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pattern sizing
- Thread starter abifae
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I TOTALLY get that. It's not about the number...it's about the number of inches that you measure and base the pattern on, and then it ALWAYS comes out about 3 sizes too big. I don't know why. I started guessing on the pattern and found "my size" which was completely different from what the pattern said it should say, but it seemed pretty much the same across all patterns, so I stuck with it.
That's what I would advise. It's intensely frustrating. Nowadays I don't sew for myself because I'm such a strange shape, but I do a lot of sewing for the home and my kids.
That's what I would advise. It's intensely frustrating. Nowadays I don't sew for myself because I'm such a strange shape, but I do a lot of sewing for the home and my kids.
Damummis
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I hate using patterns.
That is why you need your dress form. Then you just make it up as you go.
That is why you need your dress form. Then you just make it up as you go.
What Pat said 
There is built in "ease"; you don't want the finished garment to measure to exactly your measurements, if it did you wouldn't be able to get into it!
And, of course, the patterns are made to fit some *generic* person that doesn't actually exist, because we are all built differently, and so need to be altered in some way by every individual.
The best advice I can give (which doesn't help if you want that fancy finished garment *right now*, I know, but will be useful for your future sewing) is to find patterns that you like, and in your general size, that are fairly basic - a nice blouse, skirt, simple dress, classic trousers, - and make muslin examples, as Pat said, fitting them as you go, and basting, so that you can take them apart later. These pieces can then be used as guides for future sewing. (Having said that, I now have to admit that I haven't done much of this myself, I just know that I *should*)
Also, if you are particularly frustrated with patterns from a particular company then try a different one. When I did a lot of clothes sewing, as a teen, I got very frustrated with Buttericks, and still won't buy their patterns - although it is quite possible that they have changed for the better in the intervening decades
There is built in "ease"; you don't want the finished garment to measure to exactly your measurements, if it did you wouldn't be able to get into it!
And, of course, the patterns are made to fit some *generic* person that doesn't actually exist, because we are all built differently, and so need to be altered in some way by every individual. The best advice I can give (which doesn't help if you want that fancy finished garment *right now*, I know, but will be useful for your future sewing) is to find patterns that you like, and in your general size, that are fairly basic - a nice blouse, skirt, simple dress, classic trousers, - and make muslin examples, as Pat said, fitting them as you go, and basting, so that you can take them apart later. These pieces can then be used as guides for future sewing. (Having said that, I now have to admit that I haven't done much of this myself, I just know that I *should*
)Also, if you are particularly frustrated with patterns from a particular company then try a different one. When I did a lot of clothes sewing, as a teen, I got very frustrated with Buttericks, and still won't buy their patterns - although it is quite possible that they have changed for the better in the intervening decades
patandchickens
Crazy Cat Lady
Surely you must? Or could pick it up super quickly. It is *easy*, and IMO there is not a lot of point in learning to sew clothes without also learning to alter clothes/patterns. (Unless you are going to skip patterns altogether and just create by draping and pinning on a dress form.) Seriously.abifae said:
It *is* very worth getting a dress form though. SOmetimes you can find secondhand ones for really cheap. I'm pretty sure I've seen directions for making your own, too, you might try googling.
Pat
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Damummis
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I have an adjustable dress form. I use it and my 15 year old daughter uses it. We just dial our sizes. It wasn't that expensive with my Joann coupon. 
It is now on her size. I am going to be making her prom dress.
It is now on her size. I am going to be making her prom dress.- Thread starter
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Bubblingbrooks
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Abi, how are you at watching sewing shows? Library should have lots to choose from. Even youtube is good.
I know you have talked about making a dress form, so you should focus on doing that for now. Lay the sewing aside for the moment.
When it comes to the measurements on the patterns, they are taking several things into account.
Lets say the waist measurement is 32 inches. Now, if you take a good breath in, that measurement may well jump up to 33 or even 34 inches.
Same is true when you sit down or bend over.
That is what ease is. If you made the outfit to have an exact 32 inch waist, you would only be able to stand up in it, and you would have to breath gently at all times.
I know you have talked about making a dress form, so you should focus on doing that for now. Lay the sewing aside for the moment.
When it comes to the measurements on the patterns, they are taking several things into account.
Lets say the waist measurement is 32 inches. Now, if you take a good breath in, that measurement may well jump up to 33 or even 34 inches.
Same is true when you sit down or bend over.
That is what ease is. If you made the outfit to have an exact 32 inch waist, you would only be able to stand up in it, and you would have to breath gently at all times.
Did a search for duct tape dress form and found this
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3659/clone-yourself-a-fitting-assistant
I saw one of these in a sew shop recently.
My Daughter and I have been taking a pattern fitting class recently and have learned tons!! You might try getting a McCall's pattern by Palmer/Pletsch. They use a tissue fitting method that really works.
All this vanity sizing is just crazy. I go by measurements and adjust from there. Patterns are made with wearing ease and then on top of that the designer adds style ease. This can translate to many extra inches.
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3659/clone-yourself-a-fitting-assistant
I saw one of these in a sew shop recently.
My Daughter and I have been taking a pattern fitting class recently and have learned tons!! You might try getting a McCall's pattern by Palmer/Pletsch. They use a tissue fitting method that really works.
All this vanity sizing is just crazy. I go by measurements and adjust from there. Patterns are made with wearing ease and then on top of that the designer adds style ease. This can translate to many extra inches.
