Q&A for How to Read a Sewing Pattern

Ready-to-wear sizes and pattern sizes don’t use the same measuring system. Pattern sizing is very different from standard clothing sizing, for instance, if you normally buy a size 8 dress you might end up needing a size 14 pattern. If you using a commercial pattern, look at the pattern measurements and not the pattern size.

You can mark them with tailor's chalk, a small piece of painters tape, or by placing a pin crossways. Any of these methods will serve as a reminder to you that the stitch line ends there.

It really doesn't matter. The reason they point inward is because some individuals like to just make a slit in the seam allowance instead of going outside the seam allowance to cut the point.

If I am understanding your question correctly, the inside of the dress would be the part that the pattern is not printed on, or the part that would touch your skin when you are wearing it. The outside would be the patterned side, or the part that is facing outward. The outside and inside in this case are also known as the "right" and "wrong" sides, respectively.

Every pattern is different. The instructions will specify which pieces to sew together.

I would read through wikiHow's article on sewing with patterns for some help.

This is the amount of elastic is needed for the project/garment. Lay this pattern piece on the required width of elastic and cut to match the length of this pattern piece.