The fabric is folded in half. That is double thickness. If the pattern piece wants you to cut more than 1, it will tell you how many to cut. When you fold the fabric, you fold it with the two finished edges together. They are called the selvages. Make sure that you read the pattern to see if any pieces need to be put on the fold. I hope that this helps some. Do not start with something that is too complicated if you have never sewn before. Colleen

Before you cut, as a suggestion get someone who does sew to go over the layout with you. Have your pieces pinned to the fabric and take it along with you to the store, either where you purchased the fabric or the pattern. Explain to the clerk you just want to confirm you have it right as this is your first time. (Be aware if the store is busy it might mean waiting...but most people will take a moment to help - it doesn't take long to look things over) It is better to be sure before you cut ANYTHING. If you have a friend, neighbor, relative, someone close by who sews ask them if you don't want to go to the store and ask. Remember asking is nothing to be ashamed of EVERYONE is a beginner at some point. The more you sew, the more you learn. Each time it gets easier. Good luck.

Each pattern piece has info printed on it, such as:
Name of piece
Size
Number of cuts needed;"cut 1", "cut 1 on fold","cut 1 of fabric", "cut 1 of interfacing", etc.
Arrow for grainline of fabric; most pieces are cut 'along' the grainline, or length of the fabric, while some pieces are cut 'across' the grain, or the width of the fabric.

Also there should be a glossary in your instructions that explains many of the sewing terms. Read your instructions thoroughly before starting a project. I agree with Budster in that you should enlist the help of a friend or fabric store clerk to oversee the placement of your pattern.
One more thing...don't use expensive fabric for your first project...use something you won't be heartbroken over if you make a mistake. Once you're comfortable using the patterns, then move up to your better fabric. Good luck!

When a pattern says "cut two" you only cut one on a double thickness.When you cut "one" it;s on a single thickness of the right side od the fabric.When you see an arrow this means you lay it straight and keep the arrow as straight as possible.The main thing is try something real simple and don't give up.Been sewing for 60 years when they just had dots and little holes to go by and I still do stupid things.You will have lots of rewarding pleasures and best of all save money.

Also if you are using a fabric with a one-way design where the design has a direction, make sure you lay all your pattern pieces out in the same direction. For instance, if you lay your pattern pieces along the length of the fabric with the first big piece with the top part (neck if a shirt or dress, waist if a skirt or pants) to the left as you look at it, make sure all your other pieces have the top part to the left.

For really picky poeple like me, there are extra marks around the edge of pattern pieces where you have to make sure you join the pieces together at those points. I like to make sure the points that will go together are on the same part of the fabric design, so when I sew them together the fabric design will match all the way around.

Welcome to the wonderful world of sewing. Relax and enjoy the creative journey. What Simplicity pattern are you using and what fabric are you using?

What I recommend is getting sewing books from the library and start reading. There are technical terms, like everything else, you have to learn. You have to learn the basics and can learn shortcuts later. I highly recommend reading your machine manual (what make and model?) for loads of information about your machine.

Also read your pattern instructions the whole way through several times before you start pinning or cutting to find anything you don't know how to do and can practice on scraps before you get to actual sewing...it's a confidence builder and education all rolled into one.

We who learned in school started out this way including fabric handling and types of fabric that still pays dividends to this day.

Many of us still make test garments from inexpensive fabric (muslin) when we are not sure about the pattern or fit to save ourselves time, money, material, and headaches later.