Take the Mystery From Pattern Fitting
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, Nancy shares that fitting patterns don’t need to be puzzling. Learning to fit sewing patterns is definitely a sewing necessity, but it doesn’t need to be complicated.
The common sense approach that she prefers takes the mystery out of the pattern-fitting puzzle. In Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, Part Two, we’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.
Nancy shares her Sleeve Fitting Changes, including measuring and altering sleeve width and length.
Then, she covers Shoulder Fitting Changes, including narrow shoulders, sloping shoulders, and square shoulders.
Next, move on to Back Fitting Changes—including swayback and rounded back.
Finally, 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 Nancy covered the pattern fitting basics; bust, waist, and hip adjustments, along with the Right Size Measurement Fitting Chart (below).
You’ll find all of Nancy’s pattern fitting techniques in her book, Confident Sewing Collection.
Bonus: You can practice these skills using 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.
Happy Sewing,
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.
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Jo Ann Greco
Looking forward to watching the series as I am very busty but wear a size 6/8 in pants. Finding tops that fit where it needs to without being too big in the waist and arms. Thank you
Pat Roediger
I have watched this series before and loved it. There is not much worse than spending time making a garment only to have the fit not be what you wanted it to be. Nancy Zieman made it much easier to understand altering patterns to fit your body.
Linda E in AZ
My dilemma is that none of the patterns (or commercial garments) fit my body correctly since I need to do lots of adjustments. This book would help me since my shape has changed from what it used to be ….
Thanks!
Julie Kill
I look forward to solving several fitting problems: a large bosom, short waist, short legs. It will be wonderful to actually have clothing fit properly! Thank you for the tips!
Tanya Cassup
I have a ton of patterns to sew clothes, but I don’t because I can’t fit any of them to me! I get so frustrated and give up trying to sew clothes for myself. I really could use this book to help me overcome this!
Joyce West
As I’ve grown older my body shape has changed in several places. This book would be a great reference when I need to make the many pattern alterations. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.
Joan Larson
I’ve heard of sloping shoulders, but never slopping shoulders. What are they?
Joyce Delfino
I have trouble fitting myself and other people. I use to grab a pattern and go. I realize I can no longer do that. HELP!
Gwendy Coats
Since I have gotten older my body shape has changed and and I am not sure about some of the adjustments. I used to make all of my clothes but am very leery of it now. This series would sure be a big help.
Sally Ann
All my young sewing life I was the the same shape as most Vogue Patterns. So I would just cut and sew. Slowly over the years that method no longer worked! Nancy’s fitting instructions have made sewing a pleasure again. As my shape continues to change I have the need for more fitting techniques.
Clovis
I used to buy a pattern and start making it, but the fabric wouldn’t fit. Winning this would help me learn all about fitting. Thanks for the chance to win.
vicky
Gosh, I need this so bad. I am so bad at fitting patterns. This would be such a great help. I am looking forward to watching this. I have lost a small fortune in material due to bad fitting cloths that I can’t wear.
Julie M.
As if a lifetime of needing to completely alter patterns hasn’t been enough of a challenge, everything is moving south for the winter of my life! 🙂 I would love to add this to my collection of Nancy references.
MaryEllen
I never understood pattern changes and Nancy’s explanations make it so easy to learn. Now I am looking forward to sewing my clothes again. Thank you for this video.
Noreen
I’m not sure commercial patterns fit anyone’s body. I have a long waist and larger bustline which are impossible to fit with a commercial pattern.
beth d.
I am needing to fit my arms. some blouses I make they come out too long on the arms.
Sandra Chapman
Getting older and things don’t fit good anymore so I need to learn how to adjust patterns to try and make my clothes look better! This book would be great to have.
MonicaAD
Would LOVE to own this … FIESTA 🙂
Sandra
Bilateral mastectomies have me stumped! The implants are crooked and I don’t know where to start fitting patterns. Hopefully this book could help.
Candice C.
What a fantastic giveaway!! Age and surgeries haven’t been very kind. It would be wonderful to have the answers at my fingertips.
Max
I have heavy, short arms–tops are hard to fit properly.
Karen
My tummy is larger than my hips causing fitting problems.
Margie
Adjusting patterns is confusing to me. Nothing fits me just right. So most every feature needs adjusting. It seems like so much extra work with no guarantee that I’m going to get it just right. I have so much to learn.
Barbara Kahn
Aging makes a different sized body. Would be nice to make clothes that fit once again. Still have all the old Stretch and Sew patterns. Should try!
Dorothy
The only things I have gotten to fit me are loose-fitting, tent-like garments which end up longer in front than the back.
Jan N.
My major fitting problems are sloping shoulders and a large bust line.
Deb Buchanan
Thanks for the chance to win! This will come in so handy. I’ve alway had trouble fitting my daughter’s clothes, even when she was in high school, she let me make her clothes. She has a large bust and a small waist-impossible! Now she’s married and pregnant and I don’t even know where to begin!! She couldbuse a few new things to wear.
Susan Spiers
My fitting problem has always been narrow shoulders! A long waist is something I have dealt with & been able to fix, but narrow shoulders is still a puzzle fix for me – if it fits in the shoulders, it won’t fit in the waist or hips! Thank you, Susan
kathy
I am puzzled on how to fit pants. I am okay when they are not fitted, nut otherwise have no clue on how to adjust the pattern.
Joyce
I have never had a garment that I made fit perfectly. I would love to win the book.
Laurie Devers
I haven’t sewn a garment for myself since I fit a perfect Misses size. Decades later I am a Plus size and am not even sure how to pick out the right size pattern or how to make adjustments for a body that has undergone many changes. With the help of this book, I could begin sewing clothes for myself again.
Marsha Dimond
I have not sewn clothes that fit well in a long time. I have narrow shoulders, fat upper arms, & a belly that’s bigger than it should be. I love to sew & would love to have well-fitting final results.
Jodine Mosley
My problem is knowing how much ease to put in a garment.
Crystal
My measurements are confusing! My bust is one size, hips another, waist another, and I am always in a conundrum as to which size to pick! Alteration has been a long sought after skill that I have yet to acquire. Nancy’s tips are starting to shed much needed light on the matter. I am looking forward to learning more!
Beverly
I have struggled for years with trying to fit a pattern to my multi-sized body. This book and CD would be a great help. I never would have guessed making the appropriate adjustments could be formulated like this.
judy
My body has change a great deal in 55 years. I use to know exactly what changes to make for a perfect fit back when but that has all changed. Now I’m a mess.
Mary Hutteman
I used to sew most of my clothes, but now that I am older my shape has changed so dramatically I no longer know how to adjust the patterns. This book would be very helpful.
mary m young
I do have a homemade mannequin but a plus would be to have these pattern ideas to make it a perfect duo. I would love to have this reference book. Thanks.
Ruth L
Finding the perfect fit is an ongoing quest, especially as my body changes with age and too many cookies! My biggest fitting challenge is a very large bust. Nancy’s wisdom has always been a wonderful guide when faced with a sewing dilemma. This series has great information! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Michelle
I have always had trouble getting pants to fit probably. Would love to have this boof for reference
Donna Fecteau
thank you for sharing these great tips.
Debi
Mine is narrow shoulders. Bra straps, everything falls off or fits awry.
Anne Z.
I have had difficulty getting tops I make to fit well in general. I am a self taught seamstress and have never learned the proper way to alter patterns.
Van
Fitting pants in the waist & crotch has always been a challenge. Either the waist is too small/large or the crotch seems too low or too tight. These pattern shortcuts helped very much and I personally can’t wait to see more. Thank you.
judith
At 65, I want to resume sewing clothes, because nothing fits in ready to wear
sizing. I have curves I’ve never had before, and am stumped by how to make patterns work for me!
Sandy
I see that many other people have my problem. With age, my body has new lumps. I always had narrow shoulders and a high waist, so the extra weight just makes it even harder to fit either homemade or store-bought clothes. These little patterns to use with Nancy’s method are a brilliant idea. Thank you!
Charlotte Grabe
I love these tips , as I am 4 ft. 11 inch’s. I have trouble getting a good fit , Also a little on the cubby side,, I have been a fan as long as she was on air,
Carol Skilling
I would be so interested in finding the ease that needs to be added to each area. How many more inches than the actual measurement? Thanks!
Mary
I have a pear shaped body and to complicate matters, I have a small waist and big hips and thighs. Finding pants that fit is impossible. I am tired of wearing clothes that do not fit properly. I have watched part one and two several times and am inspired to learn how to alter patterns to sew clothes that fit me.