Project Based Tutorials to Build Your Pattern Making and Fitting Skills

Have you shopped your existing pattern collection lately? I’ll bet there’s a real gem in there that has stood the test of time. Take a look, pull out the patterns that you’re instantly drawn to and make the most of what you already have. Often you’ll rediscover a favourite pattern that you can update with a styling tweak or a new fabrication.

I recently did this with my own pattern collection and what surfaced for me was the Belle blouse. Looking at it with fresh eyes, I think it’s the perfect example of a classic style that has timeless sophistication. When I first designed this pattern, I was inspired by an elegant 1940’s blouse, but it still feels relevant today. I think it works beautifully with today’s higher waistlines and would look great under a collarless jacket or cardigan. Unfortunately the samples no longer fit me, so I have decided to make up this pattern again and invite you to follow along.

If you have the Belle sewing pattern in your collection, I invite you to follow along with me as I make my new Belle and share a month of project based tutorials that will build your pattern making a fitting skills.

We’ll start next week with a quick tutorial on how to add a size to an existing sewing pattern. We all have swinging patterns that may not include our current size. I’ll show you how to add a size to the Belle sewing pattern, but the method will work with any sewing pattern.

In the following weeks I’ll give you an inside look at how I prepare my sewing pattern for fitting, show you how to make a cup size adjustment on a top without traditional darts and give you two ways you can tweak the Belle styling for a more relaxed and easy fit.

If you don’t already have the Belle pattern you can purchase it here, but the tutorials I have planned will also relevant to other sewing patterns with similar styling so be sure to shop your existing pattern collection, you may have even already purchase the Belle pattern so check those pattern folders on your computer.

There are three things to do before the first tutorial next week.

1. Shop your current pattern collection. Look for the Belle sewing pattern or one that has similar styling features.
2. Watch the video tutorial Three Secrets to Fitting Success to learn more about how darts are transformed into fitting elements.
3. If you have the Belle pattern, review the sizing and body measurements so that you can choose your starting pattern size.

I’ll see you in your sewing room next week!

Alexandra