The Perfect Fit: The Classic Guide to Altering Patterns

Wow! This book is amazing. Even if the alteration information was terrible (which it's not), the beginning of the book would be well worth it's price. It begins by teaching you how to select the right pattern first. The authors explain how commercial patterns are built, and the differences between classic, relaxed and dramatic fit. The fitting section begins with a comprehensive figure analysis. Rather than having you squint at yourself in a mirror and decide, "Why yes, I AM a perfect hourglass figure," it explains how to make a full-sized body drawing, label the points and literally connect the dots to reveal your body type. The book is stuffed with pictures. There are tons of pictures showing "average" body parts, and bodies on both sides of average. It was really easy to look at the pictures and say "Those are my arms. That's what my inner thigh looks like." I also didn't have to try to figure out how to perform each alteration, because there are detailed pictures that show every single line, snip and slide. It covers a wide range of alterations, explaining adjustments for shoulders, arms, waist, hips, thighs, bust, abdomen, and seat. Each adjustment section is then divided into minor adjustments and major adjustments, shows procedures for doing both, and includes the maximum recommended amount of adjustment so you don't distort your pattern. For each variation from average, the book includes a chart the explains the fitting goal, flattering styles and details, unflattering styles and details and common pattern adjustments. It helps you start out by choosing a pattern that is likely to flatter your body without a lot of adjustments. Finally, I felt like the book avoided judgemental labels like skinny/fat, large/flat, which I appreciated. My only (extremely small) issue with this book is that some of the fashion photos are outdated. This must be a later edition of a previously published book. Although it is copywritten 2005, some of the clothing styles look like mid to late 1980's. This absolutely does not affect the information in the book, since it is talking about alterations, not choosing fashions. However, it came up just a couple times, such as the author's enthusiastic embrace of shoulder pads, and a complete lack of discussing bootcut pants and where they fit on the body-type spectrum. On the whole, it was a very small issue. Just don't look too closely at their fashion plates at the beginning of each chaper! All in all, this book is fabulous. If you want a coffee table book about current fashions, skip it. If you want a book that will help you make your clothing fit, this is the one! It's the first alteration book that I have purchased, and I can't see needing anything else. It is clear, complete, and so easy to follow.

I sat down and read this from cover to cover. Then I got busy following the directions to better see myself to assess my figure and that of my daughter. I hope to also use tips in the book to sew for my voluptuous sister who has a hard time finding clothes that fit. I made a muslin out of scrap cotton fabric for close-fitting slacks that turned out nearly perfect. My second attempt fit perfectly but I needed better styling so my third muslin has turned out to be the perfect pants pattern for my figure. I have NEVER been able to find readymade slacks that fit well. Lots of well-done photos and drawings illustrate the instructions. This book sets next to my sewing machine guide.

This book shows you, step by step, how to solve fitting problems based on typical women's physique issues (rounded backs, sloping shoulders, round bellies, flat bottoms, curvy bottoms, full inner and outer thight... etc). It shows you how to adjust sleeve heads in existing garments to get a better fit, as well as waist bands, pants legs, and darts. Very easy to follow; easier than most "how tos" I've read on similar fit issues.

This book is so funny to me. It is great for what it is...as long as what you want isn't current fashions. I sat and read this and had a good chuckle at the graphics. I do appreciate the information it gives on altering clothes and getting a good fit. There's all you need to know about crotch fit and more. And hey...that's great because it's a needed bit of information. If what you want is to get a good fit on clothes you make for yourself, this is a good choice....just...understand there's many a shoulder pad and pleat in here. ****I am going to add a bit to my review due to a comment. This book is well written and has great information. Do not make the same mistake I made, though, and assume that it was written in modern times. :)

figure analysis, length proportions, shape analysis, contours for shoulder, arm, waist, hip, & thigh. then moves to bust, abdomen & seat profiles. discusses taking general measurements, pattern size & special fitting patterns. then we arrive at pattern adjustments with general guidelines and specific area guides and how to measure for each area. final chapter has fine tuning for points of fit, pleats & darts, shoulder pads, scooping curved seams & flattering optical illusions. this format is superior to "the complete photo guide to perfect fitting", "threads fitting for every figure" & "smart fitting solutions" because it is logically put forth, has 400 colour pictures, articulated without the use of "i" and uses a variety of patterns. it has one draw back, no discussion of measuring both sides separately, which does come in handy since there can be differences. that one item aside this book is a jewel for fitting patterns. the vogue sewing book of fitting adjustments & alterations of 1972 has more information for fitting & adjustments if we had to find a book now this is a better starting point.

服にいろいろなしわが出た着用写真と、型紙操作の仕方が豊富な写真で丁寧に説明されています。 他にもSinger Sewing Reference Libraryで絶版になり、今、復刊している本です。 Tailoring: The Classic Guide To Sewing The Perfect Jacket レディブティック 写真解説ソーイング 詳しいテーラードジャケットの仕立て方の原書？ Sewing Lingerie レディブティック 写真解説ソーイング 手作りランジェリーの原書？

I love love love this book, it's been the best I have found on the market in terms of actually pushing your skills, ability and confidence forward in the pattern alteration area. It does not just bore you with with the theory of why you would alter patterns it actually shows you how, where, why to alter for your personal fitting problems. It covers (in my view) probably all of the common alterations a seamstress would need to make and more! I have made 1 perfectly fitted shirt and dress using the '' cut and spread'' technique shown and would recommend this book to all serious dress makers/fashion dessigners as a good go to resource to remember key skills and to those who are at beginner level who wish to push their skills up to the next level with fitting skills and to those ( like me) who often have to adjust standard industry patterns in the main areas of shoulders, back, bust and waist etc. Whatever your level, if you can read a pattern with confidence and often do not fit the industry standard pattern measurements and need to adjust here and there this is the book for you.

I found some of the instructions confusing - but that might be my age. I found I have to give up sewing anyway.

Very helpful. Easy to follow

Un libro che tratta come si possono riparare i vari vestiti, è scritto in modo semplice e chiaro, con immagini dettagliate, con sistemi "alla vecchia maniera". Anche se in inglese lo consiglio a chi è appassionato di cucito.