We all want to make garments that fit our unique body, which rarely happens right out of the package. We'll go over common pattern adjustments that will custom tailor your sewing patterns to fit perfectly, including shoulders and bust adjustments, lengthening or shortening torso or legs, rise adjustments and cutting between sizes. This class introduces the art of pattern alterations for a personalized fit, and is intended for people who have intermediate sewing skills.

Instructor: Shaerie Mead

We’ll discuss areas of fit and taking accurate measurements, then delve into commercial patterns and how to interpret their fit. Minor and major adjustments will be demonstrated for common fitting changes in addition to cutting between sizes, including shoulders, bust adjustments, necklines, darts, rise adjustments and fullness adjustments. Specific questions will be covered in the third class, with feedback from the instructor for students who make a test garment for fitting!

Equipment Needed: large flat surface to work on, large piece of cardboard or foamcore to pin into

Supply List

Tape measure

1/2” elastic a few inches longer than your waist measurement + safety pin

Pattern Ease, Swedish Tracing Paper, dotted patternmaking paper or brown craft paper

Clear tape (matte ‘magic’ tape works best)

Paper scissors

Mechanical pencil

Curved ruler

Clear 2” x 18” ruler

Needlepoint tracing wheel (optional)

Commercial or independent patterns that you want to adjust!