the little triangles on the patterns

Hey y'all,

I'm aware that this is a super remedial question, but I'd rather ask than continue in ignorance.  So...  the little triangles, the ones that are along the edge of the pattern pieces pointing in...  do we cut them in?  or are they supposed to stick out?  So far I've cut them in, but I'm fixing to sew a baby doll for my girl and I'm concerned that the pieces are so very little, but the triangles are regular sized, and what if there's not enough left for the seam allowance.  So all that made me think that perhaps I've been doing it wrong these few months.

thanks!

-holly

ooh, and while I'm already looking like a novice (which is totally accurate), do y'all have any special magical way to transfer the little circles that are going to help you match up stuff later?  I always wind up bungling that somehow, but I suspect there's some top-secret ninja method of making it work out.

I always cut the triangles out.  That way they are cut off when I surge.

As for the little circles, mine are always off too.  I hope some one can offer some good advice.

Ok-your two questions were about pattern markings.  I'll answer them, then tell you the best place to find further help (you can also feel free to email me if you like).
The triangles should be cut OUT.  They can then be cut OFF when you've matched them and sewn your pieces together, if the inside of your garment matters to you (it should, but I don't always do it either).
  There are two ways of marking other important spots on fabric.  If your fabric is washable, you can use a washable marker (I use crayola washable, and I find the green/blue ones come off the easiest, red, not always) or chalk square (which you can get at a sewing store, also called tailor's chalk.  with a marker, just put the tip in the middle of the dot before you unpin your pattern piece from the fabric.  this won't work so well with fleece, but with most garment fabrics will leave a nice dot on both pieces, if you're cutting a double thickness.  chalk is a bit harder, so if someone really wants to know how I'll describe it later.   If your fabric is NOT WASHABLE, then you can use tailor tacks, which is simply a contrasting piece of thread through the actual material.  you do this by taking a threaded needle, putting it through the material, and then leaving 4-6 inches of thread centered there, and cutting off the excess on the needle end.  Not the greatest description, I'll send pics of this if you like.

Now, many of your pattern questions are actually answered in your pattern instructions, but most folks ignore them.  they are above the layout guides on page one of all major brands of patterns.

good luck with the baby clothes, they are sooooo much fun to make!

If you are purchasing patterns they usually have a legend and many pattern companies will also have tips online.  When I read about the triangles I was wondering if you meant dart lines at first but side match-spots is more likely.  As for circles to match I usually use a safety pin only because I keep them in the same bin as my straight pins.

I have tried a lot of methods over the years for transfering markings, and now I use a needle and contrasting thread. It's quick, accurate, and easy to remove afterward.

I cut my fabrics with the rotary cutter, so I cut notches inward. BUT - I only cut the ones I want:

notches that differentiate the front and back (crotch, sleeves and armholes, etc)
notches on two-piece collars (so I know which end goes in the front)
and any others that indicate placement of questionable pieces - waistbands, for example

Thanks so much for asking this question!  I've also wondered about the best ways to pattern mark!  I really like the idea of used safety pins...  Thanks!

I also use thread to mark pattern markings. One thing I do (even if a pattern isn't marked at this spot) is I mark where center front and center back are, just in case I need reference points later on.