Pattern Fitting Doesn’t Need to be Puzzling

Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle TV Show by Nancy Zieman

Pattern Fitting Doesn’t Need to be Puzzling

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle TV Show by Nancy ZiemanHave 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. 

Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle Part Two as seen on the Sewing With Nancy Television Show.

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.

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.Then, I’ll cover Shoulder Fitting Changes, including narrow shoulders, sloping shoulders, and square shoulders. 

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.

Next I’ll move on to Back Fitting Changes—including swayback and rounded back. 

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.I’ll finish up Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle Part Two with Skirt Fitting Changes including waistline and hipline. 

Nancy Zieman shows how to fit a sewing pattern in Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, as seen on the Sewing With Nancy TV Show on PBS.

Check out last week’s post on Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle Part Onewhere I cover the pattern fitting basics; bust, waist, and hip adjustments, along with my Right Size Measurement Fitting Chart (below).Nancy Zieman's Right Size Measurement Pattern Fitting Chart

Nancy Zieman's Right Size Measurement Pattern Fitting Chart

You’ll find all my pattern fitting techniques within my book, Confident Sewing Collection.

Confident Sewing Collection by Sewing With Nancy Zieman

Bonus: You can practice these skills using my mini-pattern pieces, which you can download for free.

Princess Seams Mini Pattern Pieces by Nancy Zieman

Watch Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle Part One and Part Two on Sewing With Nancy online. 

Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle DVD by Nancy Zieman of TV's Sewing With Nancy PBS Show

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,

Nancy Zieman The Blog

Content in this feed is © copyright 2017 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman has provided products by other companies in the course of her business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.

 

Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here. Join us on Facebook, plus a host of other social media channels. Connect With Nancy today!
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

60 Comments

  • Shirley Rash
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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?

  • Donna Moore
    June 1, 2017

    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.
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    Nothing ready made ever fits me exactly so this would be a great help to me. Alterations made easy!

  • Carol
    June 1, 2017

    Nothing ready made ever fits me exactly so this would be a great help to me. Alterations made easy! This

  • Melissa
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    I am 5′ 10″…nothing over the counter fits my arm or leg length. I NEED help!!

  • Kathy Fitchner Koo
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    I have narrow rounded shoulders, fat arms and a belly problem.

  • Susan
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    Fitting has always been an issue for me. My bust and arms. Thanks for your help always.

  • Cassy L.
    June 1, 2017

    My body has shape shifted and my old patterns have not. Coordinating all the new measurements is a challenge for me.

  • Lori M.
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    Would be nice to own since I always have to adjust my sleeve size … FIESTA 🙂

  • Cindy Masek
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    Fitting problems are difficult for me. Small bust and large waist.

  • Marj Gould
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    I sometimes have trouble with the waistline in proportion to the bustline because I am long-waisted!

  • Rosie
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 1, 2017

    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
    June 2, 2017

    I am long waisted but have short arms. I love all your tips!

  • Jude Twambley
    June 2, 2017

    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
    June 2, 2017

    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
    June 2, 2017

    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
      June 7, 2017

      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
    June 2, 2017

    Use your sleeve alteration method constantly. Thank you

  • Cecilia Huether
    June 3, 2017

    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.
    June 3, 2017

    Thank you for the great tips! I always learn so much on your shows and your website.

  • Doreen Linehan
    June 3, 2017

    My sewing challenge is with my E cup size.

  • Tammy
    June 3, 2017

    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
    June 4, 2017

    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
    June 5, 2017

    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
    June 7, 2017

    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
    June 11, 2017

    The bust and underarm areas are always a problem for me!

  • Rhonda
    June 18, 2017

    Just noticed my darts ended up too low after adjustments. Need more tweeks! I loved the fitting series on TV, thank you Nancy!

Post a Comment