Good morning everyone,
A few days ago, I published a post on McCall 6464, a new dress I'm making in celebration of my birthday. In that post I provided a few photos showing the pattern adjustments needed to get the best fit for me. One of my dear readers asked if I would provide more details on how I go about making my adjustments. Of course, I agreed to share more information. But in doing that, I must say that these adjustments are especially made for me. Each of us have a unique size and will need to make adjustments based on our own unique requirements. Second, there are so many approaches to pattern fitting. Each of us has to determine which technique is best for us. I follow the Palmer/Pletsch fit system and use tips from a variety of sewing friends and bloggers. In this post I will provide a few more details for the adjustments made for my version of the McCall dress 6464. Also, I will provide a list of references and resources that may aide in the fitting process. But first, here is the comment from KJ2007 and my reply.
McCall 6464 - More details on how to fit (FBA, Prominent Shoulder Blades, and Sway Back).
Each McCall Palmer/Pletsch patterns includes details and illustrations on how to fit the pattern. This information is part of the guide sheet. It is not uncommon to have four sheets consisting of quick, product reference, and details on how to achieve a well fitted garment. I've used Palmer/Pletsch patterns for years. Their patterns feature a variety of styles and the fit tips can be used to fit other patterns.
Sorry I don't have personal illustrations of some processes. The patterns do have all of the steps. I only included a few illustrations in this post
Getting Started:
- Select the right size. Very, very important step. Don't skip.
- Tissue Fitting Instructions - Built-in Fit. This is one of my favorite things about the Palmer/Pletsch pattern. All of the alteration lines are drawn on the pattern pieces.
- Tissue Fitting Instructions - Getting The Tissue Ready. Use 1/2" tape to reinforce the tissue pattern around curved areas 5/8" away from the edge of the pattern. This will allow you to try on the tissue to determine where alterations are needed.
- Tissue Fitting Instructions - Try on The Tissue. Pin the bodice together and try it on. Start with analyzing the back. You will need someone to help you. There are lines on the pattern for back adjustments. Measure the distance from the pattern center back to your center back. Check the length. Make sure it falls in the appropriate place on your back. Assess the curve of your back upper and lower. Cut and spread where needed and fill with pattern paper.
- For me, I cut the vertical line from the shoulder to the waist and spread 3/4" for my prominent shoulder blades. I only need more room across my shoulder blades. So I add a shoulder dart or ease in the excess at the shoulder seam. There are tucks on the lower back pattern pieces to make a sway back adjustment. Typically, I make a 1/2" tuck across the back. Sometimes I need to curve the center and side back seams in those areas as well. Pin the back and front bodice together again. Make additional back adjustments as needed. Pin out excess as needed. and mark your pattern. Next, determine if a FBA is needed. "Measure from the pattern center front to your center front. That is the amount you need to add."
- For me that amount is greater than 1". So I use the "Y" FBA. The lines are on the pattern piece and the steps in the guide sheet. Here is how the FBA looks for my measurements. Now I need to make a bust dart and make the waist dart deeper.
- "If the bodice comes to your center front, but you have a gap in the
armholes add 1/2" in the bust width to make the armhole smooth."
- Because my body shape is an inverted triangle. I don't need the extra width below the bust. Often I removed the excess during the sewing process.
Should you make a muslin? Yes. I make the body upper muslin about 85% of the time when fitting a new pattern. The tissue pattern response differently to the curves of our body than fabric. Fabrics come in a variety of weaves. Some may be loose while others are very tightly woven. Knits have variations of stretch. So make a muslin out of fabric with a similar weave as the fashion fabric for the garment. Sometimes you may need to make more changes.
References:
Palmer/Pletsch - Fit for Real
People. Acquire this very useful book. It will provide a step by step
process for making fit adjustment for all body types. This technique
can be used for any pattern.
Palmer/Pletsch has a series of books on fit available on their website.
Vogue Sewing - This is a must have in your sewing library. It too has tips on making fit adjustments.
PatternReview.com
- has tons of resources available to members and non-members. This is
where I found several sewing experts and bloggers who shared tips and
techniques on fit.
Workshops and Seminars - I had the pleasure of attending two excellent workshops:
Palmer/Pletsch and
Power Sewing. Both are worth the money and time spent.
Sewing Bloggers:
I follow several bloggers who share fit information:
Ann Steeves of Gorgeous Fabrics Blog - Ann has several post on
Fit.
Debbie Cook of Stitches and Seams - Debbie has several tutorials available on
Fit as well.
Diana of
SewPassionate - Diana has links to Lessons and Fit Videos on her blog.
and
Marji Graham of
Fibers a Float - Marji does not blog very much these days, but she does share some fit information on her blog.
These are only a few bloggers that have help me with online fitting information.
Search Online for Fit Techniques and Videos:
Google
Search on key words to find information on fit. There are times when
I'm starting a new project, I will Google the pattern to see if anyone
has try it. You may also Google: full bust adjustment, pattern
alteration, pattern fitting, how to fit ...,
My Pinterest:
DIY Tutorials - Sewing and Other Crafts - Here is where I collect helpful craft tips and techniques.
My Blog:
FBA and Dart Rotation
Sway Back
Example of Tissue Fitting
I hope this is helpful.
Happy Sewing!
Cennetta
