Pattern Fitting Doesn’t Need to be Puzzling
Have you purchased or sewn a garment that doesn’t fit? Likely the answer is yes. Well, we can’t have that happen! So, in this featured Sewing With Nancy episode, Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle Part Two, I’ll share that fitting patterns doesn’t need to be puzzling. Learning to fit sewing patterns is definitely a sewing necessity but doesn’t need to be complicated.
The common sense approach that I prefer takes the mystery out of the pattern-fitting puzzle. In Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle Part Two, I’ll continue where we left off after part one, and show you additional fitting tips. By the end of this program, you’ll have the confidence you need to fit and then sew patterns with ease.
I’ll share my Sleeve Fitting Changes, including measuring and altering sleeve width and length.
Then, I’ll cover Shoulder Fitting Changes, including narrow shoulders, sloping shoulders, and square shoulders.
Next I’ll move on to Back Fitting Changes—including swayback and rounded back.
I’ll finish up Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle Part Two with Skirt Fitting Changes including waistline and hipline.
Check out last week’s post on Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle Part One, where I cover the pattern fitting basics; bust, waist, and hip adjustments, along with my Right Size Measurement Fitting Chart (below).
You’ll find all my pattern fitting techniques within my book, Confident Sewing Collection.
Bonus: You can practice these skills using my mini-pattern pieces, which you can download for free.
Watch Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle Part One and Part Two on Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to win a Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle DVD from Nancy’s Notions, please leave a comment below sharing your pattern fitting puzzler.
Bye for now,
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Shirley Rash
I REALLY have a pattern fitting puzzler.
I’m 5’10 3/4″ tall. I’m long waisted, and have acquired over time a much larger waist than I used to have. i used to be very skinny, but no longer. My upper chest is flat too. It’s called a pigeon chest that I was born with. I’m 67 and have a larger bust line than ever before too.
i used to be able to simply purchase a pattern and add 2″ to the length of the bodice, a little to the arm length if it had long sleeves and a little to pants length too if needed. No longer.
Now I have a very complicated figure. My bustline is lower, my waist is bigger, but I’m still 5′ 10 3/4″ and frustrated as to how exactly to change my patterns.
I have tried to make a basic bodice block so that I could design my own patterns, but it never seems to come out correct. I suppose I need a pro to measure me correctly. Maybe that would solve my problem. i would really like the Nancy Zeiman DVD. It might help.
Shirley Rash
Pam
As my body has aged my sewing patterns are in need of a fix. This sounds like the perfect tool for fixing them.
Karen B
As I’ve aged everything seems to be falling down and readjusting itself. I welcome any and all help. (fitting that is)
Thanks for always coming up with the greatest sewing helps, Nancy.
Bobbie Calgaro
Nancy, I love this method of fitting simple patterns. I wish that I knew how to use it for more complicated designs. My sleeves fit better than they have for years. But can you use it for princess seams and other patterns with more pieces?
Nancy Zieman
HI Bobbie, To help learn my pivot and slide techniques, print out the mini-pattern pieces which include princess seams. Then watch the 2-part series. Pause it when you need to practice with the mini pieces.
http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/solving-the-pattern-fitting-puzzle-pieces/
http://wpt.org/SewingWithNancy/Video/solving-pattern-fitting-puzzle-part-one
http://wpt.org/SewingWithNancy/Video/solving-pattern-fitting-puzzle-part-two
Donna Moore
It would be an answer to prayer for me to be able to fit my patterns to me. I have so many patterns, I seem to collect them, but don’t use them because I just can’t seem to get them to fit right. I love to sew but I don’t sew clothing items for lack of how to fit. Thank you Nancy for helping people like me. I could definitely benefit from you lessons.
Cheryl K.
Fitting patterns has become more and more challenging, so much so that I almost dread sewing clothes for myself. Your method for pattern fitting might just be what I need! Thanks for all of your sewing tips and techniques.
Janie York
Measuring myself and then making those changes to the pattern has always challenged me. I have just started planning to sew for myself again after many years away from that activity. Any and all help is appreciated!! Thank you Nancy!
Mary Anne
I am short in legs and arms, narrow across shoulders and neckline compared to bust waist and hips.
I cannot buy a pattern based on bust measurement as the shoulders and neck are just huge then. Major “Gaposis” going on there!
Pat
As I’ve aged I’ve gained weight. I’ve never had an hourglass shape and now it’s even worse. To get a blouse that fits in the bust, it will be too small in the waist. I’m looking forward to learning more about how to adjust patterns. I never had to do that when I sewed as a teen.
Carol
Nothing ready made ever fits me exactly so this would be a great help to me. Alterations made easy!
Carol
Nothing ready made ever fits me exactly so this would be a great help to me. Alterations made easy! This
Melissa
I have short arms and legs but a longer torso in relation to arm and leg length, narrow shoulders, D bust, with large hips, thighs and waist. I’d be skinny if I was 6 ft tall. I’ve never met a pair of pants I didn’t have to take 5 inches off the length, I can’t wear petite the stride is too short. I’ve thought about making my own clothes but don’t even know where to begin. All I want is one good pattern that fits.
Clovis
When I sewed some of my clothes, it would be hard to get the correct measurements for me. My sleeves would be to tight and I would have to let them out without much room to sew. This book would give me the correct way to do any size corrections. Thanks for the chance of winning.
beth
I usually have to change my back arm width and make lower on seam in back. I would love that DVD.
Linda E in AZ
Over time my body has changed so much that it is difficult to know where to start altering patterns that I used to use a lot. I have been hung up on quilting for years but want to get back to clothing construction since the clothes available in stores do nothing for me, and I’m tired of wearing T shirts and jeans.
Thanks!
Kathy Fitchner
I am 5′ 10″…nothing over the counter fits my arm or leg length. I NEED help!!
Kathy Fitchner Koo
I am 5′ 10″ nothing ever fits my arms or legs in length. Plus at age 62 waist is too big, and …well you know where the boobs are going!!
Barbara Neeley
This would almost be as good as you coming to my home to measure me and help me alter my patterns. I love to sew but fitting has always been a challenge to me.
Juli R
This info is exactly what I need for an upcoming project for a friend. I need to make the arm and hip wider and with about 50 years sewing experience , I never knew the “right” way to do this. Thanks so much.
Deon
I can’t believe that I used to sew patterns right out of the package (won’t say how many years that has been!). But now, I need a LOT of adjustments. I’d love to win this DVD.
Jeanette Hasseman
I gave up sewing my own clothes after having children mostly bec I could not get a good fit with my body changes. Now, post menopause, they are harder than ever to buy off the racks. This could be a new start for me.
Linda Stevens
I’m a 66 year old, have been a swimmer all my life with square swimmer’s shoulders, back & upper arms, that are now sort of rounding forward. I’ve always made loose tops because fitting is such a huge issue. I would love to have Nancy in my sewing room, even if it’s on a DVD!
Linda Brngal
I recently started sewing garments again and I can’t believe how much I’ve forgotten and how much my body has changed. I used to be able to just use the pattern with no adjustments except for length, but now…well I can’t and I just don’t know how to handle the adjustments.
Gail Beam
I can use all of this information to fit a pattern! With the now over 70 muffin top, tummy bundt cake, and hanging arm skin, pattern fitting is now a necessity! Who wouldn’t love this book and CD!
BevM
As many of the other ladies have said, I used to be able to use patterns straight out of the package. Now that I am in the age of retirement, I need to stop “magical thinking” and face the fact that I need to take the TIME to make some fitting adjustments. Nancy’s DVD would be a great help.
judy
I’ve always had fitting problems. I’m short with a long torso. My bust is extra large with no hips (lucky me), but now in my old age my waist is huge. I need a lot of help. This DVD could be my salvation. Pick me! Pick me!
Laura
Patterns used to fit right out of the envelope, then it seemed overnight that was no longer true. I’ve been sewing 56 years, and suddenly I was back at square one with trying to figure things out and getting nowhere. I bought many fitting books, by different authors, with different theories and methods. My frustration grew because it felt like I needed a degree in architecture to understand them. All that changed when I discovered Nancy’s method of using the right size measurement, and her pivot and slide method. It all makes so much sense, and is easy to understand and apply. I went from size 12-14 to fit my bust and hips, to a size 8 again. A million thank yous, Nancy!!
Frances Claassens
I have narrow rounded shoulders, fat arms and a belly problem.
Susan
Petite neck, back, shoulders, old lady gut and Carol Doda bust. To fit them, everything else is huge. I could put two arms through the arms eye.
Karen
I’ve always had fitting issues. Worse problems are my bust and my arms. The rest seem to be easily addressed to get a decent fit.
Karen
Fitting has always been an issue for me. My bust and arms. Thanks for your help always.
Cassy L.
My body has shape shifted and my old patterns have not. Coordinating all the new measurements is a challenge for me.
Lori M.
Oh Nancy,,,thank you for some great information of how to take the scariness out of pattern fitting problems. I see more clothes being made for myself that fit better and looks better on me…….and the swayback..was what I really enjoyed most…did I know to take it from the neckline…no always took from waistline…thank you again…..
MonicaAD
Would be nice to own since I always have to adjust my sleeve size … FIESTA 🙂
Cindy Masek
Nancy, I love the practical way you approach this. No need for hip curves etc. to recreate the changed line like so many others techniques!
Speaking of hips, that area is my problem spot – except the problem isn’t my hips, it’s also my thighs, behind and unusual proportions. I often fit well through the hips but “bloom” just below at the thighs, so I assume you just make the adjustment at the fullest thigh point instead as needed. But adjusting there often isn’t enough as part of the problem is my generous behind. I have defined waist that is significantly smaller than my backside, and while that may be a bit in style it is anything but stylish when it comes to fitting well. I so often end up with a waist that gaps or pants that pull through the hips. If I measure for the hips as directed, that will account for some of the needed extra, and then perhaps measure again and adjust at the thighs? Plus I am short waisted, have a high rise, and very long upper legs. So I often have to make adjustments in those areas as well. Most patterns end up looking like a true puzzle piece after all those alterations! Any other suggestions for this pear shaped body? This all makes it difficult to buy off the rack and frustrating to try to sew for as things rarely seem to hang right after all the adjustments.
Bonnye
Fitting problems are difficult for me. Small bust and large waist.
Marj Gould
The book would be a wonderful asset to our library at Hope Faith Ministries where we teach the homeless and under-privileged to sew in urban Kansas City. I started the sewing center about 5 years ago and it has been a success but our clients struggle with converting the patterns to their frames.
mary ann blazevich
I’ve had good luck with purchased pants patterns but then I always go outside the cutting line, especially through the hip area. That way, I can try my garment on and then make my adjustments where needed.
Edna Marks
I’m 5’4″, petites are a little to short and regulars are a little to long. Also pear shaped and hard to fit breast and waist.
Tamra
Store bought clothes never fit like home tailored made with love clothes. I believe everyone feel and look their best when their clothes FIT them. Thank you Nancy for teaching us all these valuable methods!!
Julia Thomas
I would love to continue altering clothes for my daughter. This information would be a great resource. I love your books and videos.
Susan Spiers
I sometimes have trouble with the waistline in proportion to the bustline because I am long-waisted!
Rosie
What a perfectly logical way to approach fitting. My problem area is my hips and thighs. Getting pants to fit correctly is a big problem for me. Thanks for your help with this.
Janet Duff
I have so much trouble finding clothes that fit I am down to 2 skirts and a few tops. If I don’t master this I will be ordering lounge dresses to wear.
Noreen
I am long waisted but have short arms. I love all your tips!
Jude Twambley
Terrific tips and tricks, Nancy, I always feel as though I must be a strange shape when the standard pattern doesn’t fit me, this helps me realise it’s not only me! Patterns have to be the starting point to use to adapt to your own body shape.
Jean Long
I love this- I have never had any clothes that really fit correctly. I have more than one fitting problem so this makes real sense to me. I love clothes and would really like to have some that fit and reflect ‘my style’ I also have a grand daughter that is tall and very slim and patterns for her need more adjustments than I can get my head around. Thank you so much. I am so grateful you had 4-H and years of experience to share all you have learned. .
Cindy Charlton
Most of us have fitting issues which is why we sew. My nemesis is small sloping shoulders, D cup bust, and large hips. I need to combine 3 sizes plus do pattern alterations.
Jean Long
Me too but after several failed attempts to alter patterns I gave up and bought ready-made sloppy fit clothes. I love this idea and am ready to try to fit my body. Yea for Miss Nancy all her experience!!
Shaela
Use your sleeve alteration method constantly. Thank you
Cecilia Huether
I have a long trunk and petite arms and legs, so always have to alter patterns. This would be a great addition to my sewing supplies to help me. Awesome tool.
Kathleen B.
Thank you for the great tips! I always learn so much on your shows and your website.
Doreen Linehan
My sewing challenge is with my E cup size.
Tammy
Wow. your method is so much easier than trying to cut up patterns. My issue is covering my bust but not swimming everywhere else. Clearly I need this in my life.
Dorothy Highum
This would be very helpful in trying to fit my 93 year old mother. She has had breast cancer at 83. Now it is hard to get clothing to fit.
Linda Rupe
I like to sew for my daughters, but one is shaped very much like Dolly Parton – tiny waist, slim hips, thin midriff – and does not like to wear loose fitting garments that fit through the bust then hang because she then looks pregnant or overweight. It takes a lot of prep to get something to fit, but this is the best method I have found.
Janet Weirauch
I am hoping this information will help me alter my wardrobe to a small size because I have shrunken. A nice thing but to costly to buy new clothes. Great help Nancy.
Ann
The bust and underarm areas are always a problem for me!
Rhonda
Just noticed my darts ended up too low after adjustments. Need more tweeks! I loved the fitting series on TV, thank you Nancy!