All You Need To Know To Custom Fit Garment Sewing Patterns
The Complete Photo Guide To Perfect Fitting by Sarah Veblen is one of my favorite sewing reference books. Commercial patterns are drafted to a specific fit model, even basic garments are scaled up and down and sometimes have no relation to proportional changes. Since our bodies are all different shapes and sizes, making accurate adjustments to patterns in search of the perfect fit can be challenging.
The Complete Photo Guide To Perfect Fitting takes you through the process of editing your test garment with solid sewing techniques employing clear photos and accurate instructions. It is the perfect garment making book to assess your fitting challenges and fitting solutions. It is the perfect guide for beginner sewing and beyond.
The Complete Photo Guide To Perfect Fitting takes you from a commercial pattern through the test garment onto transferring accurate adjustments from your fit muslin to actually wearing garments you created. It will help you solve your fitting problems so you can proudly wear the clothes you sew.
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The Book
You can find The Complete Photo Guide To Perfect Fitting by Sarah Veblen on Amazon. It comes in a paperback and Kindle version. I would strongly suggest the paperback version. Since you will use it as a reference book, it is easier to take notes and look things up quickly with the physical book.
Chapter 1 – Laying The Foundation
The basic fundamentals of fitting test garments are covered in this chapter. It is an introduction to basic garments and commercial patterns. This chapter covers sewing methods and the pattern fitting process shows sewists how to achieve great fit.
The Pattern and Fitting Basics section walks you through how to read a pattern and interpret measurements, ease, and recognize issues.
When you enter the Framework for Fitting and Fundamentals of Fitting sections, the book highlights the steps of fitting test garments (aka a muslin or toile). Constructing a muslin is a little different than sewing up the complete garment. Seams are typically based so they can be easily ripped out and repositioned during the fitting process.
Finally, the Fundamentals of Altering Patterns section holds you hand as you begin to take a commercial pattern and how to make the adjustments from the muslin to the pattern tissue.
Visit my Tips for Beginner Sewing Projects to explore the process of selecting patterns and fabrics to get your sewing projects off on the right foot.
Chapter 2 – Developing Your Ability
Learning how to develop your fitting process techniques and correct fitting problems is a skill required by every successful seamstress. The method presented in this chapter will aid you in how a test garment fits the body highlighting how to make accurate adjustments for a great fit.
The Process of Fitting Garments section walks you through fitting test garments for different body types. Each of us will require different fitting techniques to improve the garments drape on our frame.
In the Fitting Solutions for Body Types and Related Pattern Alterations section, Veblen delves deeper into the fitting process. She covers commonly accepted changes that most sewists will need to find fitting solutions for their garments.
Finally, there is a section Fitting Pants. Achieving a great fit on pants takes skill. This section takes on the challenge of the specific changes pants may require.
Chapter 3 – Going To The Next Level
Chapter 3 takes on a few of the accompanying adjustments that may be needed for pattern pieces. What happens to a waistband, facing, or collar when adjustments are made to the basic garment.
Fitting Test Garments
Fitting test garments takes practice. Finding solutions to make better clothing is definitely a sewing skill you need to perfect. Our goal as sewists should be to create garments that look like high-end ready-to-wear. A beautifully fitting sheath dress that highlights your shape is the hallmark of tailoring. Beautiful fabric made up into clothes that fit perfectly is the goal of every sewist.
Dress Forms
A word about dress forms. I use a dress form to access drape and some fitting issues, however, nothing compares to fitting your garments on your body. It is difficult to make accurate adjustments when your garment is hanging on a dress form. However, they are perfect for determining how specific changes may affect the drape and fit of your garment. While they will not be a perfect representation of your body, they can aid in working out specific changes and clothing shape.
It is helpful to see the fabric and consider how to adjust the pattern without the garment on your person. You can explore fitting issues like drag lines, darting, and length with the help of a dress form.
Achieving The Perfect Fit With Flat Pattern Adjustments
Men and women who sew and desire to make specific changes to commercial patterns that reflect their shape and style will treasure this ultimate reference book. Filled with practical techniques, sewists can craft garments that fit instead of using the “I hope it fits” method. Fitting muslins to accommodate different body types can be challenging, but The Complete Photo Guide To Perfect Fitting with its large color photos illustrate how to take your sewing from good basic garments to fabulous couture creations.
The Complete Photo Guide To Perfect Fitting by Sarah Veblen is full of tips and fitting process guides for making clothing that works. I give it a 5.0 out of 5.0 rating, it is one of my goto fitting reference guides.
Happy Sewing,
Sandi
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