I am returning to garment sewing after a very long hiatus. I remember having this issue years ago and didn’t know how to fix the ‘too large’ armhole. There was no internet then and researching wasn’t like it is today. Having searched tutorials on UA-cam, I finally found a clear and concise solution in your tutorial! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now, on to the next dress without stress😊
This is such a life changing video! I was having an issue that I didn't even know the name of, and now not only do I know what it is, I know how to fix it. Thank you for making these videos, you are really helping those of us who are learning to sew on our own. :D
How does it feel to change the world? Your mom and sister have to be proud of you. WOW am I glad I found your channel earlier this year, before the pandemic started. I am so grateful for this whole tutorial from start to finish. I especially love that you put it in a video by itself. You are my sewing hero.
Yes Linda - I feel like Whitney has changed my world, too! I have a pattern stash and a fabric stash (20 years - not as much as it sounds) and I've massacred a few big 4 patterns trying to get things to fit and in Canada patterns are NOT cheap. I found this channel and Lekala patterns and with Whitney's unwitting/unknowing help, my sewing has taken off - I've made 7 raglan t-shirts since August :) might try a few big 4 patterns again...Louise
Thank you so much! I'm 5 ft tall and this is something I will do now that I know how. I LOVE when you show how to do fixes and adjustments to get a better fit.
I watch and enjoy your videos. I am going caution you against making your videos too slick, and buying machines most don’t own. A good example of this is April Wilkerson’s woodworking channel. She is adorable, and I loved her channel three years ago. Gradually she got sponsors and learned more. Now she has a 10,000 sq ft wood shop and every high end tool you can imagine. And now she works on projects that do not interest me. It is kind of a fine line. The homey-ness of channels like yours is what appeals to me. You have a wealth of knowledge to share. Today’s video is a good example, the camera angle is wonky, but what you are teaching is excellent and clear, and very helpful. I just ran across a problem with this, the dress I made, no muslin, was astonishingly long in the bust! I think this will help me adjust the cute, but weird pattern. 8 )
This is fantastic advice and you are so right about it being a fine line. The coverstitch machine is very similar to what I had before, but I was just separating the two machines as my ordinal serger was a combo machine and I was getting really tired of switching back and forth. That being said, during active wear month, I am going to be conscious that many only own the sewing machine so I’ll be working on the sewing machine as well as the serger/cover stitch. I really love the feeling of the channel right now and really want to retain that!
I wish I had known this was a thing when I went back to sewing during the first lockdown. I am very short waisted but always just thought I was thin from back to front and have fixed by making things more narrow. I described an issue in a forum about a fabric hump at my back. Turns out to be a length not width problem. *facepalm* To my delight when I went searching for a tutorial, yours was my first hit. :) This adjustment is going to change my world for fitting. No more gaping necklines! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Yep. After watching this adjustment, I understand the reason I have problems with fitted bodices, finding myself steering away from those designs. I won’t NOW. I have Simplicity S8910 on my table, AGAIN. My first attempt failed so Whitney showed me what to do to fix my problem. Yeah! Thank you, Whitney. ~ 😃 ~ L
Hi I just wanted to say thank you for the petite front adjustment video. I was having a lot of trouble with getting my bodice correct. I too am 5ft 2in as well as big busted. I just accidentally came across this video as I’m subscribed to your channel. I just wanted to say I appreciate your videos and I’m from Victoria Australia 😊
Thanks for The petite adjustment I'm 4' 11" so I helped so much with my Rhapsody blouse! I never thought about it until you mentioned it in your daily vlog.
That was brilliant, thank you . I’m 5ft3” and have to take things up on the shoulders. I hadn’t thought about reducing it through the bodice,. You so helpful. Love your videos 👍🏻😘
I have been watching your channel almost from the beginning - and really enjoy both the social and learning elements. I am quite small and the adjustment I find I need is for narrow shoulders (reducing the width from shoulder cap to shoulder cap). I have just about worked this out on a standard pattern, but am completely baffled for those styles that have a yoke - and so many patterns do.... If you were able to show how this should be done, I really would be most grateful. Thank you. Cathy.
Thank you for this tutorial. I am 5'2" also and need to do this. This sleeve explanation was very helpful. I have enjoyed seeing your new color story, as I am the same coloring as you. What a difference the colors make! Love the orange/red on you and the greens too! You asked about DBP fabrics. I love sewing with them. They are warm, but I am usually cold in air conditioning anyway. I have made tanks, long sleeved and 3/4 sleeve tops and leggings. Very stretchy and good recovery. Great in the cooler months. I don't think I would go for a walk in the summer with DBP leggings. I don't usually leave comments, but watch you everyday. Thanks and keep up the good work!
That was an amazing demonstration....your muslin fits so much better. Thank you so much for making this a separate video. I looking forward to seeing the finished dresses, I bet they are beautiful
Brilliant. I watch all your videos ‘cause I like you. And as you’re explaining the adjustment I realize, I need this one! Never occurred to me before and I’m off to try it right now! Thanks so much.
It’s a rather surprising adjustment because you might need it even if you aren’t “petite” or short. It’s really just if you’re shorter in that area. Fitting can be a bit mind blowing 😂.
Hi Whiteney, your tips are always so helpful but it will take some time fot me to get the hang of doing it. It is easyer for me to learn by wathing a few times.
Thank you so much for this totorial I've been waiting for this I to work on a pattern. I love that you talk about your day, and how it's going I think we all can relate to each other that way. We all have more things in common than the difference we might have. 😍
Thank you for a great tutorial, this is definitely what I need on nearly all my garments. I’m only just over 5ft and most certainly short waisted. Such a great tip, petit adjustments here we come 😊
I was sent to this video from my Dorothy's Daughter Facebook sewing group. I cannot say thank you enough for this video! This is the problem that I have been having for 2 years, causing me all kinds of trouble with my FBA, armscye and side darts. I am also 5'2" and a D cup. I cannot wait to try this technique on all of the patterns I have given up on!
Thank you so much Whitney. I am 5ft 2 in and new to making adjustments and you made it so easy for me. I have big bust and gaping at the neck has always been an issue for me. A lot of the explanations about making adjustments always leave me confused. Again thank you ☺️
I've realised over time that I have a short upper back and I usually take out 1 inch below the arm scye and then add it back to the hem so the front and back pattern pieces matched up. However I also get some gaping at the front on dresses and tops so thank you for this tutorial - I'll be trying it out on my next make instead of the upper back adjustment!! 👍👍
Thank you , thank you , thank you. I am 5’2” and I have been so frustrated with gaping around the neck line. Wonderful tutorial. Identifying fit issues and altering required can be so hard when trying to learn at home. Love your videos! Peace
Wha a hairy subject! You dove into it and pulled off beautifully! Congratulations! I hope there wasn’t too much editing or refilming. Thank you so much!
You’re so sweet and I love your videos. Given my short torso, this instruction will definitely live on in my sewing room. Could you show us how to shorten/raise and lengthen/drop the waistline?
I just used this in an Itch to Stitch Davina. I made a "wearable muslin" and took the plunge by hacking the pattern before sewing. I cut out 1/2 inch in the upper chest, 1/2 in the bodice, and 1/2 in the waistband. It was also risky because I didn't do a FBA (34D). But it came out great! Raising the shoulders made the v-neck hit perfectly, and put the bust point in the right place naturally so it fit better. And the back is a smooth line too. This was a huuuuge accomplishment in sewing clothes that actually fit, so thank you very much. IDK if it will end up effecting sleeve fit in future patterns, but I see myself doing this adjustment all the time and going from there.
Whitney, thank you so much for this tutorial. I have the same issues, but couldn't figure out how to fix them. There aren't many people teaching pattern adjustments for petite issues. My other big issue, (it's 2023 now) is how to fix all the high waisted pants and low hanging crotch seams. I wish designers would also draft petite patterns. Anyway, thanks for your content.
I'm so glad this was helpful! The best way to address the low crotches and really high waists is to just reduce the amount of rise in the front and back. Shortening just 1/2" in the front and 1/2" in the back from crotch curve to hip (usually through the "straight" part of the crotch curve) will help with this!
This is exactly what I need ! I'm always taking it up in the shoulder, fortunately everything has turned out well even though I never have adjusted the sleeve cap probably because I have narrow shoulders
I do not make a petite adjustment, I usually add to that area and I am only 5’4”. I did learn tips on smoothing out and truing cut lines! Thank you so much.
As I think back on various garments, me-made and ready to wear, I understand why they were so uncomfortable and ill-fitting. Thank you so much for teaching this technique.
Wow I’m holding my breath all the way threw thinking me doing this turned out great love this thank you .. I need to go to a sewing school !by the way you are a great teacher!, now a days as we get older and the body changes we loose the young cute body we use to have and our minds try to fool us we still got it (lol) our minds stay young and the body gets old.for some of us so we need adjustments everywhere.. Great job love your videos wish I had a friend that could teach me these. That’s why I love your videos
Thank you so much for this. I am 5’7” with a very short torso and long legs. Now I know why my necklines always gape in RTW and me-made clothes. I am so grateful for this explanation and solution
Thank you Whitney . This is something i need to do and the Bicep adjustment . had me worried about the sleeve cap for a minute lol but turned out fantastic
This explains why the neckline on a nightgown I recently made was gaping so much (I'm 5' 2"). Next time I make the pattern, I will use this technique. Thank you!
Thank you for this video. I am also 5ft2in and have similar fitting issues. Haha I decided to make myself a top without making a mock up first and realized that was a mistake lol. I am going to try these adjustments and hopefully it helps on the next one. :)
Thank you! Great tutorial. I too am 5’2” and have noticed if I pull up the bodice of a store bought top or dress as much as 1” at the shoulders the garment fits better. So your petite adjustment tip is something I believe I can use on my patterns for my sewing projects. I love to sew, but fitting adjustments can be so frustrating.
Well done! Thanks for making petite adjustment videos. I'm sure they help taller ladies also. I just don't understand why pattern companies don't add lines (on the bodice and sleeves) for this adjustment and for the waist to hip adjustment (with lines on the pocket pieces). Why not? If they want people to use their product why not make it easy?
Love this tutorial. Makes a petite adjustment so easy! If I also have to do a high round back adjustment, would I do the petite adjustment first? Thank you again for these informative tutorials!
I'm plus size, 5'8" with a large bust and high waist, and I need to take around an inch or more out of my bodices overall to get them to sit properly. I get gaping necklines and saggy straps, pooling across the back, all of it. I only recently figured out taking out length above the bust rather than just cutting off the top of the shoulder and overlapping at the lengthen/shorten line. I have definitely shortened sleeveless RTW clothes by shortening the straps a ton, and I always have to tighten spaghetti straps about as tight as they go. Thank you for walking through this adjustment!
Like so many other commentators said this is a really, really helpful tutorial!! Thank you for doing it. Would you have the time to follow up and make a muslin of what you just did and show us how the fits you? Thanks again.
Do you mean the whole dress? The muslin I’m wearing at the end of the video is the one with the fitting adjustments. However, the dress that I made with this will be up on the channel soon (it’s the sew along dress I’m doing right now!).
Thanks for this video. It reinforces the adjustment I have been making since I am 5"3". However, I have a problem with the sleeve then fitting into the armhole. The sleeves always seem to be too large and I have puckers to deal with. Any suggestions as to how to readjust the sleeve to fit the armhole smoothly like yours did? I have tried several things, but it seems it's always a problem. Thanks a bunch.
When you are truing up the sleeve head (after you take out your petite adjustment tuck), you might need to shave some off of the sleeve cap. Instead of adding to true up the jog, try taking a bit away. Does that make sense?
I really appreciate your channel so much, especially during this time of social isolation. This is kind of a basic question. I understand the importance of making a muslin and want to be more diligent at doing it. To me the term implies that it would be made from a woven, cotton type fabric. But I know from experience that the same pattern made in different fabrics can affect the fit quite a bit. So when you make a muslin should you choose a fabric a lot like the actual fabric you want to use, or does a woven muslin-like fabric work better? Thanks for your help.
That’s a great question! If you’re making a knit garment, you’ll want to use a knit fabric to make your “muslin”’or practice garment. For my woven garments, I’ll typically use an old or thrifted bedsheet to test the fit. However, if you are making a pattern that is exclusively for drapey fabrics, you might get a better idea of fit by testing with a drapey fabric. I find that cheap rayon is perfect for these tests. In these circumstances, I’ll usually try and make a wearable muslin since it’s harder for me to thrift this type of fabric where I live. Does that help?
Great tutorial once you see it being done it looks achievable...I hope 🤣. Whitney I wonder if you would mind letting me know which make of tracing paper you use. I can’t find anything that looks like yours and I think it looks good for tracing patterns off as well as altering patterns...many thanks xx
I’m glad this was helpful! I use medical exam paper from Amazon for my tracing paper: Avalon Papers 617 Exam Table Paper, Standard Crepe, 21" x 125', 1 Pack (12 Rolls) www.amazon.com/dp/B005EK68PC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dzq0EbVVD13N9
This is wonderful, thank you! At 5’ I know I need this adjustment. Can I ask a question please? I also need a full bust adjustment and so far only use patterns which have a full bust piece, but I still get a gaping armhole. I am wondering if the petite adjustment will eradicate this? Tbh I have almost given up, I can sew but fitting a 5’, 42” bust , narrow shouldered, too large tummied body is a nightmare!
Our curves do pose a problem! Do the FBA and make a muslin. Try pinching out length above the bust until it feels better. You will be surprised what shortening there will do for all sorts of fitting issues!
Thank you Whitney. I have done toiles with FBA’s and I still have gappy armholes, so will try a toile with FBA and a petite adjustment. It is so frustrating, when I would love to sew and cannot find rtw. I do appreciate your help!
That was really good thanks. Doing it might be another story! May I ask sometimes I have tightness around movement of arms. Is this to do with the depth of the armhole? Thanks
It could be, or it could also be that you need more room in the bicep. I VERY frequently have to do full bicep adjustments on patterns. Ideally, you’ll have at least 2” of ease around your bicep. The last thing to check would be your upper back. You also might need a full back adjustment (I need those on occasion as well).
great tutorial I am 5'4'' and the bodices never really fit quite right especially in the back - thanks for this will see if these adjustments will solve the gaping neckline in the back and loose necklines in the front - How would you adjust a raglan sleeve bodice using this theory and method? TY
I’m glad this made sense! You would adjust a Ragland the same way. Just make sure you’re taking the tuck out at the same spot on the bodice and sleeve!
I wish I'd seen this before I made my frugal frock bodice but I don't have enough fabric to cut again. I made several adjustments but not like this! I'm going to make another basic bodice pattern I think, as I'm just under 5 foot and plus size so nothing ever fits right. Thanks and I hope I see more of this type of vlog.
Thanks for the petite adjustment tutorial. I have a question? Shouldn't you have divided the depth of the "tuck" evenly between the back and front? I usually do a petite adjustment as I am only 5' tall.
The tuck I took really only fixed the front, not the back. I always take out equally for the front and back (so I took that 1” that I pinned out of the front both from the front and back) so that my sleeve stays balanced. I’m sure you could take more of out one than the other, but it would more drastically affect your sleeve.
This was awesome! I’m really enjoying catching up on your videos, Whitney. I haven't sewn clothes for myself in a long time and can’t wait to start thanks to you and Kim (Dorothy’s Daughter)🤗❤️. I've almost always had to make a shoulder adjustment on ready mades because the armhole was too big or the neckline wasn’t laying flat. I'm also 5’2” so the bodice adjustment will be so helpful when i finally start from scratch with a pattern. If i may ask, …..I’m having trouble choosing a pattern size. At the moment I wear a size 16 -18 garment. According to a McCall sizing chart , I need a 24W pattern. i know its just a number but the package only holds 2 sizes variances (ie 24/26), and that’s such a big jump. I want to also try the PDF patterns but if I don’t print in layers, I don’t know what size to choose. Can you or any of your subscribers please give me an idea of where to start? I would appreciate it so much. Stay safe and healthy.. Hugs, Lola🤗 from Ontario🇨🇦
Sure! With the Big 4 pattens (like McCalls), they put a ton of ease in their patterns so I always choose that size off of the finished measurements that are printed on the pattern. It’s been my experience that if I follow the recommendations on the sizing on the pattern, then it comes up HUGE! As far as garment sizes and pattern sizes, they are vastly different with the commercial patterns. I would wear a size 8/10 in stores, but I wear a 14 in patterns (and the measurements on the envelope put me at an 18). With independent patterns, they are much more true to their size guides (and often follow RTW sizes a bit more). With quite a few of the independent ones, you can print layers, which means you can print the sizes you need (if you need to grade between a couple of sizes you can just print the ones you need). Does that help at all?
This was super interesting, thank you! Any chance you are able to show how to alter a ready to wear dress that needs this adjustment? I have several dresses with sleeves that I really need to take up in the shoulder, but I imagine it would involve removing the sleeve, etc. I haven’t found a tutorial for this yet! I love the way you explain things though!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this! Doing this alteration on an existing garment is much more involved. It does involve taking the sleeve off and recutting the sleeve as well as pulling up the shoulders.
Do you mean, how much of a full bust adjustment? I usually look at the finished measurements and go from there. I like to have at least 2” of ease at the bust, so that’s how I usually decide how much to adjust the bust!
This is great. Thank you for the tutorial. I think by the way my purchased clothing fits that I also need a full bicep adjustment. Do you have a tutorial on that? Thank you again.
This was a very helpful video! I'm 5 ft 4 3/4 inches (I'll take all the height I can get!) but need this petite bodice adjustment because EVERY top is too big on me!
Thank you! My tracing paper is from Amazon and it’s medical exam paper: Avalon Papers 617 Exam Table Paper, Standard Crepe, 21" x 125', 1 Pack (12 Rolls) www.amazon.com/dp/B005EK68PC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BWx0EbCY08B39
It gets tackled differently on a finished dress. You will need to pull up the excess at the shoulder seam. The sleeve might be able to be eased in (depending on how much you need to take it up) or you might need to unpick the sleeve head, shave off at the top of the sleeve head and then resew. Does that make sense?
Hi, can you tell I’m working my way through your library? ;) Thanks for these. I learned something from Karina recently that I’m trying with the I2S Seychelles top. It worked in the muslin I hope it works with the real fabric. I’ll soon find out. Anyway, Karina has a trick with using a piece of paper with a line half the width of your neck lined up with center front then you extend the shoulder seam line to the line, make a mark and then measure from there to the reference lines on your pattern. You’ll know then how much you might have to lengthen or shorten and where. Pretty neat trick I thought.
If you have a dropped shoulder and are hollow in the front between the shoulder and where you would measure For a full bust, would that require a petite adjustment. Love the channel and all of the different topics.💕
Hi excellent tutorial, I learned a lot. When you say you have to work on your darts on the muslin what do you do. The reason I ask my darts always look like that, I don't know how to improve the look. Thank You
Did the sleeve fit in as you redrew it? It seems the armhole may be too small underneath the arm. But I haven’t tried it yet. Also, did you increase the curve at the cap when you made your muslin, as you mentioned? This is the adjustment I have been needing! Also, I haven’t understood transferring the pinned adjustment back to the flat pattern. You showed that so clearly. Now I think I can make the adjustment so patterns /garments will fit so much better!
The sleeve did fit (without me having to adjust the sleeve cap). Usually when you need a petite adjustment, the underarm is too low, so this brings it up where it’s supposed to be. I don’t have to do this adjustment all the time, but when I need to, it makes a world of difference!
I love everything about your videos, they are so helpful. I'm a nurse by trade but I picked up sewing as a pandemic stress reliever and I enjoy it so much. This tutorial is great as I'm 5'2 and I'm short everywhere 🙃. My question is how would you know whether you need a petite adjustment for a pattern (without making a muslin, I really don't like making muslins). Thank you!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the channel! Do you have a large or average bust? I think I would always need a petite adjustment if it weren’t for my bust. Because the fabric had to travel so far over my bust line, it can often fudge the need for a petite adjustment on me. Unfortunately, the best way to determine is through a muslin or wearable muslin. Another trick is to find a pattern company you like. Typically, your fitting adjustments will be the same across all their patterns because they use the same block or measurements for all their patterns.
@@TomKatStitchery I have a bust size B (sewing pattern size). Anyhow I'll keep experimenting and watching your videos. Thanks for replying and HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂!
I am returning to garment sewing after a very long hiatus. I remember having this issue years ago and didn’t know how to fix the ‘too large’ armhole. There was no internet then and researching wasn’t like it is today. Having searched tutorials on UA-cam, I finally found a clear and concise solution in your tutorial! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now, on to the next dress without stress😊
Wonderful! I'm so glad the tutorial was helpful and you found me!
This is such a life changing video! I was having an issue that I didn't even know the name of, and now not only do I know what it is, I know how to fix it. Thank you for making these videos, you are really helping those of us who are learning to sew on our own. :D
Glad it helped! I'm so glad you found this to help you on your sewing journey!
How does it feel to change the world? Your mom and sister have to be proud of you. WOW am I glad I found your channel earlier this year, before the pandemic started. I am so grateful for this whole tutorial from start to finish. I especially love that you put it in a video by itself. You are my sewing hero.
Aww! Thank you! I’m so glad this was helpful!
Yes Linda - I feel like Whitney has changed my world, too! I have a pattern stash and a fabric stash (20 years - not as much as it sounds) and I've massacred a few big 4 patterns trying to get things to fit and in Canada patterns are NOT cheap. I found this channel and Lekala patterns and with Whitney's unwitting/unknowing help, my sewing has taken off - I've made 7 raglan t-shirts since August :) might try a few big 4 patterns again...Louise
Thank you so much! I'm 5 ft tall and this is something I will do now that I know how. I LOVE when you show how to do fixes and adjustments to get a better fit.
I’m so glad!!
I watch and enjoy your videos. I am going caution you against making your videos too slick, and buying machines most don’t own. A good example of this is April Wilkerson’s woodworking channel. She is adorable, and I loved her channel three years ago. Gradually she got sponsors and learned more. Now she has a 10,000 sq ft wood shop and every high end tool you can imagine. And now she works on projects that do not interest me. It is kind of a fine line. The homey-ness of channels like yours is what appeals to me. You have a wealth of knowledge to share. Today’s video is a good example, the camera angle is wonky, but what you are teaching is excellent and clear, and very helpful. I just ran across a problem with this, the dress I made, no muslin, was astonishingly long in the bust! I think this will help me adjust the cute, but weird pattern. 8 )
This is fantastic advice and you are so right about it being a fine line. The coverstitch machine is very similar to what I had before, but I was just separating the two machines as my ordinal serger was a combo machine and I was getting really tired of switching back and forth. That being said, during active wear month, I am going to be conscious that many only own the sewing machine so I’ll be working on the sewing machine as well as the serger/cover stitch. I really love the feeling of the channel right now and really want to retain that!
I wish I had known this was a thing when I went back to sewing during the first lockdown. I am very short waisted but always just thought I was thin from back to front and have fixed by making things more narrow. I described an issue in a forum about a fabric hump at my back. Turns out to be a length not width problem. *facepalm* To my delight when I went searching for a tutorial, yours was my first hit. :) This adjustment is going to change my world for fitting. No more gaping necklines! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Oh good!
You really just gave me a gigantic light bulb moment! This explains and corrects so many of the fit issues I've been having on tops! Thank you!
I’m so glad!
Yep. After watching this adjustment, I understand the reason I have problems with fitted bodices, finding myself steering away from those designs. I won’t NOW. I have Simplicity S8910 on my table, AGAIN. My first attempt failed so Whitney showed me what to do to fix my problem. Yeah! Thank you, Whitney. ~ 😃 ~ L
I’m so glad!! Good luck!
I like that you showed the 'symptoms' and then what needed to be done to correct it. Tfs
I’m glad it was helpful!
Hi I just wanted to say thank you for the petite front adjustment video. I was having a lot of trouble with getting my bodice correct. I too am 5ft 2in as well as big busted. I just accidentally came across this video as I’m subscribed to your channel. I just wanted to say I appreciate your videos and I’m from Victoria Australia 😊
I'm so glad that you enjoyed this and found it helpful!
Thanks for The petite adjustment I'm 4' 11" so I helped so much with my Rhapsody blouse! I never thought about it until you mentioned it in your daily vlog.
I’m so glad!!
That was brilliant, thank you . I’m 5ft3” and have to take things up on the shoulders. I hadn’t thought about reducing it through the bodice,. You so helpful. Love your videos 👍🏻😘
I’m so glad that was helpful!
Really useful and I think, being 5’2 this could solve a lot of my problems. Thank you!
I’m so glad!
Thank you...am 5'4.5" with a short (aging😃) torso, narrow shoulders, and D cup so these petite adjustments are very helpful!
I’m so glad!
I have been watching your channel almost from the beginning - and really enjoy both the social and learning elements.
I am quite small and the adjustment I find I need is for narrow shoulders (reducing the width from shoulder cap to shoulder cap). I have just about worked this out on a standard pattern, but am completely baffled for those styles that have a yoke - and so many patterns do....
If you were able to show how this should be done, I really would be most grateful.
Thank you.
Cathy.
Sure! Yokes do add another element for doing narrow shoulder adjustments!
Thank you for this tutorial. I am 5'2" also and need to do this. This sleeve explanation was very helpful. I have enjoyed seeing your new color story, as I am the same coloring as you. What a difference the colors make! Love the orange/red on you and the greens too! You asked about DBP fabrics. I love sewing with them. They are warm, but I am usually cold in air conditioning anyway. I have made tanks, long sleeved and 3/4 sleeve tops and leggings. Very stretchy and good recovery. Great in the cooler months. I don't think I would go for a walk in the summer with DBP leggings. I don't usually leave comments, but watch you everyday. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Thank you, Lora! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the channel and thank you for the DBP help!
That was an amazing demonstration....your muslin fits so much better. Thank you so much for making this a separate video. I looking forward to seeing the finished dresses, I bet they are beautiful
I’m so glad it was helpful!
Always interesting to see the finessing of patterns for fit xxx
Fitting is so fascinating!
Whitney your muslin bodice fit is just perfect ... what a brilliant tutorial 🧵😘
Thank you, Jayne!
I loved this video. I have been watching a couple of months. Can’t wait to try this. I am 5’1.Thanks from Texas.
I’m so glad it was helpful!
Whitney. What a difference that adjustment has made. It fits you perfectly. Clever gal! Thank you.
Thank you!
Brilliant. I watch all your videos ‘cause I like you. And as you’re explaining the adjustment I realize, I need this one! Never occurred to me before and I’m off to try it right now! Thanks so much.
It’s a rather surprising adjustment because you might need it even if you aren’t “petite” or short. It’s really just if you’re shorter in that area. Fitting can be a bit mind blowing 😂.
Hi Whiteney, your tips are always so helpful but it will take some time fot me to get the hang of doing it. It is easyer for me to learn by wathing a few times.
Sure! That’s the beauty of UA-cam. You can watch it as many times as you need to!
Thank you so much for this totorial I've been waiting for this I
to work on a pattern. I love that you talk about your day, and how it's going I think we all can relate to each other that way. We all have more things in common than the difference we might have. 😍
You are so very right about that! I’m so glad the tutorial was helpful!
Thank you for a great tutorial, this is definitely what I need on nearly all my garments. I’m only just over 5ft and most certainly short waisted. Such a great tip, petit adjustments here we come 😊
Oh good!
Yea!!!!! Looks great. Wonderful explanation.
I’m so glad!
Thank you so so much. This will really help me and my sewing. I'm 5 ft and have a 34G bust so this has been very relevant to me. Many thanks!
I’m so glad!
This has be. So incredibly helpful! Thank you so much!’
My pleasure!
First time on your channel so pleased as I now know how to tackle a problem I have had for so long,
Oh good and welcome!
I was sent to this video from my Dorothy's Daughter Facebook sewing group. I cannot say thank you enough for this video! This is the problem that I have been having for 2 years, causing me all kinds of trouble with my FBA, armscye and side darts. I am also 5'2" and a D cup. I cannot wait to try this technique on all of the patterns I have given up on!
Oh good!! I’m so glad to hear that!!
The visual of you doing the pattern adjustments is so incredibly helpful ... Thanks!
I’m so glad!
Thanks so much Whitney, absolutely crystal clear, much appreciated. All the best.
I’m so glad!
Thank you so much Whitney. I am 5ft 2 in and new to making adjustments and you made it so easy for me. I have big bust and gaping at the neck has always been an issue for me. A lot of the explanations about making adjustments always leave me confused. Again thank you ☺️
I’m so glad that was helpful!
Great explanation!
Thank you!
I've realised over time that I have a short upper back and I usually take out 1 inch below the arm scye and then add it back to the hem so the front and back pattern pieces matched up. However I also get some gaping at the front on dresses and tops so thank you for this tutorial - I'll be trying it out on my next make instead of the upper back adjustment!! 👍👍
Oh good!
Thanks so much for this tutorial. I am 4'10" with a large bust. This is going to help so much!
Oh good!
Thank you , thank you , thank you. I am 5’2” and I have been so frustrated with gaping around the neck line. Wonderful tutorial. Identifying fit issues and altering required can be so hard when trying to learn at home. Love your videos!
Peace
Fitting can be so frustrating!! I hope this helps!
Hooray for this and thankyou from another 5’2” person with bust same as you. Very frustrating in ready to wear.
Wha a hairy subject! You dove into it and pulled off beautifully! Congratulations! I hope there wasn’t too much editing or refilming. Thank you so much!
I'm so glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I'm also only 5'2'' with a full bust and this has solved one of my biggest fitting issues.
Oh good! I’m also 5’2”, so I can very much relate!
Like the bangs, very cute.
Thank you! I like wearing bangs every now and again!
I'm 5'8"....I'm a pair of legs with a head stuck on top....thank you for making this video....when I sit down I'm short....
😂 you’re built like my sister! She’s 5’6”/5’7”, but the same build, ALL leg.
Morning Whitney, awesome exactly what I need. Thank you. Val🇨🇦🇬🇧❤️
I’m so glad!
You’re so sweet and I love your videos. Given my short torso, this instruction will definitely live on in my sewing room. Could you show us how to shorten/raise and lengthen/drop the waistline?
I'm glad you enjoyed! I just looked through my catalog and I don't have that one yet! Great suggestion.
I always enjoy your adjustments as I have a very similar figure. I always have to adjust my patterns. Lol
I'm so glad!
I just used this in an Itch to Stitch Davina. I made a "wearable muslin" and took the plunge by hacking the pattern before sewing. I cut out 1/2 inch in the upper chest, 1/2 in the bodice, and 1/2 in the waistband. It was also risky because I didn't do a FBA (34D). But it came out great! Raising the shoulders made the v-neck hit perfectly, and put the bust point in the right place naturally so it fit better. And the back is a smooth line too. This was a huuuuge accomplishment in sewing clothes that actually fit, so thank you very much. IDK if it will end up effecting sleeve fit in future patterns, but I see myself doing this adjustment all the time and going from there.
As long as you make the change to the sleeve as well, you should be good. I’m so glad this was helpful!
Absolutely amazing result! WOW…..
Thank you!
Whitney, thank you so much for this tutorial. I have the same issues, but couldn't figure out how to fix them. There aren't many people teaching pattern adjustments for petite issues. My other big issue, (it's 2023 now) is how to fix all the high waisted pants and low hanging crotch seams. I wish designers would also draft petite patterns. Anyway, thanks for your content.
I'm so glad this was helpful! The best way to address the low crotches and really high waists is to just reduce the amount of rise in the front and back. Shortening just 1/2" in the front and 1/2" in the back from crotch curve to hip (usually through the "straight" part of the crotch curve) will help with this!
This is exactly what I need ! I'm always taking it up in the shoulder, fortunately everything has turned out well even though I never have adjusted the sleeve cap probably because I have narrow shoulders
Oh good! I'm so glad this was helpful!
I do not make a petite adjustment, I usually add to that area and I am only 5’4”. I did learn tips on smoothing out and truing cut lines! Thank you so much.
My pleasure! The same process can be made in reverse if you need length in this area!
This is sooooo helpful! Thank you. I'm 5 ft 6, like your sister, but I think I need this! Excited to try it out!
It's all about the length of the torso 😂.
As I think back on various garments, me-made and ready to wear, I understand why they were so uncomfortable and ill-fitting. Thank you so much for teaching this technique.
My pleasure! It answered a lot of questions for me!
My 4'11" body thanks you!
My pleasure!
Wow I’m holding my breath all the way threw thinking me doing this turned out great love this thank you .. I need to go to a sewing school !by the way you are a great teacher!, now a days as we get older and the body changes we loose the young cute body we use to have and our minds try to fool us we still got it (lol) our minds stay young and the body gets old.for some of us so we need adjustments everywhere.. Great job love your videos wish I had a friend that could teach me these. That’s why I love your videos
I’m so glad this was helpful!
Yeeees! I need these tutorials! On an unrelated note, what is that gorgeous lipstick you’re wearing? 😍
I’m so glad! The lipstick is MAC Del Rio.
This was very helpful! Will you also explain how to correct darts? This tutorials are so good. Thank you!!
Sure! I can definitely talk more about darts!
Thank you so much for this. I am 5’7” with a very short torso and long legs. Now I know why my necklines always gape in RTW and me-made clothes. I am so grateful for this explanation and solution
My sister is built the same. She looked at me very strange when I told her she needed a petite adjustment 😂. However, it works for her as well!
Thank you Whitney . This is something i need to do and the Bicep adjustment . had me worried about the sleeve cap for a minute lol but turned out fantastic
I’m so glad it was helpful!
This explains why the neckline on a nightgown I recently made was gaping so much (I'm 5' 2"). Next time I make the pattern, I will use this technique. Thank you!
I’m so glad this was helpful!
This tutorial was so helpful, thank you. I always have to shorten straps 1 1/2" but now I will do a petite adj.😉 Your muslin fit so good!
I’m so glad this was helpful!
Thank you for this video. I am also 5ft2in and have similar fitting issues. Haha I decided to make myself a top without making a mock up first and realized that was a mistake lol. I am going to try these adjustments and hopefully it helps on the next one. :)
Oh good! I hope these help!
Thank you! Great tutorial. I too am 5’2” and have noticed if I pull up the bodice of a store bought top or dress as much as 1” at the shoulders the garment fits better. So your petite adjustment tip is something I believe I can use on my patterns for my sewing projects. I love to sew, but fitting adjustments can be so frustrating.
It can be frustrating!! I hope this helps!
I'm 5'2 with a bra size 38 D, so... I have alot of work to do each and every time I sew something for myself. This has been so helpful, thanks!
I"m so glad!
Well done! Thanks for making petite adjustment videos. I'm sure they help taller ladies also. I just don't understand why pattern companies don't add lines (on the bodice and sleeves) for this adjustment and for the waist to hip adjustment (with lines on the pocket pieces). Why not? If they want people to use their product why not make it easy?
That is a great question!
Wonderful fit! You are amazing.
I’m glad it was helpful!
Thanks so much for this! You always explain things really well.
I’m so glad!
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Thank you Thank you!
My pleasure!
Love this tutorial. Makes a petite adjustment so easy! If I also have to do a high round back adjustment, would I do the petite adjustment first? Thank you again for these informative tutorials!
I like to start at the top and work my way down with pattern alterations so I would do the high round and then the petite adjustment!
I'm plus size, 5'8" with a large bust and high waist, and I need to take around an inch or more out of my bodices overall to get them to sit properly. I get gaping necklines and saggy straps, pooling across the back, all of it. I only recently figured out taking out length above the bust rather than just cutting off the top of the shoulder and overlapping at the lengthen/shorten line. I have definitely shortened sleeveless RTW clothes by shortening the straps a ton, and I always have to tighten spaghetti straps about as tight as they go. Thank you for walking through this adjustment!
I'm so glad this was helpful! It really makes such a difference for those of us that are shorter in the bust to shoulder area!
Thank you for this 😍
My pleasure!
Well done. Thank you.
My pleasure!
Like so many other commentators said this is a really, really helpful tutorial!! Thank you for doing it. Would you have the time to follow up and make a muslin of what you just did and show us how the fits you? Thanks again.
Do you mean the whole dress? The muslin I’m wearing at the end of the video is the one with the fitting adjustments. However, the dress that I made with this will be up on the channel soon (it’s the sew along dress I’m doing right now!).
@@TomKatStitchery I'll watch the sew a long. Thanks.
Thanks for this video. It reinforces the adjustment I have been making since I am 5"3". However, I have a problem with the sleeve then fitting into the armhole. The sleeves always seem to be too large and I have puckers to deal with. Any suggestions as to how to readjust the sleeve to fit the armhole smoothly like yours did? I have tried several things, but it seems it's always a problem. Thanks a bunch.
When you are truing up the sleeve head (after you take out your petite adjustment tuck), you might need to shave some off of the sleeve cap. Instead of adding to true up the jog, try taking a bit away. Does that make sense?
I really appreciate your channel so much, especially during this time of social isolation. This is kind of a basic question. I understand the importance of making a muslin and want to be more diligent at doing it. To me the term implies that it would be made from a woven, cotton type fabric. But I know from experience that the same pattern made in different fabrics can affect the fit quite a bit. So when you make a muslin should you choose a fabric a lot like the actual fabric you want to use, or does a woven muslin-like fabric work better? Thanks for your help.
That’s a great question! If you’re making a knit garment, you’ll want to use a knit fabric to make your “muslin”’or practice garment. For my woven garments, I’ll typically use an old or thrifted bedsheet to test the fit. However, if you are making a pattern that is exclusively for drapey fabrics, you might get a better idea of fit by testing with a drapey fabric. I find that cheap rayon is perfect for these tests. In these circumstances, I’ll usually try and make a wearable muslin since it’s harder for me to thrift this type of fabric where I live. Does that help?
Thanks for the great reply. Very helpful.
Great video. I am 5’ 4”, short waisted with long arms and legs so I need this.
I’m so glad it’s helpful!
Excellent you are so clever! I signed up as a follower maybe i'll relearn some things and I know I'll learn something new like I did today
I’m so glad this was helpful!
Great tutorial once you see it being done it looks achievable...I hope 🤣. Whitney I wonder if you would mind letting me know which make of tracing paper you use. I can’t find anything that looks like yours and I think it looks good for tracing patterns off as well as altering patterns...many thanks xx
I’m glad this was helpful! I use medical exam paper from Amazon for my tracing paper: Avalon Papers 617 Exam Table Paper, Standard Crepe, 21" x 125', 1 Pack (12 Rolls) www.amazon.com/dp/B005EK68PC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dzq0EbVVD13N9
This is wonderful, thank you! At 5’ I know I need this adjustment. Can I ask a question please? I also need a full bust adjustment and so far only use patterns which have a full bust piece, but I still get a gaping armhole. I am wondering if the petite adjustment will eradicate this? Tbh I have almost given up, I can sew but fitting a 5’, 42” bust , narrow shouldered, too large tummied body is a nightmare!
Our curves do pose a problem! Do the FBA and make a muslin. Try pinching out length above the bust until it feels better. You will be surprised what shortening there will do for all sorts of fitting issues!
Thank you Whitney. I have done toiles with FBA’s and I still have gappy armholes, so will try a toile with FBA and a petite adjustment. It is so frustrating, when I would love to sew and cannot find rtw. I do appreciate your help!
That was really good thanks. Doing it might be another story! May I ask sometimes I have tightness around movement of arms. Is this to do with the depth of the armhole? Thanks
It could be, or it could also be that you need more room in the bicep. I VERY frequently have to do full bicep adjustments on patterns. Ideally, you’ll have at least 2” of ease around your bicep. The last thing to check would be your upper back. You also might need a full back adjustment (I need those on occasion as well).
Thanks Whitney. I’ll have a try 🙂
Very helpful, thanks!
My pleasure!
great tutorial I am 5'4'' and the bodices never really fit quite right especially in the back - thanks for this will see if these adjustments will solve the gaping neckline in the back and loose necklines in the front - How would you adjust a raglan sleeve bodice using this theory and method? TY
I’m glad this made sense! You would adjust a Ragland the same way. Just make sure you’re taking the tuck out at the same spot on the bodice and sleeve!
Thank you. Great.
My pleasure!
So great thx
My pleasure!
I wish I'd seen this before I made my frugal frock bodice but I don't have enough fabric to cut again. I made several adjustments but not like this! I'm going to make another basic bodice pattern I think, as I'm just under 5 foot and plus size so nothing ever fits right. Thanks and I hope I see more of this type of vlog.
I hope this works for you! It’s been a pattern saver for me in the past!
I'm pleased to see the muslin, my mom is 4'8 inches...thanks!
Oh good! I’m glad that was helpful!
Thanks for the petite adjustment tutorial. I have a question? Shouldn't you have divided the depth of the "tuck" evenly between the back and front? I usually do a petite adjustment as I am only 5' tall.
The tuck I took really only fixed the front, not the back. I always take out equally for the front and back (so I took that 1” that I pinned out of the front both from the front and back) so that my sleeve stays balanced. I’m sure you could take more of out one than the other, but it would more drastically affect your sleeve.
So helpful!
I’m so glad!
This was awesome! I’m really enjoying catching up on your videos, Whitney. I haven't sewn clothes for myself in a long time and can’t wait to start thanks to you and Kim (Dorothy’s Daughter)🤗❤️. I've almost always had to make a shoulder adjustment on ready mades because the armhole was too big or the neckline wasn’t laying flat. I'm also 5’2” so the bodice adjustment will be so helpful when i finally start from scratch with a pattern. If i may ask, …..I’m having trouble choosing a pattern size. At the moment I wear a size 16 -18 garment. According to a McCall sizing chart , I need a 24W pattern. i know its just a number but the package only holds 2 sizes variances (ie 24/26), and that’s such a big jump. I want to also try the PDF patterns but if I don’t print in layers, I don’t know what size to choose. Can you or any of your subscribers please give me an idea of where to start? I would appreciate it so much. Stay safe and healthy.. Hugs, Lola🤗 from Ontario🇨🇦
Sure! With the Big 4 pattens (like McCalls), they put a ton of ease in their patterns so I always choose that size off of the finished measurements that are printed on the pattern. It’s been my experience that if I follow the recommendations on the sizing on the pattern, then it comes up HUGE! As far as garment sizes and pattern sizes, they are vastly different with the commercial patterns. I would wear a size 8/10 in stores, but I wear a 14 in patterns (and the measurements on the envelope put me at an 18). With independent patterns, they are much more true to their size guides (and often follow RTW sizes a bit more). With quite a few of the independent ones, you can print layers, which means you can print the sizes you need (if you need to grade between a couple of sizes you can just print the ones you need). Does that help at all?
This was super interesting, thank you! Any chance you are able to show how to alter a ready to wear dress that needs this adjustment? I have several dresses with sleeves that I really need to take up in the shoulder, but I imagine it would involve removing the sleeve, etc. I haven’t found a tutorial for this yet! I love the way you explain things though!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this! Doing this alteration on an existing garment is much more involved. It does involve taking the sleeve off and recutting the sleeve as well as pulling up the shoulders.
Thank you for the lesson. I am 5'3" and I have the same problems. How do you know how much to adjust the bust?
Do you mean, how much of a full bust adjustment? I usually look at the finished measurements and go from there. I like to have at least 2” of ease at the bust, so that’s how I usually decide how much to adjust the bust!
@@TomKatStitchery Thank you!
This is great. Thank you for the tutorial. I think by the way my purchased clothing fits that I also need a full bicep adjustment. Do you have a tutorial on that? Thank you again.
I do have a full bicep adjustment (it’s one I frequently need). Under the playlist section of my channel, it’s under tutorials!
This was a very helpful video! I'm 5 ft 4 3/4 inches (I'll take all the height I can get!) but need this petite bodice adjustment because EVERY top is too big on me!
I’m so glad this was helpful!
As always great tutorial!! Just getting back into sewing after many years. One question...where do you buy your tracing paper? Love your channel!
Thank you! My tracing paper is from Amazon and it’s medical exam paper: Avalon Papers 617 Exam Table Paper, Standard Crepe, 21" x 125', 1 Pack (12 Rolls) www.amazon.com/dp/B005EK68PC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BWx0EbCY08B39
Loved your video, can this alteration be done on a finished dress? I just bought a dress that has this problem, I'm hoping it can be altered
It gets tackled differently on a finished dress. You will need to pull up the excess at the shoulder seam. The sleeve might be able to be eased in (depending on how much you need to take it up) or you might need to unpick the sleeve head, shave off at the top of the sleeve head and then resew. Does that make sense?
Hi, can you tell I’m working my way through your library? ;) Thanks for these.
I learned something from Karina recently that I’m trying with the I2S Seychelles top. It worked in the muslin I hope it works with the real fabric. I’ll soon find out. Anyway, Karina has a trick with using a piece of paper with a line half the width of your neck lined up with center front then you extend the shoulder seam line to the line, make a mark and then measure from there to the reference lines on your pattern. You’ll know then how much you might have to lengthen or shorten and where. Pretty neat trick I thought.
That does sound like a neat trick! I'll have to watch that video!
ua-cam.com/video/ygNl_jmQo8g/v-deo.html this should be the link to Karina’s video on adjusting height of patterns.
This is so helpful! Any tips for making a similar adjustment with princess seams?
It would work the same, you'd just want to make sure and make the adjustment across the side and center pieces.
If you have a dropped shoulder and are hollow in the front between the shoulder and where you would measure
For a full bust, would that require a petite adjustment. Love the channel and all of the different topics.💕
It could possibly work for that. Make up a muslin and try taking a pinch there above the bust and see what happens.
Hi excellent tutorial, I learned a lot. When you say you have to work on your darts on the muslin what do you do. The reason I ask my darts always look like that, I don't know how to improve the look. Thank You
I usually just have to take the dart out a bit more (my point goes just a bit further into the bodice, usually a 1/2” longer will do it).
Thank you.
My pleasure!
Did the sleeve fit in as you redrew it? It seems the armhole may be too small underneath the arm. But I haven’t tried it yet. Also, did you increase the curve at the cap when you made your muslin, as you mentioned?
This is the adjustment I have been needing! Also, I haven’t understood transferring the pinned adjustment back to the flat pattern. You showed that so clearly. Now I think I can make the adjustment so patterns /garments will fit so much better!
The sleeve did fit (without me having to adjust the sleeve cap). Usually when you need a petite adjustment, the underarm is too low, so this brings it up where it’s supposed to be. I don’t have to do this adjustment all the time, but when I need to, it makes a world of difference!
I love everything about your videos, they are so helpful. I'm a nurse by trade but I picked up sewing as a pandemic stress reliever and I enjoy it so much. This tutorial is great as I'm 5'2 and I'm short everywhere 🙃. My question is how would you know whether you need a petite adjustment for a pattern (without making a muslin, I really don't like making muslins). Thank you!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the channel! Do you have a large or average bust? I think I would always need a petite adjustment if it weren’t for my bust. Because the fabric had to travel so far over my bust line, it can often fudge the need for a petite adjustment on me. Unfortunately, the best way to determine is through a muslin or wearable muslin. Another trick is to find a pattern company you like. Typically, your fitting adjustments will be the same across all their patterns because they use the same block or measurements for all their patterns.
@@TomKatStitchery I have a bust size B (sewing pattern size). Anyhow I'll keep experimenting and watching your videos. Thanks for replying and HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂!