How to Fit a Sewing Pattern Without Altering the Original Pattern
Once you've purchased your sewing pattern, whether you've chosen to buy a paper pattern or you've printed it from the internet, you'll need to make sure it fits! Most patterns will come in multiple sizes, all you need to do is cut the size you require.
One top tip, is not to presume all sizing is the same, different manufacturers will use different sizing, the sizing may also be different depending on where the sewing pattern originated from, e.
g.
patterns from the UK will have different sizing to those from the USA.
So make sure you check the measurements rather than the actual size.
However, it's more than likely that the sewing pattern will not fit you straight away, this is simply because the patterns are based on average measurements, and most people do not fit into the average measurements bracket.
To fit a sewing pattern without doing and major pattern alterations, check your measurements against the sizing guide and choose one size larger overall than you need.
Cut the pattern to this size.
You'll now need to purchase a cheap fabric such as muslin.
Cut the fabric to the pattern directions, and pin the edges in place, and baste together.
This is should be done quite quickly and loosely.
Next try on the muslin garment; you'll be able to see where the garment doesn't fit.
With the help of a friend (or using a tailors bust that is your size), work your way around the seams of the garment, pinning them in closer to the body where they need to be adjusted.
You may also need to adjust any darts.
When you are happy, remove the garment and draw lines on the muslin where you've just pinned.
Open out the garment and remove all the pins and basting.
You should now be left with a fabric sewing pattern that has additional lines.
Noting what the seam allowance is based on the original pattern; add the seam allowances to the lines you have drawn on the fabric.
Trim off any excess.
You may at this point wish to re-baste everything back together and try it on again, but this is optional and will require extra time.
Next use the fabric pattern instead of your paper pattern to cut the main fabric and stitch the pieces together permanently as directing in the instructions included with your pattern.
Your pattern should now be a much better fit.
Of course this method is a body forming fitting process, and requires no direct alteration to the original sewing pattern.
But if you are confident with pattern alterations, you may prefer to alter the original pattern rather than relying on this method as it may provide better results faster if done correctly.
One top tip, is not to presume all sizing is the same, different manufacturers will use different sizing, the sizing may also be different depending on where the sewing pattern originated from, e.
g.
patterns from the UK will have different sizing to those from the USA.
So make sure you check the measurements rather than the actual size.
However, it's more than likely that the sewing pattern will not fit you straight away, this is simply because the patterns are based on average measurements, and most people do not fit into the average measurements bracket.
To fit a sewing pattern without doing and major pattern alterations, check your measurements against the sizing guide and choose one size larger overall than you need.
Cut the pattern to this size.
You'll now need to purchase a cheap fabric such as muslin.
Cut the fabric to the pattern directions, and pin the edges in place, and baste together.
This is should be done quite quickly and loosely.
Next try on the muslin garment; you'll be able to see where the garment doesn't fit.
With the help of a friend (or using a tailors bust that is your size), work your way around the seams of the garment, pinning them in closer to the body where they need to be adjusted.
You may also need to adjust any darts.
When you are happy, remove the garment and draw lines on the muslin where you've just pinned.
Open out the garment and remove all the pins and basting.
You should now be left with a fabric sewing pattern that has additional lines.
Noting what the seam allowance is based on the original pattern; add the seam allowances to the lines you have drawn on the fabric.
Trim off any excess.
You may at this point wish to re-baste everything back together and try it on again, but this is optional and will require extra time.
Next use the fabric pattern instead of your paper pattern to cut the main fabric and stitch the pieces together permanently as directing in the instructions included with your pattern.
Your pattern should now be a much better fit.
Of course this method is a body forming fitting process, and requires no direct alteration to the original sewing pattern.
But if you are confident with pattern alterations, you may prefer to alter the original pattern rather than relying on this method as it may provide better results faster if done correctly.