Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure
All books in the category Comprehensive
by: Sandra Betzina
Topics include: pretest garment, armhole cutting line, front inner leg, back high hip, back inner leg seam, low shoulder side, line across the pattern, original cutting line, high hip measurement, back bodice pieces, tummy measurement, new armhole, collar pattern piece, your high hip, flat pattern measurements, your full hip measurement, existing dart, sleeve pattern piece, full bust measurement, sleeve cap ease, full high hip, crotch point, shoulder cutting line, fold out the excess, shoulder seamline
Book Description:
Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Store-bought patterns usually need a bit of finessing to take them from a general size to an individual's perfect fit. Sandra Betzina, the host of HGTV's Sew Perfect, knows exactly how to alter a pattern to compensate for just about every figure flaw or to accommodate any figure type. Fast Fit is packed with dozens of clear analyses of all the "problem areas"--from broad back to thin neck, sloping shoulders to large upper arms, big tummy to bowed legs--and step-by-step solutions to turn a standard pattern into something that corrects the fit in each area. The introductory section explains how to take proper measurements, choose the right size, and approach the pattern-alteration process. Illustrations of altered patterns show precisely how to cut apart and reposition the pattern pieces, although some details may need a bit of interpretation since the patterns are shown quite small. One other drawback is that, easy as these fixes may generally be, they're not necessarily fast from the start, since Betzina recommends that you first make a fitting shell to highlight problem areas. (But once you've figured these out you can then apply the information to many patterns.) All in all, this is a good reference, and unless you know how to draft your own patterns from scratch, you'll probably benefit from Betzina's help. --Amy Handy Book Description Sandra Betzina has done it again. Whether she is sharing her imaginative ideas for sewing original garments or advising readers on the best way to make clothes that really fit, Betzina hits the mark every time. In Fast Fit, the host of "Sew Perfect" on HGTV and author of Power Sewing Step-by-Step offers innovative, simple, and straightforward approaches to sewing clothing with the best possible fit, and ultimately, the most flattering look. Each fitting solution is illustrated with a step-by-step description of the pattern alteration and a photo of the correctly altered pattern. Fast Fit simplifies the usually complex process of fitting. An essential book for every sewing reference library, 200 color photos and 52 drawings are included. The enclosed spiral binding allows it to lie flat for use.
THANK YOU SANDRA! -- I am just like most sewers. I cannot just buy a pattern in the correct(?)size, make it and wear it well. There are always problems with some of your body contours. This book is very easy to use, beautifully illustrated, and oh so easy to understand. Altering a pattern is almost impossible if you don't already know something about accomplishing what you need to do. I thought I knew almost everything, but boy was I wrong. The alterations to patterns have been approached very clearly by Betzina. I have enjoyed her other books, but this one is the BEST. I am ready to start altering a pattern and am looking forward to it. The only problem is that I have to get the book back from a good friend who wanted to see it. I really am looking forward to using the information from the book. Thanks again Sandra, I'm beginning to think of you as one of my best friends.
Some really good information -- I liked this book and thought some of the other reviews were a little harsh. It offers good information for suggested ease, actual inch recommendations for increase/decrease, and some good theory for pattern adjustment. Let's just face it, fit can be complicated. I haven't found one book that gives all of the answers. I usually consult quite a variety of books and use a combination of methods when I'm making a gown for a complex non-ideal figure. I don't know if this book is what you are looking for, but it has become a welcome addition to my sewing book collection. Fast fit, but not good fit. -- I was disappointed in this book. The photos of the altered patterns are sometimes frustratingly small, and often it is not clear exactly what aleration was done to the pattern piece. In addition, some of the fitting advice is not very good. For example, if you have a wide base of neck, simply making the collar circumference larger will not improve the fit, because you do not have a thick neck--only the base of the neck needs to be accomodated. This book would be suitable for beginning sewists, but it will not satisfy people with advanced sewing and fitting skills
Reviews:
Bad fit -- I have to start this review by stating that I adore Sandra Betzina. I have seen her in person several times and she is a generous teacher full of wonderful ideas. Her books are normally full of wonderful photographs worth the price of the book alone. The photos in this book are not great - even one of Sandra in a most unflattering outfit. I also found some of the techniques shown quite strange. I was puzzled by the knock-knee alteration, which would actually make my pants look worse, not better and the full-bust alteration, which does not allow for extra length (only width). If you are serious about learning to fit yourself, Fit For Real People by Palmer/Pletsch or Fitting Finesse by Nancy Zieman are better books. Comments and Observations -- You will be disappointed by poor quality photos. I have 20/20 vision and had to use a magnifying glass. Additionally, only one or two photos were used to illustrate a six to eight step instruction ("Power Sewing" uses at least twice that many along with closer more-detailed pictures). Many times her instructions lacked detail or were unclear which, along with bad photos, left me puzzled over her fitting "solution". Fast Fit is a misleading name as Sandra wants you to make a basic fitted shell for each company you purchase patterns from then, for every adjustment made, make a pretest garment in scrap fabric. Cartoon drawings are used to illustrate fitting problems (swayback, narrow shoulders, etc.) when a "real" person photo would be more effective in seeing how things wrinkle or hang. Sometimes, after adjustments are made or for just a better fit, it's necessary to reposition button holes, collars or lapel lines--this is not addressed anywhere in her book. For beginning to intermediate sewing levels, Fitting Finess by Nancy Zieman or A Perfect Fit by Singer have clearer more-detailed instructions and better photos.
Easy pattern alterations for every figure Sandra Betzina has done it again. She has written an instant classic. In Fast Fit, the host of HGTV's Sew Perfect and author of Power Sewing Step-by-Step offers innovative, simple, and straightforward approaches to sewing clothing with the best possible fit, and ultimately, the most flattering look. In her trademark lively and accessible manner, Betzina makes the process of pattern-altering fun. Whether you are small or tall, thin or plus-sized, short-waisted or long-limbed, Betzina isolates the particular pattern problem and walks you through simple, step-by-step answers. No math. No theories. Just solutions.
Easy pattern alterations for every figure No matter what our age, every body has distinctive bumps, lumps, and hollows. These bodily features are just one of the things that make us unique -- but sometimes they can also present a challenge, especially when it comes to making garments that fit properly. This book offers some innovative -- and usually easy -- adjustments to help you sew clothing with the best possible fit and, ultimately, the most flattering look. There are many ways to alter a pattern. Consider pattern alterations an insurance policy for proper fitting. Fast Fit is full of the techniques that I have found successful and easy to do. Through lots of experimentation (which I've always been a big fan of) and the guidance of this book, you'll find yourself sewing up a storm of garments that will soon become favorites--clothes that fit are clothes you love! Of course, my methods aren't the only ones that work. There are several fitting books on the market that use other fitting methods, and they may go into more detail for your particular problem. Here are some of them: