Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, Part Two

Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle TV Show by Nancy Zieman

Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle, Part Two

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Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle TV Show by Nancy ZiemanLearning to fit sewing patterns is definitely a sewing necessity. If clothing you’ve made or purchased doesn’t fit, you’re not going to wear it. Well, we can’t have that happen! So, in this new Sewing With Nancy episode, Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle Part Twoyou’ll learn that fitting patterns doesn’t need to be puzzling. 

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. 

To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.

Solving the Pattern Fitting Puzzle Part Two on Sewing With Nancy with Nancy Zieman

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.

Annual Stocking Sewing Challenge hosted by Nancy Zieman

Don’t forget to submit your Christmas Stocking in my Stocking Challenge! The deadline to enter is MONDAY, December 7, 2015. Click here to see how to enter. Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here.

Bye for now,

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44 Comments

  • Lori Githens
    November 25, 2015

    When I was younger, I never understood the fitting hoopla, cause everything fit. Now that I’m older, I’m finding that nothing fits and I never learned how to fit. Pivot and slide sure makes sense to me.

  • Joyce
    November 25, 2015

    I am puzzled about everything there is about fitting a pattern. I have always just made the item according to the pattern, if it didn’t fit, I didn’t wear it. Because of that, I have kind of gotten away from garment sewing. I would love to start it up again.

  • Linda E in AZ
    November 25, 2015

    My puzzle is trying to minimize the look of my hips that are much larger than my narrow upper body.
    thanks!

  • KayZee
    November 25, 2015

    My main “fitting puzzler” is pants fitting.

  • Cyndi
    November 25, 2015

    I have never taken the time to properly fit anything I sew for myself. This book sounds like a great resources!
    Thank you for the give away

  • Pat
    November 25, 2015

    Could you please show us how to fit a pants pattern. I always end u p with bunching of material between my legs. Thanks for your help.

  • Carol
    November 25, 2015

    My pattern fitting puzzle is how to get pants to fit in the waist. To be big enough for my hips, patterns are too large in my waist. I’m not sure how to make the pattern fit without making my hips look even bigger!

  • Esther
    November 25, 2015

    My problem is fitting pants,
    I’ve lost some weight and nothing I have have fits.
    Apparently my waist is lower and my pants all fit above my waist.

  • Ann Kowalczyk
    November 25, 2015

    When I was younger I made all my clothes. As I got older my body shape changed and the garments didn’t fit right. I tried reading books about fitting, but the instructions seemed complicated. Since I felt that I was wasting my time and money, I haven’t sewn garments for myself in many years.

  • Avis Cooper
    November 25, 2015

    Nancy, do you do a similar tutorial for making pants/slacks that fit? Your tutorials make so much sense and your instructions are easy to understand and follow — love the videos, they really help.
    By the way, how are you doing healthwise? You are continually in my prayers; may your healing be complete.
    Blessings to you, Avis

  • Marilyn
    November 25, 2015

    I don’t make many clothes anymore because nothing ever seems to fit. I don’t like the multiple sizes in one pattern.
    Not much fits well off the rack either.

  • Susan Curtis
    November 25, 2015

    I haven’t done garment sewing since the ’70’s and like Joyce, back then I made up the patterns I liked and most of the time they fit me, if the didn’t fit they became my scrap fabric. I last attempted making matching Easter dresses for my daughter and I say 20 years ago and when my dress didn’t fit me I haven’t attempted to see for me since. I would love to learn to fit the patterns to me!!!

  • Betty Harden
    November 25, 2015

    My problem fitting puzzler is pants. If I make pants, I generally rip apart a pair that fits well and make a pattern out of them, but would love to know how to make things fit. Thanks for the opportunity to win this lovely DVD. Good health to you Nancy. We need you in our lives.

  • Vinci Greco
    November 25, 2015

    Look forward to your instructions….right now I am trying
    to make a pair of jeans with elastic waistline.

    I hope they fit because the fabric is so nice, I am about
    halfway on them. I always sew the front and back together
    and try them on. Any adjustments are then made. Should
    be finished by New Years!!!!!
    Vinci

  • LindaC
    November 25, 2015

    Very narrow shoulders combined with a large bust circumference. It makes for a strange fitting underarm.

  • Enid
    November 25, 2015

    I have large arms, square shoulders and narrow hips—watching your video has given me a lovely aha! light-bulbs-going-on moment. I can hardly wait to get down to my cutting table and start making all those jacket patterns fit!!! Thank you for the clarity of your explanations. Thank you for the lovely demonstrations and learning tools you provide us.

  • Amy Brant
    November 25, 2015

    Narrow shoulders, large bust. Underarms, back and back neck are always troublesome. I use your earlier Pattern Fitting book, but this new version might present the info more clearly.

  • Lori M
    November 25, 2015

    Thank you for the wonderful videos on Patterns Fitting, I know they are not full details, but they have it the mark for me that I know that investing in your Solving the Fitting Puzzle is what I have been looking for…..Thank you for the giveaway……

  • Gayle
    November 25, 2015

    narrow shoulders, full bust adjustment, short waisted. I’m determined to learn to sew clothes that fit me, but so intimidated by the learning curve!

  • Jan
    November 25, 2015

    I, too, have been sewing for a looong time. I used to be able to come close with fitting patterns, but not any more. Children’s patterns seem to run large – meaning I make a smaller pattern and sometimes add inches to length. Adult patterns seem to run small – meaning I can’t even come close to the size I wear from store bought clothing. Very frustrating. In fact, I rarely sew clothing any more unless it’s a Halloween costume or something that doesn’t require much in the way of fitting.

  • Bev M
    November 25, 2015

    I now have a tummy, where there was no bulge before. Guess I will need to learn to alter for it, since my exercises have not worked so far

  • Barbara J
    November 25, 2015

    Like many of the other commenters, I could use help fitting pants. It’s a hard one to do by oneself but I’m positive a video from you would be a huge help!

  • Renea
    November 25, 2015

    I always have problems fitting my shoulders. Thanks for the great giveaway.

  • Lillian K
    November 25, 2015

    I always have had problems with fitting (especially with the newer patterns that have multiple sizes). This book and DVD would be most helpful.

  • Starla
    November 26, 2015

    I’ve had problems with sleeves — too tight at the top and above the elbow, way too wide at the wrist.

  • Kate
    November 26, 2015

    I HATE fitting pants…nothing seems to work. I’m tired of trying to fit underarms also I’m larger in the upper arm.
    Hope you are doing much better Nancy, my prayers to you & your family

  • Mary Rames
    November 26, 2015

    Although I do sew about 90% of my clothing, this pattern fitting video is an amazing simplistic approach to many fitting issues. In fact, my husband…who is now sewing…watched your second video and exclaimed, “I got it! Great tutorial!” I do have issues with my full bust, narrow shoulders, and now a rounded upper back…likely from many years of sewing. Thank you for the opportunity to win this series! All the best to you Nancy 🙂

  • Anne Z
    November 26, 2015

    As a self taught seamstress, this information is fabulous. I frequently have difficulty fitting the shoulders properly.

  • Lorij
    November 27, 2015

    Because I’m only 63 1/2 inches tall and have been since age 12 and, I’ve been making most of my clothes many, many years. I’m proportioned fairly well but I’m flat where most women have pones at the upper hip/thigh area. Bought clothes always have to be altered because they are made for folk with roundness in that area.
    I too take issue with those having trouble making slacks.

  • Judy Forkner
    November 28, 2015

    Like many others, I gave up on sewing garments because my body changed & nothing I made fit correctly anymore. My 1st problem was adjusting the darts in the bust because my bustline was lower & larger than a standard pattern. Then I developed a belly & that just made things way too difficult. Now I just make quilts & don’t have to worry about them fitting!

  • Karin C
    November 28, 2015

    No matter what I adjust or cut differently, I always seem to have the shoulders falling off my shoulders, and the neckline (usually a sweetheart or squared off) is gaping open. I mean, really, how hard can it be? Obviously, harder than it *should* be!

  • Ell
    November 28, 2015

    Fitting pants is often a challenge. They have different problems depending on style.

  • Pamela Smith
    November 29, 2015

    FITTING! To me it’s hardest part of sewing. Thank you so much for all the helpful information. I am anxious to give your tips a try.

  • VictoriaC
    November 30, 2015

    Is anyone else having difficulty with the videos? There is no Play arrow as usual; the photos seem to be just that, with the Pinterest symbol in the upper left corner.

  • Darlene Stevens
    November 30, 2015

    I love garment sewing. My biggest fitting problem is pants. The secret of great fitting pants continues to elude me.

  • Robin Granger
    November 30, 2015

    The smallest part of me is my shoulders then I just fill out as I go down. I have tried to watch the Part Two video and it will not start. Thank you for all the information and time you spend doing this for all us.

  • Bev Hancox
    December 2, 2015

    Great tutorials, I’m looking forward to better fitting clothes. I’ve just lost some weight and need to revamp my wardrobe – some new sewn and some altered where possible (I’ve been putting a lot of elastic in pant waists!). Thanks

  • LoriAnne Gamble
    December 6, 2015

    This info will come in handy, could use more of it. Thanks

  • Kimberly
    July 30, 2016

    I just ordered your book and sat down and read the whole thing. I would hug you if I could!!!! I’m new at making clothes, thank you. Can you do a video on pant altering patterns?

  • Tammy Carney
    November 6, 2016

    I am very confused about page 57 when fitting the sleeve and bust. Only need to add 1 1/2″” to sleeve and 5 1/2″ to bust. No extensions needed for sleeve, but for the front & back only. How does this work to even out the extensions as noted in the book?

  • Orsi
    October 8, 2017

    I have a DDD cup bust as I have 6″ difference between my high bust and my bust measurements.

    This require such a huge adjustment that I can not get it right with the slash methods, so I hoped this method teach me how to adjust , but I still have no idea.
    Also because of the size of my bust , I prefer princess seam patterns ( armcyle or shoulder) , as a dart would be huge for me. I bought the book specifically to learn how to do it on such pattern , but there is nothing about that in the book. The only related is to increase the dart size by increasing the length. Except there is no dart on a princess seam. Should I slide to increase length? Or pivot to increase width? And on which pieces? On the middle or in the side piece. I was so happy when I see the spin was seam mini pattern , except there is still no explanation in what to do.

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