FITTING ESSENTIALS

TRANSFORM any sewing pattern from a standard size to YOUR size using a STEP BY STEP PROCESS that will lead you to a garment that fits.

FITTING ESSENTIALS

The ONLY program of its kind that will show you exactly how to implement a straightforward repeatable fitting process that will have you altering sewing patterns like a pro and eliminating fitting issues one step at a time with confidence and skill.

"I haven't had this kind of success, making a garment for me, in decades. I am convinced and confident that I can use this new-found skill and make well-fitted clothing from many of the patterns I've been collecting."

Gerri

"Fitting Essentials has given me the tools to approach fitting in a logical yet creative way to solve any fitting issue. It really is hard to summarize what impact this course has had on my ability to fit a pattern!"

Ella

"This course is a game changer for anyone in garment sewing. Finally a step by step approach to starting a new pattern that will solve all your fitting needs, no matter what they may be."

Judy

"I was so impressed with [Alexandra's] work ethic and attention to detail. I have never in all my born days done a course (especially online) that is so well structured with all the information needed plus some."

Sheila

"I wish I had had this course years ago. Just understanding the concept of working from the top down and balance lines has really helped me. I can't tell you how grateful I am that I found your website, tutorials and most of all this class."

Laura

If you’re ready to finally create garments that fit without frustration and disappointment

HERE'S HOW YOU'LL GET THERE...

WELCOME TO FITTING ESSENTIALS

WELCOME

THE DESIGN DETAILS THAT MAKE FITTING EASIER

We'll review the design details that make fitting easier and look at some examples of how designers cleverly disguise fitting elements in their designs in a way that keeps the garment fit intact.

You'll review your own pattern stash so you can learn to recognize the fitting elements that will work best for you and I'll introduce you to the KAYLA sewing pattern that I designed specifically for this course so you can decide on the view you'll be working on throughout the lessons.

By the end of this module you'll understand why some of your sewing projects were doomed to fail from the start and how you can choose styles that are designed with fitting elements that you can use to your advantage.

Highlights:

Learn about the design details that will make fitting easier.

Practice recognizing the fitting elements that work for you.

Get an introduction to the sewing pattern that I've specifically designed for you to work on throughout the course.

STEP ONE

SIZING ANALYSIS

DETERMINE THE BEST PATTERN SIZE TO START WITH

With the style carefully selected it's time to choose your size. Starting with the right size can reduce the number and complexity of the pattern alterations you need to make. I'll show you three ways to choose your size and how to break a tie if you have one.

By the end of this module you'll be able to choose your best pattern size to start with (from any size chart) and begin planning your pattern fitting adjustments.

Highlights:

Take your body measurements (by yourself) and record them on the new Pattern Measurement Worksheet.

Use the Choose Your Size Worksheet to ensure you pick the best size to start with.

Determine your potential fitting adjustments based on your selected pattern size.

STEP TWO

PATTERN ANALYSIS

GET A CLEAR PICTURE OF THE DESIGNER'S FIT INTENT

Once you've chosen your ideal starting size I'll show you how to reveal the design and wearing ease intended by the pattern designer and how to use the information to get the intended look and silhouette on your body (and how to change it if you choose).

By the end of this module you'll know exactly what you need to do to adjust the pattern to fit your body measurements and desired ease.

Highlights:

Prepare the Kayla sewing pattern for analysis.

Measure the pattern and calculate the optimal ease.

Outline all the fitting changes you'll need to make to the pattern.

STEP THREE

INITIAL PATTERN ADJUSTMENTS

MAKE THE PATTERN ADJUSTMENTS VIRTUALLY EVERYONE NEEDS

Take what you learned from the pattern analysis process and begin your pattern alterations. Here's where you'll get a step by step walk through of the initial, length, contour, width and girth adjustments you'll need and the order they must be done.

By the end of this module you'll have solved for the most commonly misdiagnosed fitting issues before you see your first sample.

Highlights:

Make your initial pattern adjustment plan using the Pattern Adjustment Worksheet.

Perform the initial pattern adjustments you need on your pattern.

Check and refine your altered pattern for trouble free sewing.

STEP FOUR

SAMPLE ASSESSMENT

PREPARE A FITTING SAMPLE AND ASSESS THE FIT

Once the pattern is adjusted, checked and refined you're ready to test the fit. This is a necessary step in the fitting process that refines the fit for your body's unique shape.

By the end of this module you'll have a sample of your garment and know exactly how to assess the fit all on your own.

Highlights:

Cut, sew and prepare for your fitting assessment.

See a "real life" example of how to fit yourself and assess personal fit issues without a fitting buddy with guidance from the Fitting Checklist.

Get guidance on how to Read the Wrinkles and a step by step plan to Making Your Own Fit Assessment.

STEP FIVE

PATTERN REFINEMENT

TRANSFER FITTING CHANGES TO THE PATTERN

Now it's time to take what you've learned from the sample assessment and further refine the fit of the pattern. Here's where we'll go through the final pattern alterations that you'll need for a garment that truly fits. We'll focus on the fitting issues that will often show up at this stage and I'll share the best ways to solve them.

By the end of this module you will have transferred all your fitting changes to the pattern and be ready for a final fitting. You'll also have learned how to solve for a multitude of fitting issues in some rather unconventional ways.

Highlights:

Learn how to transfer fitting changes from the sample to the pattern.

Learn new and unconventional ways of managing pattern shape.

Check, refine and finalize your pattern for fitting success.

STEP SIX

FITTING SUCCESS

CELEBRATE YOUR FITTING SUCCESS

Here we celebrate and share the results of all the skills and knowledge you've gained. I'll share my final Kayla shirt makes, you'll share yours and we'll discuss how you can use this pattern (that fits) to create new style variations.

By the end of this module you'll realize that you've learned HOW TO FIT. The knowledge and skills you've gained have given you the ability to recognize, assess and solve your own fitting issues.

Highlights:

You have a pattern that fits you and a start on that beautiful wardrobe you've been dreaming of.

You have the confidence to approach any fitting project using the Fitting Essentials process.

You are ready to experiment with style variations on your pattern.

Gerri

Ella

"This course is a game changer for anyone in garment sewing. Finally a step by step approach to starting a new pattern that will solve all your fitting needs, no matter what they may be."

TRANSFORM any sewing pattern from a standard size to YOUR size using a STEP BY STEP PROCESS that will lead you to a garment that fits.