Choosing Patterns and Altering Patterns!

Sandra Betzina, the host of Sew Perfect has a series of articles on line for choosing patterns and getting a correct fit.

Pant Tips & Techniques - Page 1 - Sew News Library Go beyond the guidesheet to create pants that fit.

Multi-Size Patterns Can Make You Look Good is loaded with pointers and ways to use multi size patterns to achieve a "size 10 look".

Fitting Surprises walks you through the ways to take the mystery out of, "will it fit?", before you cut out or construct a garment.

Fitting Over A Tummy walks you through the pattern adjustments you need to make for a not so perfect model stomach area.

If you're completely frustrated with commercial patterns, you may want to learn more about Moulage. In Learning Moulage In Three Days, Sandra Betzina gives you details on where all the proper measurements are taken and achieving a perfect sloper.

Threads on Line also offers ways to make patterns fit.

What Makes "BASIC" Patterns BASIC? walks you through using one basic pattern to achieve all kinds of varied results. See how the one pattern they chose for this article, worked for 5 different figure types.

Darts Build Shape into a Garment teaches you all about darts, their placement, marking techniques, altering darts, stitching and pressing.

How Darts Effect Length teaches you how darts can help you achieve a well fitting pants.

Fitting The Neck also offers what you need to gain a thorough understanding of making neck lines fit the way you want them to.

Choking Necklines gives you great pointers, areas to adjust, places to measure and more, when posture problems lead to poor fitting neck lines.

The Dowager's Hump gives you all the information you need to alter a pattern for a rounded upper back.

Sleeve and bodice fitting for forward shoulders takes you through making pattern adjustments for forward fitting shoulders.

Tapering or widening pants gives you information on altering pants, when the leg width is the desired change.

Walking Room In Pants gives you all the areas to measure and alter in order to make comfortable pants.

Although many of the steps described in these articles seem very time consuming, there is nothing worse then wasting time on a garment that will never be worn, due to it not fitting properly. Take your time and learn to adjust before you cut. Make the alterations to basic patterns that you can use to create a varied wardrobe. You'll never be sorry you took the time, when everything you make, fits perfectly.

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