I firmly believe that if you spend some time reviewing the sewing pattern and its sizing chart, you can confidently anticipate the fitting changes you may need to make to the pattern in order for it to fit you. This seemingly extra step will ultimately save you time by improving your chance of achieving a good fit much more quickly.

This week I am sharing an inside look at how I assess and prepare a sewing pattern before I sew. I am featuring the belle blouse pattern in this video but you can use the same pattern assessment principles with any pattern.

The fitting process I use is fully outlined in The Perfect Fit Guide. You can get your copy HERE.
The complete sizing information for the Belle sewing pattern can be found HERE.

Watch the video for details on how I assessed and prepared my sewing pattern for fitting.

It’s important to remember, the goal of the initial pattern adjustments is to align the sewing pattern to your personal body measurements and proportions. The more inform...

We all have a sewing pattern or two in our collection that we would love to make again but doesn’t include the size we currently need. To help you solve that problem I’m going to show you a technique you can use to add a size to an existing pattern.

This week I am featuring the Belle sewing pattern and showing you how to use the existing graded nest to increase the pattern size. If you’d like to follow along using the Belle sewing pattern you can find it HERE. However, this tutorial is applicable to any sewing pattern.

I’m going to show you how to add one size to the Belle pattern which will increase the pattern’s girth measurements by 11/2” or 3.8 cm. If you need to increase the size further, simply follow the same method to increase the pattern by an additional size. If you happen to be using a different pattern, you’ll need to check the measurement gap between the sizes to determine how much you’ll be adding to the pattern using this method.

Watch the video for the step by step m...

Have you shopped your existing pattern collection lately? I’ll bet there’s a real gem in there that has stood the test of time. Take a look, pull out the patterns that you’re instantly drawn to and make the most of what you already have. Often you’ll rediscover a favourite pattern that you can update with a styling tweak or a new fabrication.

I recently did this with my own pattern collection and what surfaced for me was the Belle blouse. Looking at it with fresh eyes, I think it’s the perfect example of a classic style that has timeless sophistication. When I first designed this pattern, I was inspired by an elegant 1940’s blouse, but it still feels relevant today. I think it works beautifully with today’s higher waistlines and would look great under a collarless jacket or cardigan. Unfortunately the samples no longer fit me, so I have decided to make up this pattern again and invite you to follow along.

If you have the Belle sewing pattern in your collection, I invite you to follow...

Since most of us don’t have a reliable fitting buddy available at a moments notice, fitting photos can be an extremely helpful tool for assessing garment fit when you’re sewing solo.

Today’s digital technology definitely makes taking our fitting photos easier. All you need is an inexpensive table top tripod and your smartphone. A smartwatch connected to your phone can even be used as a remote to get the precise shots you need. However, this can leave your phone filled with random individual images of photos that don’t give you the complete fitting picture.

Today I’d like to share a method of formatting and organizing your fitting photos that will allow you to record your fitting progress, help you keep track of the changes you make and make it easier to share your fitting photos with others. If this sounds like something you’d like to do, I’d like to suggest that you prepare your fitting photos in Canva.

Canva is a free-to-use online graphic design tool which can be used to create s...

I have a little pattern design inspiration for you today.

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you may have already seen this in my stories, but this video is full of little tips that can help you take any shirt sewing pattern and make it into a dress. Watch the video and listen carefully for tips on how to alter the style of a basic shirt into a shirt dress with a waist seam.

I took this styling one step further and also created this tiered and gathered skirt as well.

This is why I truly believe that the time you spend fitting one pattern is never a waste; with a few basic pattern making skills you can transform any pattern into multiple garment styles.

All My Best,
Alexandra

It's no secret that most of us struggle at one time or another with fitting the garments we make. Fitting information is the number one reason garment makers find my website. So I've been thinking alot lately about the reasons why we struggle so much with fitting.

Here are the top 5 reasons why garment makers struggle with fitting:

1. They are unaware of their current personal fitting landscape.

Fitting is not just about body measurements, it's about body shape and proportion too so I highly recommend you take fitting photos along with your body measurements each sewing season so you are aware of how your body has changed over time. It will make assessing fit much easier and you'll begin to understand the pattern shapes needed to create garments that fit you.

2. They assume that pattern size = pattern fit.

If you've been sewing for a long time, I'm sure this doesn't apply to you but it's an easy assumption to make so I encourage you to review the pattern company's sizing chart to ...

Introducing the recently updated online course Designed to Fit:  The Custom Stretch Knit Skirt Block!

In this course you will learn the foundations of stretch knit pattern making by developing a dartless stretch knit skirt based on your personal body measurements and the stretch ratio of your chosen fabric. Through this exercise you will gain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to successfully design uniquely you stretch knit pattern designs.

Add this online course to your In-House Patterns Studio course library today and get step by step guidance on developing a dartless stretch knit skirt block. You’ll take your body measurements, determine the stretch ratio of your chosen fabric and draft a custom size pattern using that information. I’ll show you how to balance your draft, adjust it for a tilted waist as well as how to check and true your pattern to perfection. You’ll also work through refining the fit of your block, making it the perfect foundation to start creating yo...

Happy New Year!

I am not one to make New Year's resolutions but I do believe in setting an intention for the year and developing a plan to follow through. (semantics perhaps?)

This year my intention is FOCUS.

In spite of this ongoing pandemic and the uncertainty it brings, I intend to move into 2022 with a dedicated focus on your fitting success. With this in mind I've filled my calendar with online courses and fitting tutorials to help you achieve that goal so If you've been struggling with fitting sewing patterns and want to commit to learning how to fit this year, I'd like you to consider declaring 2022 your year of fitting success.

 If you're with me on this you already know the declaration isn't enough, you must back intention with action and I've got just the thing that will get you started. I'll share exactly what that is next week so keep your eye on your inbox so you don't miss it!

In the meantime, here are three steps you can take today:

1. Download the Perfect Fit Guid...

This week I’m showing you my favourite pattern making and fitting tools! I’ll share which ones I use and why I’ve chosen them for the work I do. These are the perfect items to add to your wishlist.

Paper:

• Bienfang Sketching & Tracing Paper Roll, White, 50 yards x 36 inches
• Bienfang Sketching & Tracing Paper Roll, White, 50Yds x 24 inches

Rulers and Curves

• FAIRGATE Vary Form Curve 24in Long
• FAIRGATE L-Square Ruler 24in Long
• Westcott Beveled Plastic Ruler - 2" X 18"
• Fiberglass Tape Measure - 60" - Metric/Inches
• Lance FC-1 French Curve, 9"
• Straight Edge Metal Tailor Ruler - 36" X 1 3/4"
• Sew to Grow Measuring Tape

All the Rest

• Pattern Notcher
• Pattern Weights
• Serrated Tracing Wheel
• Awl
• Invisible Tape and Dispenser
• Removable Tape
• Wrist Pin Cushion
• Pilot Color Eno Pencils and Coloured Lead
• Crayola Washable Fine Point Markers
• Unbleached Cotton Muslin

GET YOUR COPY OF THE PRINTABLE FRENCH CURVE SET
Just CLICK HERE or on the image below.

I hope you enjoye...

I often get asked about the contents of my bookshelf, so I thought today you might be interested to see which books I use the most and would recommend that you add to your library.

Watch the video to get a glimpse inside my 5 favourite pattern making and fitting books. I share what I love about each book as well as some of the areas where the content is (just a little) lacking.

Here are my 5 favourite pattern making and fitting books:

⭐️ Metric Pattern Cutting for Women's Wear by Winifred Aldrich

⭐️ Patternmaking for Fashion Design by Helen Armstrong

⭐️ Dress Fitting: Basic Principles and Practice by Natalie Bray

⭐️ The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting by Sarah Veblen

⭐️ Fitting and Pattern Alteration: A Multi-Method Approach to the Art of Style Selection, Fitting, and Alteration by Elizabeth Liechty, Judith Rasband, Della Pottberg-Steineckert

Put one on your wish list or send one to a sewing friend, I have no doubt you'll make good use of these books.

I hope you enjoye...