The Lutterloh System Symbols Page - An Evolution

Fonnell's recent post on facings got me thinking how some people might be confused by the symbols on their Lutterloh patterns. After all, the symbols page has changed a few times over the years. For the most recent Lutterloh symbols chart see this post here.

Pattern #8 from 1939

It's apparent that in years past more decisions were left up to the seamstress, from facings to sewing order, even closures.

Lutterloh symbols page 1950

The photo above is the earliest version of the Lutterloh symbols page that I've found in English. As you can see it's a rather scaled down version of the one that comes with today's Lutterloh patterns. A Key to Signs Used is at the bottom of "Important Rules on Pattern Cutting".

Page from a Lutterloh Home Study Course Manual
1968 Symbols page

Later, more symbols were added to include explanations for things like pocket flaps and elastic. Notice that originally those hatch lines were used to indicate any double layer of fabric. This explains the hatch lines on areas such as darts, pleats and bindings as seen in the photo below.

Pattern #79 - 1969

Still later, more renditions of the symbols page were published. Around the 1980's the symbols for full figure, knits, maternity and contrast color were introduced. Finally the symbol for a zipper was noted and the wavy symbol for ease was changed to denote gathering. In addition more symbols were included for fold lines, closures and fabric requirements.

1980 and 1989 Symbols Pages

With all the letters for sewing sequence and pattern pieces printed amongst the cutting, folding, gathering and waist markings the patterns started looking pretty busy.

Pattern # 279/280 - 1991

The photo below is the 2006 version of the Lutterloh Symbols Page. The newest additions are symbols for top stitching and a 90 degree angle.

2006 Symbols Page

This same angle symbol is sometimes used with the number 45 indicating the fabric should be cut on the bias.

Pattern# 45/46 - 2008

You may be wondering why all these changes are relevant today. I personally find all these letters and various dashed lines and symbols squashed into the space of these miniature patterns sometimes confusing. Hey sometimes there's even a symbol missing or mis marked on occasion. No company is beyond an accidental typographical error. So how are we supposed to decipher all these symbols and lines?

For me, this simply underscores the need to rely on good, basic sewing skills to guide me through. If I decide on a technique that I'm not familiar with I always have a few comprehensive sewing books on hand. As a last resort I can always do an internet search and usually turn up at least a couple links to explain the procedure. It's amazing what you can find by just typing in a simple phrase.

I hope I haven't confused anyone with the presentation of all these different charts. My goal was really to encourage everyone's creative process. Certainly a sewing pattern needs to produce a garment that fits but we ultimately decide on the details. I urge you to interpret the Lutterloh patterns to suit your sewing style! If you are pleased with the final outcome then you must be doing it right!