We’re big fans of Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper here at Weft and Warp. That’s because it’s not just tracing paper- it’s so much more than that.
What makes Patterntrace better than regular tracing paper?
Production is more sustainable
Regular tracing paper is made the same way as most paper, using wood pulp. This requires the cutting down of trees to obtain the wood pulp. Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper is made of an entirely different fibre called abaca.
Abaca fibres come from the leaves of the abaca plant, a relative of banana that is native to the Phillipines. Because the fibre is obtained from leaves that fall from the plant, the plant continues to grow and produce more leaves. Abaca plants typically have a lifespan of around 10 years. Harvesting leaves from a plant that continues to grow is far gentler on the environment and local ecosystems than tree cutting and replanting- abaca is simply much more sustainable a fibre.
Like regular tracing paper, you can see through Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper, which allows you to trace off your sewing patterns, leaving the originals intact. That is where the similarities end.
Strength and durability
A common frustration with regular tracing paper is how easily it tears. Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper is much sturdier, resisting tearing. Abaca fibres are known to be 3-5 times stronger than traditional wood pulp-based paper. Your traced patterns will last longer, even with frequent handling and folding. Plus, any creases readily iron out with a dry iron.
You can sew it
Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper is flexible and has some fabric-like qualities. This means you can sew it to create toiles (AKA muslins/ test garments) to try out sizing and fit. If you’re someone (like me!) who needs to make lots of adjustments to patterns to get a good fit, it feels great to be able to try out changes on Patterntrace before cutting any fabric. By creating a Patterntrace toile first, I can sometimes avoid making a fabric toile altogether. Obviously, there is a still a place for the traditional calico toile, and Patterntrace doesn’t behave exactly like fabric. But Patterntrace is a great starting point, and its generally cheaper per metre than fabric.
Easy fitting and adjusting
Once you have sewn your Patterntrace toile, you can use it to help with the fitting process. I recommend sewing with a slightly longer stitch, so that seams can be easily removed if needed.
Depending on the fit adjustments needed, excess can be pinned out, with the new position of stitching lines marked directly onto the toile. Alternatively, where extra fabric is needed, the paper can be cut open and extra added.
Biodegradability
While there are other “trace and toile” products out there, most of these are made of polyester- it will persist in landfill for decades. Because Patterntrace is plant based, at the end of its useful life, it will biodegrade. I put small scraps into my compost bin (making sure to remove any synthetic threads sewn on it first).
Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper is a product that is better for the environment at the beginning and at the end of its life.
Patterntrace Swedish Tracing Paper is available in 10m, 20m and 50m rolls. Unsure if this product is for you? Try our Patterntrace taster first and see for yourself.
