8 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.
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Solid and open dots—indicated placement to match seams or construction details, i.e. pocket placement, pleats, gathers, etc.
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Single notch—indicates the front of a garment piece and is used to match pattern pieces for construction.
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Double notches—indicate the back of a garment piece.
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Double ended arrow line– used to indicate grain line.
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Double ended bent arrow line-used to indicate grain and to place pattern piece on the fold of the fabric.
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Dotted line indicates stitching line. The distance between the dotted line and solid line is the seam allowance.
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Solid line on the outer edge of the pattern piece indicates where to cut the pattern piece.
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Double solid lines on a pattern indicate where to lengthen or shorten a pattern piece for alternations.
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The crossed circle indicates the apex of fullness. Usually located at the bust line and hip line.
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The X indicates where to place buttons.
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The line with end bars indicate buttonhole placement and length of buttonhole.
