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You may have run into a gorgeous sewing pattern that you want to use yet you also want to preserve. Perhaps the pattern is coming straight from a book that you don’t want to destroy. Whatever the context might be, it is always a great idea to trace any sewing pattern before using it.
Tracing sewing patterns is one of the first things you will need to do to start sewing. Although it adds additional time and effort to your project, tracing also means that you have the added flexibility of fiddling around without ever losing the original or master pattern.
Additionally, it helps you reproduce a certain pattern infinitely. Tracing allows you to experiment and make sizing adjustments and design changes. By pattern hacking, you can let your imagination run wild as you transform that day dress into a nice pleated skirt.
There is a great variety of tracing papers available on the market. Important things to look out for are transparency and durability. Read on as we select the best papers to trace off a sewing pattern.
Best Paper to Trace Off a Sewing Pattern
Bienfang Sketching & Tracing Paper Roll, White
Designed for professional use, the Bienfang tracing paper is popular not just with sewists but with architects, designers, and engineers as well. At 8lb (29 GSM), it is lightweight yet sturdy. With a fine translucent surface, it works best for overlays, pattern making, tracing, and other larger projects. You can use a handful of drawing media with it as it is suitable for use with a pencil, pen, and other markers.
This paper is great for tracing sewing patterns. While it is thicker than pattern paper, it is thinner than bond paper so you can easily see and trace the marks from the pattern paper itself. It can bear some pretty harsh erasing as well. Use this in order to prolong the life of your original sewing patterns.
The Bienfang paper is translucent enough to trace over a handful of sheets. Despite being thin, it is quite durable. It is available in many sizes including 18”, 24”, and 36”-wide rolls with a length og 50 yards.
If you’re new to sewing and quite unsure of sizing and cutting, this long roll can provide plenty of room for you to experiment. This way, you won’t waste any expensive fabric!
Swedish Tracing Paper – Sewing Transfer Paper, 29″ x 10 Yards (White)
Setting it apart from the other papers on this list, this white Swedish tracing paper is sewable. All you have to do is sew it and try it on before you cut your expensive fabric. It also means you will no longer need to cut your patterns.
It doesn’t end there! Differentiating this tracing paper from the rest is the fact that it is also washable, which means you can reuse it several times! This can help you save money. You can also simply wash away the mistakes you make while tracing the pattern.
It also sticks well to most fabrics. It is soft and flexible, yet tough and durable while maintaining a good level of transparency. Each roll is 29 inches wide and 30 feet long. This is a generous length and 29” is a great working width. As a testament to its durability, you can even use it for your master pattern which is supposed to last long.
This tracing paper also stays perfectly on fabric. Because it is made of synthetic fibers, it will not rub or tear off easily. If you are looking for an indestructible tracing paper, this might just be the one for you.
Sun Glo White Thumbnail Sketch Tracing 36-inch x 20 yards
The ideal paper for tracing sewing patterns, this Sun Glo tracing paper responds beautifully to pencil, ink, chalk, or felt tip markers. It is fortified to withstand some heavy handling and yet is transparent enough to read an original pattern through four sheets laid on top of each other.
This sturdy tracing paper is also nicely-sized so that it allows tracing larger pattern pieces. The generous roll means you will not run out of paper easily. Although it is nowhere near as thin as most tracing papers, it has just the right amount of thickness so you can still see through it.
Bee Paper White Sketch and Trace Roll, 18-Inch by 50-Yards
With its high transparency, this paper is exceptional for high-quality tracing. Unlike other kinds of tracing paper, you can see through it even without the need for strong light. In fact, you can put a few layers of paper and the visibility remains exceptional.
The tracing paper also cuts smoothly and is easy to draw on with a pencil or ink. You can also easily erase the mistakes you make so there will be no need to just toss the paper into the trash. You can reuse it many times.
You can use pencil, charcoal, or even felt tip pens without the risk of bleeding through to your master pattern. Even after creating fold creases, the paper straightens out even with just a few passes of the hand. This paper is certainly a good value for your money. It comes in an 18-inch by 50-yard roll.
Alvin, Lightweight Tracing Paper Roll
From a brand known for its quality drafting tools and drawing supplies comes this high-quality, lightweight tracing paper roll that is excellent for detailed patterns. It is a versatile paper that can accommodate pencil, ink, charcoal, as well as felt tip markers without risking bleedthrough.
With the Alvin tracing paper, you can simplify even the most complex designs. The high transparency of this paper allows many overlays as it retains legibility. Other than white, it is also available in yellow or canary colors. It is also available in 20, 50, or 100-yard rolls with a width of 12 inches up to 48 inches for larger patterns.
Quite durable, you can easily erase mistakes that you made while tracing. It does not rip as you draw the lines, attesting to its excellent quality.
Canson Foundation Tracing Paper Roll
An exceptionally translucent paper with a smooth surface, this Canson tracing paper is suitable for pencil, ink, and markers. It is an acid-free paper with a dimension of 18″ x 20 yards. This paper allows you to save money as you won’t need to buy multiple different papers. This tracing paper can cover all your tracing projects, from sewing patterns to drafting requirements. It is suitable for both beginner and professional projects alike.
Its thickness makes the paper durable and versatile. Despite being quite thick, it still holds a good amount of transparency. The paper’s clarity is on point. It is also quite lightweight enough to be carried around. You won’t have to worry about the quality of the paper degrading over time.
Users of the Canson Foundation Tracing Paper testify to its ease of use. At 18″ however, it might not be wide enough to accommodate some larger patterns.
Medical Pattern Paper: 21″ x 225′ Single Roll
To you, using a medical paper might not be intuitive as tracing paper. Worry not because this paper can work just as well for your tracing needs. It is a high-quality white paper with a smooth finish.
It is very transparent, sturdy, and there is plenty of it! Because it is sturdier than your traditional tracing paper, you can use it to save your master patterns. Being quite thicker as well, it doesn’t tear just as easily as those thin tracing papers. This will help you save a lot of money down the line.
The width is perfect for what many sewers require, although, for some, it might not be wide enough. With a length at 225′, there is a lot of paper to work with though. While it is initially intended for medical pattern requirements, you can use this tracing paper for your sewing traces.
Diagnostics Direct, Inc. 21125-Roll Exam Table Paper
This works great for both tracing and drafting patterns. It is just sheer enough to allow visibility of pattern pieces beneath it, irons well, and holds up better than the usual thin and flimsy tracing papers.
This paper accepts all kinds of media for tracing such as pens, pencils, and felt-tip markers. You can write on it without the fear of bleeding through to the other side. Unlike other tracing papers, it won’t break or tear off easily as well.
Helix Tracing & Sketching Paper Roll, White, High Transparency
This Helix tracing paper that offers high transparency. It is a good transparent white paper that is perfect for tracing your fashionable design patterns. The width might be small but you can simply lump pieces together if you need to trace larger patterns.
Just be careful when tracing using a very sharp pencil as you might easily tear the paper. While it has a smooth surface, it is also quite thin.
Finally, the paper’s high visibility allows your work to be very precise. Who says you have to spend a lot for quality tracing? Certainly not with the Helix tracing paper!
White Tracing Paper Roll for Art and DIY Crafts (12 x 1800 Inches)
Last on this list, you can use this tracing paper for drawing your sewing patterns. As it’s easy to use, simply lay the translucent paper over the pattern on a flat, smooth surface. Then secure it into place with tape.
The smooth surface of this high-quality translucent vellum paper offers convenient and easy tracing with pencils, pens, and markers. It measures 12 inches x 50 yards and can easily be cut to your desired size and length.
Perhaps the best part, purchase of this tracing paper won’t break the bank!
Best Paper to Trace off a Sewing Pattern Buying Guide
Transparency
Tracing papers are meant to accurately copy a certain design that is why transparency is extremely important, if not the most important feature of the paper. Despite being see-through, it should still be durable. If you think accuracy is important in copying the design, definitely get a tracing paper that has high transparency.
Size
For large sewing projects and frequent use, it is best to get large tracing papers that come in big rolls. While they may cost higher, they can also get you more things done. Tracing papers that come in smaller cuts can simply be put together. This might just cost you a little more time but otherwise works just as fine.
Versatility
Some tracing papers can only be used for tracing on paper while others can be used to trace sewing patterns on fabrics. Look for a tracing paper that gives you both to save time and money. Whatever the case may be, you can save money when you use one that is versatile.
Durability
If you are planning on buying tracing paper, look for a durable one. Some tracing papers are too thin that they tear off after erasing. Others do not even survive the sharp pointed edges of a pencil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tracing paper used for?
As a semi-transparent material, tracing paper can be used to trace an image. It is especially helpful in sewing as it allows you to trace a pattern that will then be used on the fabric.
What is the best tracing paper for sewing?
There are no rules on what paper you can use for tracing. The most important factor you should be looking out for is transparency so you can effectively trace the patterns. You can try tracing paper, baking paper, spot and cross paper, or even Swedish tracing paper, which offers the convenience of being a stitchable material.
Which side of the tracing paper should I use?
Most tracing papers can be used on both sides.
What can you use instead of tracing paper?
In the absence of tracing paper, you can alternatively use tissue wrap paper. Other choices include parchment or wax paper. Just bear in mind that they may not work as well as traditional tracing paper, which often guarantees that many drawing media can be used without fear of bleed-through.