This new edition of a popular tailoring guide is double in size, adds color photography, and features new and speedier techniques that embrace fusible interfacing and an all-machine-sewn lining technique used in ready-to-wear. More than 700 photos and illustrations accompany instructions detailed enough to allow a beginner who has never taken a sewing class to glide through chapters on patterns and fabrics, proper cutting and marking, methods for pressing and seam finishing, and how-tos that ensure a perfect fit. The choice and tailoring of collars, buttonholes, pockets, and mitered back vents are shown to create individuality and flair, while special sections provide information about stripes and plaids, men's jackets, finishing touches, and helpful tools and notions.

Presented in a new edition that adds updated pattern industry news and revised rules for selecting pattern size, this easy and practical fitting system requires no measuring, no drafting skills, no muslin mock-ups--and it works with all brands of tissue paper patterns. Real people of all ages are featured in photographs that explain the steps of cutting out pattern pieces, pinning them together, and adjusting the fit. Special attention is paid to tricky challenges such as accommodating a full bustline, adjusting sleeves, or reworking a garment to make it more flattering, as well as alternative fitting methods such as draping and computer design. Metric conversion charts, charts for comparing pattern company bodice measurements, and a history of American dress design ( Just where did size 10 come from?) make this book a versatile reference.

This pattern book features step-by-step instructions on fitting and sewing pants for women of all body types using the twin techniques of tissue fitting and fabric fitting. Important sewing choices are highlighted, including choosing fabrics, selecting appropriate alteration tools, and finding styles that are most flattering. The fit-as-you-sew process of making pants is illustrated with progressive photographs and step-by-step illustrations. A variety of styles are covered, including nonroll, expandable, and contour waistbands; side seam and patched pockets; and easy hems and cuffs. This updated second edition features refinements to the fitting and sewing information and has added instructions on the fitting and sewing of jeans and no-side-seam pants.

Includes text from the previously published title, Fit for real people.

Unsure how to sew the new knits so they'll look great and fit better than ready-to-wear? Knits for Real People helps readers sort out the differences in fabric types and explains the fitting and sewing techniques for each. Photographs of knit fashions from McCall's, Vogue, and Butterick pattern companies provide inspiration throughout the book and illustrate the many types of knits. The many techniques explained include: layout, cutting, and marking; seaming techniques using sewing machines and sergers, including the use of the differential feed feature; creative embellishments, including piping, flounces, "peepers," and decorative serging; neckline and edge finishes, including bands, collars, and bindings; sleeves, hems and closures; and fitting techniques for tops, pants, and activewear. Knit fabrics are very popular in fabric stores and this book helps people take advantage by teaching how to fit patterns for this versatile material.

A jacket is a wonderful staple for any wardrobe - it's versatile, flattering and stylish. This practical book explains how to make a jacket that can be worn with confidence, flourish and pride. Using 'speed' tailoring techniques, it explains fusible interfacings and finishes that are achievable for all home sewers, and will guide you to making a fabulous tailored jacket. Tailoring a Jacket includes a guide to fabrics, pattern choice and interfacings; advice on pattern matching; instruction on welt and patch pockets, shoulder pads and collars, as well as bound and machined buttonholes. It gives detailed help on lining and finishing your jacket, and ideas for alterations and, finally, a step-by-step explanation with photographs to the full process.

With one master pattern, this resource guides knitters through creating 12 jacket silhouettes in five standard sizes, with four different weights of yarn. Reminiscent of the designer details that have made the Chanel jacket a signature piece for more than 50 years, the details in this book add professional finish to collars, pockets, fabrics, and hand-stitched silk lining. The process to create a perfect-fit jacket requires only simple math and graph paper. Using real-body examples, Jean Frost shows how to adjust patterns for narrow shoulders, long arms, short or long waist, a large bust, and other common fitting problems.