Burda Style For people who sew

I am trying really hard to make well-fitting garments. I don’t need advice about pattern alterations as I use Nancy Zieman’s techniques and I find them simple so usable, its just that I keep making clothes that are too big. So would yous out there please give me some advice, hints or tip to keep me trying.

Dec 22, 2011, 03.28 PM by orkney5

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  Dec 22, 2011, 05.53 PMby patti-r

  Nancy uses the Pivot and Slide Method, Either of her books, Fitting Finesse or Pattern Fitting With Confidence, each tells that her pattern alterations are based on Classic Style sewing patterns, set in sleeves, etc. Possibly using stable not stretch knit fabrics, No Drop Sleeves, No Yokes, No over-sized or very loose, No Heavy gathers or pleating.

  Are using the Classic Style Sewing Patterns?

  I find the books very useful, for narrow shoulders, full bust & many other alterations . Exception not covered in detail are a few of my other flaws, slightly Forward Shoulders (when seam on shoulder sort of goes back not centered on shoulder), Hollow chest (for too long and too big necklines. Measurements, should include front from shoulder over the bust to waist, also the measurement from shoulder to top arm crease (Nancy has Front Width Measurement shown on illustration see the red arrows that would be the shoulder to top of arm crease .)

  Other Methods of alterations you can probably find in many sewing books, “Slash and Spread” the other is on line maybe is “Seam Method of Pattern alterations”, “Pinch and Fold” Check your local library see if they have “Singer Perfect Fit” ton of pictures how to alter, these methods are not rocket science, takes a little patience but well worth the efforts, I promise!! Google some of the above terms they maybe online. Member katexxxxxx Measurement Chart :

  http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/KatePages/Learning/Measuring/Taking-measurements.htm

  This is meant to help and encourage you, know you can do this.. Please let me know if you understand, if not keep asking questions, this may also help others.

  Hoping others have many useful tips
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  Dec 22, 2011, 07.27 PMby sewingfan1

  How long have you been sewing for? Mine always used to turn out too big as well even though my measurements matched the size on the pattern but I just kept on making things anyway and you pick up new skills with each project you work on.

  It’s nothing to do with your seam allowances is it? I know I found that for ages I was adding a bit more than the 1.5cm needed with Burda patterns (just to be on the safe side) but was actually sewing it with only 1cm allowance as I was following the wrong marker line on my machine! Or are you maybe adding seam allowances when they’re already included?
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  Dec 22, 2011, 08.13 PMby leashbean

  are you looking at teh body measurements or the finished garment measurements on the pattern? Sometimes they can vary quite a bit! also i heard from someone that you should use patterns to fit your bust and then take in or make bigger to your waist and hips. hope this helps!
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  Dec 23, 2011, 03.29 AMby fashionfreek

  Yep had the same spammer..what a nutta,lol.
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  Dec 24, 2011, 01.02 AMby mickeygirl

  too big.

  could be the wrong size. Patterns are drafted for a B cup. If you are larger or smaller that will make a different. If you are very thin or fat you need to make sure you get a good fit through the shoulder.

  also check the EASE measurements on the package or pattern piece. Some patterns give a huge amount of ease and if you are thin you might not need so much width depending on how you like your clothing to fit.