Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure

Sandra Betzina s tried and true–and easy to do–techniques for creating clothes that fit and flatter your unique shape.

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

Sandra Betzina s tried and true–and easy to do–techniques for creating clothes that fit and flatter your unique shape.

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