Pattern tweaking

Here is a sewing trick I learned from local pattern-maker Brenda Wenger.

If you sew your own dresses (particularly cape dresses) and are not 100% happy with how they are turning out, cut yourself a practice bodice from an old sheet or piece of scrap fabric.

(Yes. Unfortunately my patterns truly are cut from old newspaper.)

Sew it up—just the bodice—and try it on. Minus a cape and a skirt, it’s so much easier to notice areas of misfit and adjust your pattern accordingly. I jot notes on the fabric with ink, so I won’t forget.

You can move seams forward or backward, add darts, trim excess, extend lengths…

It’s always good to tweak a pattern now and then.

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Janelle Glick
12 years ago

“it’s always good to tweak a pattern now and then”… especially after baby number 3! 🙂

Shaunda
12 years ago

Dear Mrs. Zook

I need a few clarifications to understand this tutorial. What’s a pattern???? Does it have something to do with sewing?

Utterly confused in Meadville

Shari Zook
12 years ago
Reply to  Shaunda

Dear Utterly Confused,

Your question is entirely valid in light of the almost complete lack of wardrobe owned by your tutor. A pattern is what she calls the cobwebby newspaper dug out of a back cupboard. She thought it was time, seeing as how her current dresses are a) paint-spattered, b) circa 1950’s, or c) falling off.

Hope this will be somewhat helpful. More details can be obtained for a small fee.

Yours truly,
Mrs. Zook

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