Fitting Commercial Patterns - General Guideline Video

Last week I offered information on helping you to work with and fit your commercial patterns.  So, going on with this major topic, the next 4 videos are a 'mini-series' that will help to shed some light on this process.  This video gives you a visual explanation of the general steps to consider.

PS - Don't you just wish you could choose the video capture that is displayed for the video.  You Tube gives us three images to choose from and sometimes none of them are that great.  But oh well, the service is free (so far), so we can't complain too much.

Fitting Commercial Patterns

Many of you often ask if your Sure-Fit Designs body blueprint can be used to help you fit commercial patterns.  The answer is a resounding 'YES'!  When you have your personal pattern blueprinted to your unique body shape, then you definitely can use it as a guide when working with your stash of commercial patterns.

Keep in mind, that generally speaking, no two commercial patterns are identical, so the steps and guidelines to do this process will vary from design to design.  But there are some general guidelines that will make this process easier.

Here you go...

1. Size: Choose a size that is the closest to your size – e.g. bust to bust circumference, hip to hip circumference.

2. Seam allowances: Since most commercial patterns already have a seam allowance of (5/8”) (1.6cm) wide, make sure your Sure-Fit Designs body blueprint also has the seam allowance in place.  Or if working with a sloper without seam allowances, make sure you mark and remove allowances from commercial pattern.

3. Darts:  Does the commercial pattern have darts – in any location?  If it has darts, you will use your SFD Dress Kit bodice; if it has no darts, you will likely use your SFD Shirt Kit for comparison.

4. Dart location: Where are the darts?  Have they been moved into a design feature like a princess line, gathers or tucks?

5. Neckline:  Is it with or without a collar?  What type of collar? What is the shape of the neckline – ‘V’, u-shaped, heart etc?

6. CF detail: What’s happening at CF?  Does it button up the front thereby requiring button extensions and a facing, is it a pullover with CF on the fold, does it have a zipper? How does it finish?  Whatever the commercial pattern detail, can it be copied directly onto your SFD bodice?

7. Armhole shape:  SFD v.s. the commercial pattern armscye will no doubt be different shapes.  The SFD armhole is likely higher and a closer fit to your body.  Listen to the General Guidelines video explaining the reason for this.  The commercial pattern armhole, depending on its intended design and ease, will likely be lower, deeper.  This can give more ease, but not necessarily the better fit.

8. Sleeve:  If you use the commercial pattern armhole, you should/must use the corresponding sleeve.  If you prefer your SFD armhole, you should/must use your SFD sleeve.

9. Garment Ease: Analyze the look and feel of the commercial pattern.  Is it intended to be loose with lots of ease, or more fitted and shaped to the body?  Read the pattern back details for intended ease and fit.

10. Design Details:  Read the pattern back information.  Is the pattern supposed to have shoulder pads etc?

11. Differences: No two patterns will be alike.  Working with and fitting your commercial patterns will always be a process of individual evaluation based on that specific pattern.

12. General Steps: Lay the commercial pattern over top of your SFD body blueprint, then line up the CF with the SFD CF (or CB with the SFD CB) and shoulder line to shoulder line.  Where are the differences?  What’s wider or narrower, longer or shorter?  Can you copy a special commercial pattern design detail directly onto your SFD body blueprint?  Then lay a piece of tracing vellum over top and create a 3rd layer, incorporating your good fit from SFD and the special design feature from the commercial pattern.

Next week, I'll start showing you 4 videos on this topic.  Until then...

Posture...What to do with your pattern if you have a Rounded Back and/or Protruding Shoulder Blades

I know I should stand up taller and straighter.  I know my shoulder bones rock a little forward.  How easy it is to slump!  And I know that if I don't pay attention to this now, that eventually I might need to do a rounded back minor tune-up/adjustment.  So as I prepared for this video I kept catching myself being aware, sitting straighter and walking taller.  But then the slump returns! It's so easy to loose this awareness.

Your rounded back might be genetic or from disease or simply from the forces of gravity taking its toll.  But, if you are one who requires a rounded back adjustment, or perhaps you have protruding shoulder blades, or maybe you have both issues to deal with, you'll no doubt benefit from the information I've provided in this video.

If you have any questions or simply want to leave a comment, please do.  Or if you'd like to share this information with others, you are welcome to.

Kindly,
Glenda

Let's Continue with the Asymmetrical Waist Level

Last week you took a look at how to alter your pattern for asymmetrical shoulders.  This week, I'll share with you one of our newest videos on how to change the waist line of your skirt or pants if you have one hip higher than the other.  If you own this situation, you've likely experienced your hem level swings up on one side and making it uneven.  I hope you're not just cutting off the uneven portion...it will totally mess up the grainline and hang of the hem.

This video is a short one and shows you how simple it is to refine your skirt or pants pattern at the waist level for your asymmetrical hip and waist.

If you'd like to share this video on your own sewing blog or Facebook page, please feel free to.  One of my goals this year is to spread the word about the Sure-Fit Designs fitting and designing system with more seamstresses.  I'm asking you to help me out, and in return, I'm happy to connect with your blog and let others know of your experiences.

Kindly,
Glenda