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What is your greatest fitting challenge?

comments (13) October 18th, 2010     

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VictoriaNorth Victoria North, senior web producer
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Fit is often the most difficult aspect of creating a garment. Tell us about the greatest problems you find with fitting a garment.

What is your greatest fitting challenge?

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Comments (13)

twistedback writes: Due to osteoperosis I have a mild hump and a twisted back plus a forward head and a depressed ribcage causing my abdomen to stick out like a four month pregnancy! I am only five feet tall and not over weight, but I look like it. Any help out there.
Posted: 11:53 pm on October 20th
6granny writes: Thanks, jamerican. I will try your technique very soon.
Posted: 7:45 pm on October 20th
KimsIdleHands writes: My fat. "Big Girl" patterns are just regular sized patterns made bigger. That would be fine if my proportions did they same thing, but they don't. I have a huge backside and stomach. I buy books to help me adjust patterns, but half the time I give up.

However, I found on YouTube a video on how to make a dress form. It does not use duct tape but uses brown packing tape. It will smell better. Threadbangers put it out. THey have some strange ideas, but I will be doing this one.
Posted: 11:06 am on October 20th
Aggie13 writes: In 2004 I had a reoccurrence of breast cancer and opted for a bilateral mastectomy. Now, of course, women's clothes do not fit this body with a flat chest. I'm at a loss how to alter the patterns I use, or the clothes I buy. I'm not embarrassed by my flat chest, but sometimes I use the prosthesis just so my clothes will fit correctly for a special event. Mastectomy bras are uncomfortable, even painful, because of where my scars are. I'm hoping someone has some ideas I could follow to make my clothes drape better instead of folding over, and buckling where they shouldn't. Please, help a survivor!!
Posted: 12:41 am on October 20th
dreamie writes: Certainly no big deal, compared to what I have already read, but a problem for me. I do have narrow shoulders also,(unfortunately not narrow anywhere else) but my problem is with ease. Sleeves in particular, and anywhere where ease is indicated. I have tried some of the recommented techniques, but it's an ongoing problem. It's certainly a mindset, as I expect problems before I even start to set in a sleeve, and start off so tense I'm bound to make mistakes and have to rip out again and again. I keep trying, but sure wish I could be a lot better.
Posted: 9:28 pm on October 19th
Sheri57 writes: My greatest fitting challenge is similar to some of those mentioned already - a pear shaped figure with narrow, sloping shoulders. My bust and waist are about 2 sizes smaller than my hips, so fitting shirts, pants, skirts, and dresses is interesting. My dress form is my best friend and I highly recommend anyone with fitting dilemmas to buy or make a dress form. I have been sewing since I was about 8 years old and have learned alot from the Threads magazine and website. Thanks for all the input!
Posted: 11:35 am on October 19th
Jamerican writes: For a large rear end and thighs that cause your skirts to hike up in back, the solution is to decrease the pattern at the front and increase at the back in a wedge shape the amount that is needed. Going from nothing at the side seam to the amount needed in the cb. The pattern might look strange, but try it.
Posted: 10:07 am on October 19th
despinne writes: I have just retired & plan to make some things that fit! I was born with a red birthmark on my right arm. The doctor had it X-rayed to eradicate it, but this also caused my right side to be smaller than the left: My leg is about 1/2 inch shorter; my neck to shoulder end (top) is 3 inches shorter, my right arm is shorter by the length of my left hand's fingers... and even my waist is smaller on the right. Clothes for some reason slide over my shoulder to the left. There is a difference in inches from armpit to waist on the right side, affecting posture. I can never find a jacket that fits me. Collars such as oxford shirt collars lie neatly on one side and sit up on the right. I'm pretty much a size 18W. When I lose weight, it comes off evenly all over. And on top of all this, I have prominent nipples and I never know when they will pop up due to a cold breeze from the a/c, embarrassing me or others. I wish I could hide them modestly. Said oxford shirts do the job, but the arms/armscye never seem to fit right. I have a T shape. I just read how to make the dress form and I know that will help, but I hesitate to chop up patterns.
Posted: 12:36 am on October 19th
flipsy writes: I'm 59, have a chronic illness, and my body has shifted greatly since I became ill and older. My bone structure is considered petite, but I now have a 46" bust. I find it difficult to fit and style for the combination of narrow shoulders and large, wide breasts. I haven't come across any advice in sewing books or magazines that deals with this combination. Anyone who can give me guidance with this would be most appreciated.
Posted: 10:22 pm on October 18th
NoraBora writes: My narrow shoulders.
Posted: 9:41 pm on October 18th
6granny writes: My greatest fitting challenge is and has always been a large rear end and thick high thighs that causes my skirts and dresses to hike up in the back. I am sure there is a solution. bit I must be shown hands on a couple of times to remedy the problem. I might be able to follow a dvd that I can play over and over. Help!!!
Posted: 9:23 pm on October 18th
downey writes: My biggest challenge is my (now) post-menopausal figure. Before menopause I had a 24 1/2" waist. Though I haven't gained any weight my waist now is 29 1/2 inches. My bust and hip measurements haven't changed at all. So now I must figure out how to add 3" to the waist on my normal size 12 patterns. It's a big pain in the neck (and lower on the anatomy as well)!
Posted: 8:12 pm on October 18th
Sewing2enjoying writes: I remember commenting on this previously but I have to tell you, I am not the absolute most challenging fit. My daughter, for whom I try to sew, is the worst! The wonderful gal was born with Juvenile Rheumatoid and by this time, (49), she has some real twists and turns in her structure. I love to please her with something I have made, and she loves to look what she calls "stylin'" so we do not ever give up. Her shoulders are forward and down, her chest is over-developed, her spine is not straight and she stands slightly askew. I absolutely must make her one of those custom dress forms. It will then be a pleasure trying to get garment seams to meet and to be at least close to fitting. I wonder how others manage to clothe their friends/children/relatives with disabilities. I have never had any advice and maybe it's time to gather information from some of the more successful people who have the same situation. I appreciate any helpful comments.
Posted: 6:59 pm on October 18th
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