laying out pattern with no layout

so what tips do you have for laying out patterns that don't specify a pattern layout? i am trying to layout the little prarie girl dress from favorite things. i have the correct yardarge but for the life of me can't figure out how to get enough fold to layout all the foldline pieces on

does that makes sense?
can anyone share their approach to laying out patterns with no layout pattern specified. thanks for the help

teri p

I just joined the forum because I have the same question! I'm getting ready to make the Miss Madeline dress and can't figure out how to lay it out. It says the fabric allowance is generous but I am stuck. Help! (and thanks!)

Gosh- this is a great question, but also one that opens up a can of worms!
First of all, I always buy a little more than the pattern requires. I make mistakes all the time so it's nice to know that I have a little extra just in case.

Next, I figure out if anything needs to be cut on a bias or fold and place these with little waste as possible. I also pay close attention to the nap which is important only if the print has a certain direction to it. You don't want the front of your blouse to look like the print is upside down!
 
To get these pieces on, you need to get creative. You may need to fold your fabric, cut a piece out, then re-fold to be able to get that last piece on. For most patterns, I've found that I hardly ever get all pieces pinned on at one time. I usually place 2-3 pattern pieces on the fabric to get an idea of where they go, then I only pin one down & cut. I then refold, pin and cut the next piece & so on.

This method takes longer, but I'm sure that I have used every last piece of fabric with as little waste as possible.