---
title: Pattern Notation Guide
---
Hopefully our patterns are easy enough to understand, but if you come
across something that confuses you, below is a reference of all our
pattern notation:
- [Lines](#lines)
- [Seams](#seams)
- [Seam allowance](#seam-allowance)
- [Grainline](#grainline)
- [Cut-on-fold indicator](#cut-on-fold-indicator)
- [Dimensions](#dimensions)
- [Other lines](#other-lines)
- [Line widths and strokes](#line-widths-and-strokes)
- [Annotations](#annotations)
- [Notches](#notches)
- [Buttons and Buttonholes](#buttons-and-buttonholes)
- [Bartacks](#bartacks)
- [Snaps](#snaps)
- [Titles](#titles)
- [Logo](#logo)
- [Scale box](#scale-box)
:::tip
##### Might vary slightly between preview and final result
For reasons that are surprisingly complex, there might be slight
differences in fonts and colors between how a pattern looks online
and how it looks as a downloaded PDF or SVG.
:::
## Lines
Lines (and curves) make up the bulk of marking you'll find on any sewing
pattern, including FreeSewing's patterns.
### Seams
Seams (the lines on which you sew) are indicated by a solid line.
The color of the line indicates the fabric type of the pattern piece:
<Legend part="fabricLines">
Seamlines for different fabric types
</Legend>
### Seam allowance
Seam allowance is indicated by a dashed line, that has the same width and color
as the seam they belong to:
<Legend part="saLines"> Seam allowance for different fabric types </Legend>
Note that the corners of the seam allowance are trimmed, and not extended:
<Legend part="sa"> A trimmed seam allowance corner </Legend>
### Grainline
Grainlines — a line that indicates the _fabric grain_ — look like this:
<Legend part="grainline">
A grainline indicator
</Legend>
### Cut-on-fold indicator
Cut-on-fold indicators look similar to grainline indicators, but point towards the line on which the fabric should be folded:
<Legend part="cutonfold">
A cut-on-fold indicator
</Legend>
### Dimensions
When you opt for a _paperless_ pattern, your pattern will come with dimensions:
<Legend part="dimension">
An example of a dimension on a pattern
</Legend>
### Other lines
Some patterns may have other lines on them, there are 4 additional styles:
- Note
- Mark
- Contrast
- Help
They might be used by patterns designers to add additional info, depending on the context.
<Legend part="otherLines">
Other line styles
</Legend>
## Line widths and strokes
Designers can, if they so choose, override the default line widths or set a specific stroke.
They might do that to add additional info, like where to fold a pattern, or the outline of where a pocket would go.
For reference, here are the different available line widths:
<Legend part="lineWidths">
The different line widths
</Legend>
And these are the different stroke styles:
<Legend part="lineStrokes">
The different line strokes
</Legend>
## Annotations
Annotations are extra embellishments on the pattern that further clarify the
designer's intent, help with construction, or otherwise provide value to the
pattern.
### Notches
There are two types of notches. The default notch is a dot in a circle.
An alternative style shows a cross in a circle.
This style is used to indicate the back of a garment.
For example, on a sleevecap you may see a dot and a cross notch.
This way you know which side of the sleevecap is the back (the one with the cross notch).
<Legend part="notches">
The default notch style (shown left) and alternative style for notches on the back
</Legend>
:::tip
##### Why we chose these notches
In electromagnetism, a ⊙ symbol is used to indicate a flow of current coming towards you (to the front),
whereas ⊗ is used for a current moving away from you (to the back).
You can also think of an arrow. When an arrow flies towards you, you see its tip (⊙).
When an arrow flies away from you, you see its fletches (⊗).
:::
### Buttons and Buttonholes
Buttons and buttonholes may come in different sizes, but always have the same shape that represents
how they look in real life:
<Legend part="buttons">
A button is shown on the left, and a buttonhole on the right
</Legend>
### Bartacks
A bartack is a stitch of varying size and length used to reinforce fabric. It is often used on the edges of seams such as at a pocket or fly opening.
<Legend part="bartack">
This is how a bartack displays on a pattern.
</Legend>
### Snaps
Snaps have a _stud_ and _socket_ part, and also look like the real thing:
<Legend part="snaps">
A snap stud is shown on the left, and a snap socket on the right
</Legend>
### Titles
Each pattern piece has a title that tells you the number and name of the piece, as well as the pattern name and a timestamp of when the pattern was drafted:
<Legend part="title">
Example of a title
</Legend>
### Logo
Some (or all) pattern pieces may also include the FreeSewing logo.
The logo has no special meaning, it's just branding.
<Legend part="logo">
The FreeSewing logo
</Legend>
### Scale box
The scale box allows you to verify that your pattern was printed to the correct scale:
<Legend part="scalebox">
The scale box
</Legend>
