Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle

Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle TV Show by Nancy Zieman

Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle

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Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle TV Show by Nancy Zieman

Learn each of Nancy’s pattern fitting techniques for your next garment sewing project. During the next two Sewing With Nancy episodes featuring the show, Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, Nancy shares with you her favorite pivot and slide methods that are easily mastered, without cutting the original pattern pieces apart!

Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle Sewing With Nancy PBS Show hosted by Nancy ZiemanFitting sewing patterns can be approached as if you’re putting together a puzzle. In Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, Part One, Nancy covers the fitting basics—bust, waist, and hip adjustments.

Nancy Zieman's Right Size Measurement Pattern Fitting ChartLearn a new approach to choosing the right pattern size with Nancy’s Right Size Measurement Fitting Chart.

Nancy Zieman's Right Size Measurement Pattern Fitting Chart

See how to easily measure and choose a basic pattern size.

How to Fit a Sewing Pattern with Nancy Zieman's Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle

Then, learn how to change the pattern with simplified pivot and slide techniques.

Free Mini Pattern Pieces from Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle by Nancy Zieman

You’ll find all Nancy’s pattern fitting techniques in her book, Confident Sewing Collection.

Confident Sewing Collection by Sewing With Nancy ZiemanYou can also practice these skills using mini-pattern pieces that you can download for free.

Princess Seams Mini Pattern Pieces by Nancy Zieman

Watch Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle 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.

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

Nancy Zieman's Giveaway Winner

The randomly selected winner of a copy of the book Sew Simple with Rectangles & Squares from Nancy’s Notions is Berenice.

Her comment is, “I want something to collect and neatly hold the various pieces of paperwork that collect on my desk at work & at home. I need to get everything corralled for my sanity!”

Sew Simple with Rectangles and Squares, a new 3-part Sewing With Nancy series

 

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC

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97 Comments

  • Brenda Etter
    January 23, 2018

    Great pointers!! I do best with DVD’s as I can pause. And replay as needed.

  • Letha
    January 23, 2018

    I have always had this issue and I am going to start a class at the senior center on how to make garments. I read patterns but not fit them.

  • Cindy Zellner
    January 23, 2018

    I have used this pivot and slide technique for years now after learning how to do it correctly on Sewing With Nancy. Thanks for sharing your knowledge to help others Nancy!

  • Linda Epting
    January 23, 2018

    Would love to learn the correct way to fit a pattern

  • Lynn F
    January 23, 2018

    I’m going to be helping a friend who recently asked me about fitting. This DVD would be the perfect teaching aide.

  • Judy Leipski
    January 23, 2018

    Adjusting patterns has always been a challenge. Mainly to accommodate larger hips. A DVD would be very helpful.

  • Heidi
    January 23, 2018

    I want to get back to garment sewing after spending the last several years doing home dec and accessory sewing. I need to learn the pivot and slide method to make patterns that will help me create garments that are flattering to my mature figure.

  • Gloria
    January 23, 2018

    Love the pivot and slide fitting method and would love to become an absolute pro at using it! We miss you Nancy!

  • Ann Hiler
    January 23, 2018

    As I age I find more things not fitting. I need help!

  • Helen
    January 23, 2018

    Need some help fitting a dress for my friend’s daughter – I can’t get the bodice to fit right.

  • Debra
    January 23, 2018

    I improved my sewing techniques by purchasing Nancy’s booklets over thirty years ago. I sewed my entire career wardrobe using Nancy’s techniques. Then, I didn’t need to adjust patterns very much. Shoulder and neckline challenges keep me from sewing garments now. Nancy’s tips are timeless.

  • Nancy
    January 23, 2018

    I saw this show and it was an eye opener. I really need help as the top portion of my body is much larger than the bottom. Nothing fits!!

  • Chris Gibbons
    January 23, 2018

    I would love this book. I too am having more and more trouble getting the correct fit.

  • Martha Morgan
    January 23, 2018

    Such a challenge with the increase of bust size I got with old age. When I was a 34 B every pattern fit, now not so! Hate trying to get patterns to fit.

  • Ruth M
    January 23, 2018

    After watching the shows on adjusting patterns, I tried the techniques with some success–but also some lack of success. I would love to have the info on hand so I can reference it whenever I wish. Though I’ve been sewing my own clothes for decades, I need the help for using my patterns and adjusting them for my changing body shape!

  • Clovis
    January 23, 2018

    Thanks for the chance to win. Have trouble fitting my hips.

    • Sandra Allen
      January 23, 2018

      Using the book Nancy published long ago, I have sewed for myself and daughters this way for years. I even altered patterns for their wedding dresses, and as for myself I am very narrow in the shoulders, and using this method would add 4” thru the bust and waist for my fit.
      Love this method.

  • BRENDA
    January 23, 2018

    I HAVE FOUND INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INCREASE THE BUST FOR A D CUP BUT WHEN A PERSON IS A DDD CUP OR EVEN AN “H” CUP….I SERIOUSLY NEED HELP. SO AT PRESENT I AM STUCK WITH JUST MAKING BOTTOMS.

  • Jane Renzetti
    January 23, 2018

    I also have problems with fitting at the shoulder…always too big. Would love this book!

  • Bonnye
    January 23, 2018

    As I have aged, I too have problems with fitting. Pants and shoulders are challenging problems.

  • Max
    January 23, 2018

    I am small on top and wide on the bottom–this could help my fitting issues.

  • June V
    January 23, 2018

    One of my upper arms is larger than the other and I have a hard time getting patterns to fit this arm. I would love to have access to the book to help me solve this problem.

  • Karen
    January 23, 2018

    I have never been able to understand adjusting patterns to fit my body or do alterations properly for others.

  • Alice
    January 23, 2018

    I have never been confident about attaining proper fit. I have always just hoped for the best. This would be a great help!

  • Karen
    January 23, 2018

    I have problems fitting legs and arms. I can get everything to fit everywhere else but I always end up a little snug on the legs and arms.

  • Judy
    January 23, 2018

    I really need this book so I can get back to garment sewing. Have spent several years quilting just because I was having problems with my ever-changing body and didn’t know what to do about it – except to cover it with a quilt!

  • Mary Hutteman
    January 23, 2018

    I sewed most of my clothes until menopause hit. I stopped sewing clothes because I no longer knew how to fit this new body. I really enjoyed the information in the video and could really put the book to good use. Nancy Zeiman will be missed very much, I learned so much from her.

  • Barbara Crowell
    January 23, 2018

    I’ve been a fan since the 1980s. After almost 40 yrs, fitting is so much more challenging. I’m a person with a large bust, and with age, now experiencing what I call the “collapsing torso”. Ugh! Trying to come up with a good solution to fitting!!!!

  • Vicki M
    January 23, 2018

    Finally! The answer to my fitting problems! I’ve bern looking for a fitting guide I could understand for a long time. Thank you so much.

  • beth d.
    January 23, 2018

    I have a problem fitting my hips and my waist at the same time. would love to win the dvd on sewing.

  • Linda
    January 23, 2018

    Thanks for the chance to win. A fitting guide would be very useful and nice to have in my sewing endeavors.

  • Judy F
    January 23, 2018

    I’ve been sewing my whole life and have had many frustrations with fittings. Finally, thanks to Nancy’s clear teachings, this now all makes sense. I would LOVE a DVD copy of these two programs. Thank you for this opportunity.

  • Pati
    January 23, 2018

    I would love to learn more about pattern alteration! I am petite (5′ 0.5″), with narrow, and sloping, shoulders, a slight sway back, and full chested. I need to do a Full Bust Adjustment to every garment with a bodice section, and combining that with the shoulder adjustments has proven quite a challenge. I’ve tried the pivot and slide technique from the previous airing of this episode, and having the DVD would be a great help in perfecting my technique. Thank you for all you do to help the greater sewing community improve!

  • Liz Fergus
    January 23, 2018

    My problem is gaining and losing weight, causing several changes in pattern sizes in different places! I need help!
    Thank you for this opportunity….

  • Martha Hood
    January 23, 2018

    I would love easier ways to change patterns so they fit better, seeing as I have gained weight in past couple of years, and shifted all my bumps around. So nothing fits as the patterns say, waist, bust and the hips and length from the shoulders to hips, where are they now, thanks for all the great suggestions and ideas you have given us over the years.

  • Maritza Farr
    January 23, 2018

    I would like to more readily adapt patterns not only for myself, but family members. I have watched these episodes and the techniques are simply yet very effective in achieving a perfect fit!

  • Melissa
    January 23, 2018

    I’m such a hard fit , wide hips, narrow shoulders and short everywhere. I have given up on fitting but would love to try again, maybe a different system then I have tried before will work for me.

  • Lisa Atwell
    January 23, 2018

    I would love to learn to make things that fit me. Things that I like that will cover what I want covered, but that will fit too.

  • Estelle
    January 23, 2018

    I have been sewing clothes for 65 + years and am still learning. Would love to win the DVD.

  • Laurie
    January 23, 2018

    I have trouble finding clothes that fit my shape properly. I would really like to sew for myself, but have never been taught how to fit a pattern properly. This book looks like it would be very helpful to someone like me. Thank you.

  • Joyce Penney Schroeder
    January 23, 2018

    I would love to have this DVD, as I have always been a difficult fit and never learned how to adjust a pattern to fit me when I was taught sewing in the 9th grade. I would like to learn how to adjust a pattern correctly so I can make my own clothing.

  • Susan Spiers
    January 23, 2018

    I have a pear figure – eek! My shoulders are very narrow & that’s where my fitting comes in! If I fit the shoulders, the hip part of the pattern is too narrow. My shoulder fit is one size, my hips another!

  • Lily
    January 23, 2018

    I would love to win the DVD. Pattern fitting has always been a challenge and I could use all the help.

  • Lorri Baxter
    January 23, 2018

    Fitting patterns has always been difficult for me, but now Nancy has made it easy. Thank you!

  • Alice Cornelson
    January 23, 2018

    I get so frustrated and discouraged when I make a garment for me and it doesn’t fit correctly. I spend more time taking seams apart and making adjustments than it took to cut the pattern and make it. And, still it doesn’t fit as it should. I need all the help I can get. I would love to be able to make my adjustments and make a garment that fits me correctly without ripping out seams and making adjustments.

  • Kathryn Fuller
    January 23, 2018

    It has been a few decades since I regularly made the majority of my clothes. Then, I simply used the pattern with no changes, except to length (I’m taller than average). Now, I find that my “mature” body is what I would call nonstandard and Nancy’s tips and tricks are invaluable.

  • Linda E
    January 23, 2018

    Have sewn for many years for myself and others. With new sizing on patterns it has become a trial finding the correct pattern size. Fuller figure with age and smaller areas with surgeries that change proportions. Would like to have an easier way for adjustments.

  • Esther
    January 23, 2018

    My problem is pants. They come up too high in front
    and go to far down in back when sitting down. I always have to redo the top of the pants.

  • Noreen
    January 23, 2018

    My most difficult issue is being long waisted. I have to add 3 inches to the pattern top, and that also affects the bustline – which needs to be enlarged as well.

  • Kathryn E
    January 23, 2018

    My waist is large compared to my hips. My butt is flat but my stomach is not. I have a difficult time fitting pants and skirts. I would love to win the pattern fitting DVD.

  • Joyce West
    January 23, 2018

    I am a different size in each body area and have a hard time getting any pattern to fit. I am looking forward to trying the given method and would really appreciate a copy of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win it.

  • Florence Dupuis
    January 23, 2018

    I watched Nancy’s video before, have not sewed any clothes since. This book would be good to remind me what I learned. My fitting problems are long in the waist and hip to waist ratio not to pattern sizes.

  • Linda Vetter
    January 23, 2018

    I used to do garments sewing years ago, but more recently it has been quilts and home decor. This would be great to refresh my mind and learn new techniques to start sewing clothes again. Needless to say my body has changed over the years and one size doesn’t always fit!

  • rosie kirkpatrick
    January 23, 2018

    I have a problem with my upper back, I think. All my shirts eventually slide down my neck in the back drawing the front up to my chin. I also have another issue: my clothing slides off my right shoulder leaving the left neckline to clamber up my neck. I have never been successful with any alterations to eliminate these issues. Any help?

    • Judy Gilmore
      January 23, 2018

      I too have the same problem and would love to know how to fix it.

  • Rosalee
    January 23, 2018

    Great tips and techniques as fitting has always been an issue. This would be a great addition to solving these issues. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  • Kathryn Smotryski
    January 23, 2018

    These tips can help me get back into making clothes again. With significant weight loss over the last year my clothes are starting to look like they belong to someone else. Also being under 5 ft. 2 inches ready to wear is a challenge.

  • Peggy V
    January 23, 2018

    The puzzler that I have is my waist. Sure could use some help with that area.

  • Linda
    January 23, 2018

    Amazing I am just started to make clothes in the last week !!

  • Karen
    January 23, 2018

    This techniques sounds easy and fitting! Narrow shoulders is my nemesis!

  • Florence Dupuis
    January 23, 2018

    I have watched the pattern fitting video by Nancy. I need a refresher since it was a while ago. My whole body is a fitting problem. Long waisted in front, waist to hip ratio does not match patterns.

  • Sherry Walker
    January 23, 2018

    Pattern fitting is always so frustrating!! This looks like it will solve the problems!

  • Rosie
    January 23, 2018

    I’d love to get back to sewing my own clothes again. I want them to look fitted and well constructed. Fitting pants, and my waist and hips are my fitting nemeses.

  • Judy
    January 23, 2018

    Everything about fitting a pattern is a challenge for me it seems like. I really dislike having to make any changes except for very simple ones. Trying Nancy’s method would probably make things much less of a challenge for me.

  • Linda Wright
    January 23, 2018

    I have been sewing 50+ yrs. and fitting is the one thing I have not mastered. It has mastered me. I look forward to watching the videos.

  • HelleT
    January 23, 2018

    Slowly working on getting used to pattern alteration, and want to do it more methodically, with less panic! Could use Nancy’s support.

  • Candace Blanton
    January 23, 2018

    This method makes so much sense. And, I miss Nancy.

  • Bridget
    January 23, 2018

    Honestly, all of the pattern fitting puzzles me. I guess I need to watch more tutorials and pick up Nancy’s book!

  • Cindy S.
    January 23, 2018

    Enjoyed the fitting tips. The biggest challenge I have is my smallish shoulders. I will try the fitting concept described in the video, measuring between arm creases. The DVD would be a great help.

  • Beverly
    January 23, 2018

    Wearing a size larger in pants than in tops is no problem when sewing separates, but fitting dresses and tunics can be a real challenge. This book would be such a help!

  • Susan J Marko
    January 23, 2018

    Way back when I was young and cute I made all my clothes. Now I have nothing but problem areas so sewing is discouraging, and clothes shopping I avoid until everything is threadbare or there is a funeral or wedding coming up. This book might go a long way to get my sewing mojo back.

  • Beverly
    January 24, 2018

    Watching your video was very informative. I have never seen this method of alterations before Now I can just slip and slide without cutting into my original pattern. This is a terrific way to make adjustments. Thank you for sharing.

  • Verna Madden-Jackson
    January 24, 2018

    So many times I have used Nancy’s suave advice from her television show. The angels definitely have one of their own now.

  • Karen Buckner
    January 24, 2018

    Following Ms Nancy”s advice and teaching has made me a better seamstress.

  • Martha Drabiski
    January 24, 2018

    I have been discouraged so many times after I make something because it doesn’t fit properly. I think following Nancy’s ideas will make me want to sew clothing again.

  • Kate
    January 24, 2018

    First of all, tears come every time I think of Nancy, just as her pain ended our starts. Looking at all the response from the fitting program I know I’m not alone….I purchased this book and DVD when it first aired years ago. You won’t be sorry if you get this, it is so detailed and wonderfully written, I really love the DVD everyone needs this.

  • Julia Juedes
    January 24, 2018

    I really have difficulty in fitting a pattern to myself! I can fit others but when it is for me, I have a major road block. The opportunity to use this book on fitting looks to me like an ideal situation! I like the fact that me alterations could be made and leave the pattern itself intact. I always seem to loose pieces that I cut out or add to a pattern! I look forward to reading this book!

  • Carol Pearson
    January 24, 2018

    I used to try to see for myself because I really like to embellish my clothes. I became very frustrated when the garment didn’t fit right after all my work. I have broad shoulders and a very short back length and could not get them right. I have watched Sewing with Nancy since the beginning and have several of her books on quilting, bags and sweatshirts. I would love to have this one and try seeing again for myself. Blessings to y’all for keeping her dreams alive.

  • Barb Torrey
    January 24, 2018

    Nancy’s fitting methods have been a lifesaver as I attempt to adjust patterns to fit my high school students in my sewing classes. Some adjustments are r extremely difficult.

  • Julie Kill
    January 24, 2018

    THANKS NANCY! for coming up with some way to try to get a better fit in clothing and succeed. ( BIG SMILE!)
    I was blessed ; ) with all of the fitting problems. I am heavy chested, short-waisted, and big hipped. I forgot short legged. Yup! If it weren’t for my chest, I would be pear shaped. : ) I can’t seem to get anything to fit properly. So I’ve kind of given up sewing anything besides a scarf for me because no matter how I have tired in the past, I can’t get clothing to fit properly. For this reason, I could REALLY use nancy’s methods.
    It’s proof that there is always hope….. I would use the book to custom fit clothing both for myself and our daughters. Then I would look polished and professional also! (Big smile)

  • De Campbell
    January 24, 2018

    Thanks so much. A beautifully sewn garment will not look great on the recipient if it doesn’t fit well.

  • Carol burriss
    January 24, 2018

    I’d love win anything from Nancy. I’ve watched her on PBS since the 1980’s. She has inspired me to sew.

  • Linda Kapuscinski
    January 24, 2018

    I have been making quilts and other things for several years now and would like to get back in to garment construction. Hopefully, I will learn something from the series to make things fit right. Thanks so much.

  • Portia Landen
    January 24, 2018

    Hi, as many other fans have mentioned, they have a hard time getting clothes to fit correctly. I have the same problem. I have a pear shape and for this reason, I don’t get to buy many clothes for myself. It is also hard to figure out how to customize to get something to fit. I am not very experienced as to how or where to start sewing to accomplish anything. I could use the help.

  • Judy Ewing
    January 24, 2018

    I am a petite with longer legs and I really can’t find a pattern that fits me. I Have almost given up at making pants for me. Help !

  • Rita Skraba
    January 24, 2018

    I literally have no difference between my waist and hips and no butt to speak of so making all these adjustments is always an issue. A dvd thwould be wonderful help. Thank you for always having such good info.

  • Carol
    January 24, 2018

    Getting the right fit has always been a problem for me. I would appreciate any help with alterations. Thank you.

  • CAROL WAGNER
    January 25, 2018

    I’M A HARD FIT. I NEED PETITE FIT AND STILL HAVE TO
    ALTER.

  • Janis Garrison
    January 25, 2018

    I am a pear hard to fit. If top fits bottom does not fit.Tight. If bottom fits top is way to baggy.

  • JoanneTillery
    January 26, 2018

    yes, I would love to get this DVD, I have new fitting problems as I have gotten older and put on weight.

  • Elaine Gates
    January 27, 2018

    The older I have gotten, gravity has made it more of a challenge to find ready to wear that fits. I was always so amazed that Nancy made it so clear and seem so simple. I would love to win this book.

  • Jane B
    January 28, 2018

    When I hear the name Nancy Zieman, the first thing that always comes to my mind is the Pivot & Slide Technique! She was genius in designing this method many years ago. I watched all her shows demonstrating the method back when I was skinny and patterns fit me perfectly and I really didn’t need many alterations. Now that I need many changes to the pattern, I would love to have this DVD to master the technique. I am still heart broken that Nancy is gone from us but so thankful to her staff for continuing to allow us to benefit from her years of instruction.

  • Suzanne
    January 28, 2018

    I tear up every time I think of or watch Nancy. She will always be an inspiration. Would love to be able to conquer the whole fitting thing, so I can confidently sew for myself and daughter.

  • Heidi Soja
    January 29, 2018

    I watched Nancy Zieman since I was a child with my mother teaching me sewing basics in the summer. I was always too busy to take the time to sew & draw. Since I can’t see due to my last surgery, I had find a passion that was in my physical capabilities. So I’m following my passion of fashion design, even if it is through a tiny window of one eye. I have chronic pain & I found sewing is the one thing you can do standing, sitting, leave & come back to. It keeps the memories of sitting by the machine with my grandmother, then mother alive. I feel deep sorrow that I couldn’t write to tell Nancy what an inspiration she is to me, even now as I watch her videos.

  • Kar
    January 30, 2018

    Would love to win this dvd and master making patterns for tops and jeans. Everyone loves a pair of really good fitting jeans! Would be wonderful to have a master pattern to work from and be able to adapt all my patterns to. Thank you for this opportunity. Missing Nancy!

  • Donna Fecteau
    February 1, 2018

    It was easy to sew my own clothes when I was younger and oh so much thinner. As i put on weight I stopped sewing for myself because I didn’t know how to alter the patterns for my weight and my shorter frame. This dvd would be wonderful.

  • jo Wray
    February 1, 2018

    I have a real difficulty altering patterns. Maybe this would help. I like the idea of having mini patterns to practice on.

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