Cutting Fabric

1. Refer to the cutting layout diagrams provided on your pattern sheet for your specific view and size.
2. Place pattern pieces on the fabric according to the grainline arrows and "place on fold" indications.
3. Pin pattern pieces securely to the fabric.
4. Carefully cut out all fabric pieces. Transfer all pattern markings to the fabric using tailor's chalk, fabric pen, or snips.

3.2 Sewing Instructions

The pattern envelope contains detailed step-by-step sewing instructions specific to each garment view (jacket, skirt, pants) and variation. General guidelines for sewing with knit fabrics are provided below:

• Use a ballpoint or stretch needle in your sewing machine to prevent damage to knit fibers.
• Select a stretch stitch or a narrow zigzag stitch (e.g., 0.5mm width, 2.5mm length) to allow seams to stretch with the fabric.
• Do not pull or stretch the fabric while sewing, as this can distort the garment.
• Press seams gently with a warm iron, using a pressing cloth if necessary.
• Finish raw edges with a serger or a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying and maintain stretch.

3.3 Specific Garment Assembly

Follow the numbered steps on the pattern instruction sheet for assembling the jacket, skirt, or pants. Pay close attention to details such as:

• Attaching collars, cuffs, and waistbands.
• Inserting zippers or elastic.
• Hemming techniques suitable for knit fabrics.

4. Pattern Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and reusability of your Simplicity pattern, follow these maintenance tips:

• Storage: Store pattern pieces neatly folded in their original envelope or a protective plastic sleeve.
• Handling: Handle pattern pieces carefully to avoid tearing. If tears occur, repair them with clear tape.
• Markings: Avoid writing directly on the pattern pieces unless absolutely necessary for personal adjustments. Use tracing paper for modifications.
• Ironing: Do not iron paper pattern pieces directly.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are solutions to common problems encountered when using sewing patterns, especially with knit fabrics:

5.1 Garment Does Not Fit

• Check measurements: Ensure you selected the correct pattern size based on the child's body measurements, not ready-to-wear clothing size.
• Fabric stretch: Verify your knit fabric has the recommended amount of stretch for the pattern.
• Seam allowance: Confirm you consistently used the correct seam allowance during sewing.

5.2 Seams are Wavy or Stretched

• Needle type: Ensure you are using a ballpoint or stretch needle.
• Stitch type: Use a stretch stitch or narrow zigzag stitch.
• Machine settings: Adjust presser foot pressure if your machine allows, or use a walking foot to feed fabric evenly.
• Handling: Avoid stretching the fabric while sewing.

5.3 Fabric Puckering

• Thread tension: Adjust your sewing machine's thread tension.
• Needle size: Use an appropriate needle size for your fabric weight.
• Stitch length: Experiment with a slightly longer stitch length.

6. Product Specifications

7. Support and Contact Information

For further assistance or inquiries regarding Simplicity patterns, please refer to the official Simplicity website or contact their customer support.

• Official Website: www.simplicity.com
• Customer Service: Refer to the "Contact Us" section on the official website for phone numbers or email support.

Note: Specific warranty information for paper patterns is typically not provided as they are consumable items. Please check the pattern envelope for any specific disclaimers.