Tips for matching plaids

• Cut single thickness, starting with the main pattern piece at center front or back, placing CF/CB centered between (NOT ON), a dominant color or line
• Then cut single thickness, one piece at a time, using the first cut out piece as a pattern piece for the next, flipping, so you get a left and right side. This way assures matching both horizontal and vertical lines.
• Consider where the plaid will hit at the hem of the garment.
• Cutting the fabric double runs the risk of the lines not matching - this can be corrected sometimes in sewing, but is not as accurate and can end up taking as much time as cutting single thickness.
• I draw the plaid on the pattern pieces to match at side seams and notches on sleeves.
• Match at the seamline, not the cut line!
• Drawing the plaid on the pattern piece help with matching both the horizontal and vertical lines.
• Matching at the sleeve can be tricky because of the curves. Match at the front, sometimes this will align at the back, but not always.
• Cutting the sleeves on the bias is an option.
• Matching at the shoulder is often a case of luck, if matching at the side seams, the shoulder placement cannot be determined.
• If the plaid is unbalanced, cut in a one way direction, as for a nap.
• Sew with a walking foot to prevent shifting.
• Hand basting can help prevent shifting too. I use a diagonal basting stitch, sewing right along the seam line. Silk thread is easier to pull out.
• Some pieces like pockets, yoke and collar can be cut on the bias which simplifies matching.
• Finally, rely on common sense and your own creative intuition.
• Having an extra yard on hand can be insurance just in case you need it!