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The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting
Here is the ultimate reference for fitting test garments and transferring accurate adjustments to patterns! No matter what size or shape you are, wearing garments that fit perfectly makes you look and feel better. Rather than making commonly accepted changes to a commercial pattern, the method presented in this guide focuses on the way a test garment fits the body. The fabric is manipulated to improve the fit, and then those specific changes are made to the pattern. The patterns that fit perfectly!
With "The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting," you'll
- The importance of a fitting axis and how to use it during a fitting
- How to recognize fitting issues, such as drag lines and folds
- How to manipulate fabric to solve common and unusual fitting problems
- How to transfer the fitting changes to your pattern easily
- Basic pattern-making skills to ensure accurate alterations
See the fitting process from start to finish on basic garments, fitted on real people. Then follow fitting solutions on different body types. The lessons you learn will help you fit any body.
With "The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting," you'll
- The importance of a fitting axis and how to use it during a fitting
- How to recognize fitting issues, such as drag lines and folds
- How to manipulate fabric to solve common and unusual fitting problems
- How to transfer the fitting changes to your pattern easily
- Basic pattern-making skills to ensure accurate alterations
See the fitting process from start to finish on basic garments, fitted on real people. Then follow fitting solutions on different body types. The lessons you learn will help you fit any body.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
348 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 21, 2013
This book is absolutely overflowing with information. It should be noted that this is primarily about fitting someone else and many of the techniques will be less effective on a dress form and nearly impossible to perform on yourself, but it's still really great information and I'd recommend it to anyone who is interested in understanding how to fit a garment.
The method outlined has you work from a standard pattern, make a muslin, and drape in your changes. Then you transfer your changes to the pattern pieces and make a new muslin if needed, until you are happy with the fit. The book is broken up into a general knowledge section, and then discusses fitting different parts of the body with different types of patterns. She works with a variety of women, with different fitting issues and it's a real revelation to see the muslins go from ill-fitting sacks to flattering silhouettes.
At each point, with each incremental change to the muslin, the author points out how she recognizes a fitting issue (drag lines, skewed balance lines, etc) and then she discusses how she fixes it and you watch, step by step as she does just that.
I'm not at a point where I can expect to be able to fit a garment as thoroughly as outlined in the book, but I've definitely started to get a feel for how to recognize fitting problems that I've never even considered, after a life of wearing off the rack clothing. I'm definitely excited to start improving the fit of the clothing I make.
The method outlined has you work from a standard pattern, make a muslin, and drape in your changes. Then you transfer your changes to the pattern pieces and make a new muslin if needed, until you are happy with the fit. The book is broken up into a general knowledge section, and then discusses fitting different parts of the body with different types of patterns. She works with a variety of women, with different fitting issues and it's a real revelation to see the muslins go from ill-fitting sacks to flattering silhouettes.
At each point, with each incremental change to the muslin, the author points out how she recognizes a fitting issue (drag lines, skewed balance lines, etc) and then she discusses how she fixes it and you watch, step by step as she does just that.
I'm not at a point where I can expect to be able to fit a garment as thoroughly as outlined in the book, but I've definitely started to get a feel for how to recognize fitting problems that I've never even considered, after a life of wearing off the rack clothing. I'm definitely excited to start improving the fit of the clothing I make.
March 2, 2015
Sometimes it really is true that a picture is worth a thousand words. This book is the perfect example of how you can read something over and over and not understand it the way you can from seeing a clear full-color photo.
I've read fitting tips in pretty much every garment making book and website and pattern out there, but this was, bar none, the one that made me understand it the best. The idea of a horizontal balance line to change where you do your alterations is the kind of simple and elegant idea that is absolutely radical in how you interpret things.
There is a whole section on what pull and crumple lines look like in fitting, and how to alter them. It's true that this is the kind of thing that would be easier to see and adjust if you were fitting someone else, but I still think it's very valid information for someone who fits themselves -- I know I take a lot of cell phone pictures to see how things are fitting across the back or arms.
It's also really nice to see a breadth of body types and "fit problems" that may be what you're facing, without seeming at all judgemental. Some people have lower or higher breasts, some people have bellies or asses or narrow shoulders or ... it's just a thing you can solve with fitting, not a moral issue.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is doing fitting for themselves. It's a great companion to the Fit for Real People book, which was my introduction into how to alter patterns for size and fit. I'd read both of them -- Fit for Real People had a better description of how to do a Full Bust Adjustment, but this book had pictures about how and why it would work. I recommend you buy the paper copy of this book -- I still buy my craft books in paper -- and then go ahead and upgrade to the digital for another couple bucks. It's worthwhile to have both of them.
Read if: You do fitting for yourself. You are interested in understanding why things don't fit.
Skip if: You don't do your own sewing.
Also read: Fit for Real People.
I've read fitting tips in pretty much every garment making book and website and pattern out there, but this was, bar none, the one that made me understand it the best. The idea of a horizontal balance line to change where you do your alterations is the kind of simple and elegant idea that is absolutely radical in how you interpret things.
There is a whole section on what pull and crumple lines look like in fitting, and how to alter them. It's true that this is the kind of thing that would be easier to see and adjust if you were fitting someone else, but I still think it's very valid information for someone who fits themselves -- I know I take a lot of cell phone pictures to see how things are fitting across the back or arms.
It's also really nice to see a breadth of body types and "fit problems" that may be what you're facing, without seeming at all judgemental. Some people have lower or higher breasts, some people have bellies or asses or narrow shoulders or ... it's just a thing you can solve with fitting, not a moral issue.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is doing fitting for themselves. It's a great companion to the Fit for Real People book, which was my introduction into how to alter patterns for size and fit. I'd read both of them -- Fit for Real People had a better description of how to do a Full Bust Adjustment, but this book had pictures about how and why it would work. I recommend you buy the paper copy of this book -- I still buy my craft books in paper -- and then go ahead and upgrade to the digital for another couple bucks. It's worthwhile to have both of them.
Read if: You do fitting for yourself. You are interested in understanding why things don't fit.
Skip if: You don't do your own sewing.
Also read: Fit for Real People.
November 25, 2016
It is a little difficult for me to review this book, because I received online instruction from the author, both in terms of a video course at PatternReview.com, and also via direct email consultation.
That said, this book is the best resource on fitting that I have found. Most books on pattern fitting work around a very simple principle: identify a fitting issue (such as a wrinkle, gap or pull) and then show you the change you need to make to the pattern to fix it. This can work in some instances but doesn't give you a conceptual framework to operate from, so that you can reason through fitting problems yourself.
Sarah Veblen's book, in the course of many photos, shows how to develop your own mental toolbox for solving fitting issues. At the core of her approach is a test garment, with horizontal and vertical lines placed on it so you can objectively see how the garment hangs on the body. She shows you how to evaluate the garment on the subject, alter the garment while on the subject, then transfer your alterations back to the paper pattern.
The first part of the book is a comprehensive tutorial in flat pattern work, explaining how to alter patterns, use the french curve, true seams and darts, and walk seams to make sure adjoining pattern pieces match each other.
Pants fitting is a very tricky subject, and is covered by a separate chapter in the book. I could wish for more coverage here, having worked one-on-one with the author and knowing that she has more to offer than what is covered in the book. But what is in the book is solid.
Highly recommended for anybody who wishes to master the art of fitting.
That said, this book is the best resource on fitting that I have found. Most books on pattern fitting work around a very simple principle: identify a fitting issue (such as a wrinkle, gap or pull) and then show you the change you need to make to the pattern to fix it. This can work in some instances but doesn't give you a conceptual framework to operate from, so that you can reason through fitting problems yourself.
Sarah Veblen's book, in the course of many photos, shows how to develop your own mental toolbox for solving fitting issues. At the core of her approach is a test garment, with horizontal and vertical lines placed on it so you can objectively see how the garment hangs on the body. She shows you how to evaluate the garment on the subject, alter the garment while on the subject, then transfer your alterations back to the paper pattern.
The first part of the book is a comprehensive tutorial in flat pattern work, explaining how to alter patterns, use the french curve, true seams and darts, and walk seams to make sure adjoining pattern pieces match each other.
Pants fitting is a very tricky subject, and is covered by a separate chapter in the book. I could wish for more coverage here, having worked one-on-one with the author and knowing that she has more to offer than what is covered in the book. But what is in the book is solid.
Highly recommended for anybody who wishes to master the art of fitting.
June 29, 2019
It was a very thorough book, but not what I was looking for. I was looking for something that would give me some tips for my cosplay, but this was more of a guide for someone looking to become a professional tailor or seamstress. She mentioned how to do fitting on yourself, but also said you should have two or three floor length mirrors. I don't even have one, and I'm assuming that you need three so you can see yourself from multiple angles, which means they need to be standing floor length mirrors, which aren't cheap. The author also mentions making four or five muslin mock-ups before you begin the finished product. And, to quote my mother 'no one's got time for that'. Also, even though muslin is pretty cheap, I do not have the money to spend on that much muslin to make mock-ups. Over all, I did pick up a few bits of information, but it wasn't anything I probably couldn't have found on reddit or google. Again, it wasn't a bad book, it was very thorough and something a person looking into sewing as a career should read. But it wasn't what I was looking for.
June 19, 2014
I was familiar with Sarah Vebien from PatternReview.com, so when I saw her book on the New Release section of the library, I decided to check it out.
Nicely done- lots of pictures, and loads of examples on fitting. If there is a downside to this book, it is probably that you will spend the rest of the day mentally altering other people's clothes in your mind. ("Those folds mean those slacks are too wide", "That diagonal means the torso is too short", etc.)
Very well written, and includes enough specifics for people past the beginning stage to make it worthwhile. If you are already familiar with how she teaches her classes, you will find it familiar and educating at the same time.
Nicely done- lots of pictures, and loads of examples on fitting. If there is a downside to this book, it is probably that you will spend the rest of the day mentally altering other people's clothes in your mind. ("Those folds mean those slacks are too wide", "That diagonal means the torso is too short", etc.)
Very well written, and includes enough specifics for people past the beginning stage to make it worthwhile. If you are already familiar with how she teaches her classes, you will find it familiar and educating at the same time.
November 3, 2016
Really nice addition to my fitting aids arsenal.
January 27, 2019
This book was great for learning how to identify fitting issues by looking at how fabric wrinkles. However it was less helpful in helping to understand how to resolve those fit issues.
August 14, 2023
I found this book to be useful, to a point. I don't think it hurts to have been exposed to as many approaches to solving fitting problems as possible, even if they aren't your cup of tea. So it was useful to see all the HBL action, and slashing and adding fabric, as well as whether various pinched-out darts are "flattering". I liked that there as a separate section on adjusting fit for raglans, vs. set-in sleeves. I liked that Veblen's solution for many sleeve-fitting issues is to just slice the sleeve in half along the outer axis and manipulate fit as you would by adjusting a center-back seam to a bodice.
On the other hand, whenever she says, "fitting such-and-such garment is challenging", I got a sinking feeling. The section on pants was not particularly illuminating. It often felt like she stopped short of achieving a good fit.
I think the vast majority of people in the market for this book sew for just themselves. So invariably you go in looking for a model whose body type is similar to your own, hoping that you'll spot the same fitting issues you've encountered. That sometimes happened in my reading of this book, but not often enough. I suspect this is an issue that many people will have, because the models used in this book run to the same type. You'll not see any extreme hourglasses or pears, and you won't see even the variety that Kenneth D. King gathered in his book on fit. Also, a major limitation of this book is that it assumes you are fitting another person rather than yourself. It would be quite difficult to pinch out shoulder or back waist darts and pin them on oneself. I think the best you can do is to take the muslin off, pinch/pin, put it on, assess, and repeat for many more sessions. And this makes fitting one of the more Sisyphean tasks. It's so much easier to hop around from pattern to pattern in the hope that this next company's block will just magically fit you.
On the other hand, whenever she says, "fitting such-and-such garment is challenging", I got a sinking feeling. The section on pants was not particularly illuminating. It often felt like she stopped short of achieving a good fit.
I think the vast majority of people in the market for this book sew for just themselves. So invariably you go in looking for a model whose body type is similar to your own, hoping that you'll spot the same fitting issues you've encountered. That sometimes happened in my reading of this book, but not often enough. I suspect this is an issue that many people will have, because the models used in this book run to the same type. You'll not see any extreme hourglasses or pears, and you won't see even the variety that Kenneth D. King gathered in his book on fit. Also, a major limitation of this book is that it assumes you are fitting another person rather than yourself. It would be quite difficult to pinch out shoulder or back waist darts and pin them on oneself. I think the best you can do is to take the muslin off, pinch/pin, put it on, assess, and repeat for many more sessions. And this makes fitting one of the more Sisyphean tasks. It's so much easier to hop around from pattern to pattern in the hope that this next company's block will just magically fit you.
May 4, 2019
Great value, and a really interesting read.
I chose this book after reviewing the kindle sample downloads of about 8 different pattern fitting books and carefully reading the amazon reviews by other dressmakers. I think this offers the closest match to what I need, which is to understand the different pattern adjustments I need to make according to body variations. It is focused on fitting muslins on someone else, which is a limitation as I want to use it for my own fitting, but I feel it has given me a good understanding of where to make adjustments to commercial patterns before I even make my first muslin, as well as how to spot the cause of any fitting issues.As such, I’m sure it will save me lots of money on potential mistakes in buying the wrong style of pattern or cutting expensive fabric incorrectly...I have the kindle edition and that makes it a really great buy!
I chose this book after reviewing the kindle sample downloads of about 8 different pattern fitting books and carefully reading the amazon reviews by other dressmakers. I think this offers the closest match to what I need, which is to understand the different pattern adjustments I need to make according to body variations. It is focused on fitting muslins on someone else, which is a limitation as I want to use it for my own fitting, but I feel it has given me a good understanding of where to make adjustments to commercial patterns before I even make my first muslin, as well as how to spot the cause of any fitting issues.As such, I’m sure it will save me lots of money on potential mistakes in buying the wrong style of pattern or cutting expensive fabric incorrectly...I have the kindle edition and that makes it a really great buy!
February 24, 2020
This book is really outstanding. Of course, Sara Veblen doesn't cover every possible fitting issue, but she provides a step by step methodology that will help you identify and correct the issue.
You know how in illustrations, other fit books will show radiating folds that point to a fit issue? I've never understood that ... until now! Ms. Veblen has photos of that. In addition, she had photos of drag lines and such.
I have many fitting books in my personal library, but this one had so much new and/or helpful info in it that I have added it to my "want" list.
I do caveat that I am an experienced sewist with lots of successful experience in fitting myself, my daughter, and a friend's daughter.
You know how in illustrations, other fit books will show radiating folds that point to a fit issue? I've never understood that ... until now! Ms. Veblen has photos of that. In addition, she had photos of drag lines and such.
I have many fitting books in my personal library, but this one had so much new and/or helpful info in it that I have added it to my "want" list.
I do caveat that I am an experienced sewist with lots of successful experience in fitting myself, my daughter, and a friend's daughter.
June 13, 2017
My rating, if it was possible would be 4.5 stars and in reality I am not sure why I wouldn't just rate it at 5 stars...because
I have finally found a book this great on clothes fitting! The language is clear and concise with in depth explanations that offer not too much and not too little? The best part, for me at any rate, are the photographs: large, quality, images that increase my understanding so much!
I now consider this book to be one of my best apparel sewing investments and I am much more likely to want to take Sarah Veblen's classes that are offered on Sewing Pattern Review (which is an amazing website that anyone who sees should check out imho.
I have finally found a book this great on clothes fitting! The language is clear and concise with in depth explanations that offer not too much and not too little? The best part, for me at any rate, are the photographs: large, quality, images that increase my understanding so much!
I now consider this book to be one of my best apparel sewing investments and I am much more likely to want to take Sarah Veblen's classes that are offered on Sewing Pattern Review (which is an amazing website that anyone who sees should check out imho.
January 1, 2022
This book was enormously helpful. Though I will mostly fit myself and the techniques in this book relate to fitting someone else and looking “from the outside” (so to speak), learning to recognise unfitting parts in a garment (and how to change them) will be helpful in any case!
I was looking for a guide to learn what constitutes a fitting garment since I didn’t really have a concept of it.
I recommend this book whole-heartedly.
I was looking for a guide to learn what constitutes a fitting garment since I didn’t really have a concept of it.
I recommend this book whole-heartedly.
June 2, 2019
Love this book. This is a MUST for anyone that wants and/or does make garments. It’s a great reference for anyone that does make garments, and it’s perfect for anyone starting out. I will be keeping this one on my shelf for a reference, I’m sure I’ll need to refer to it. :) happy reading and sewing!!!
August 29, 2022
This is a helpful book!
This is a helpful thorough guide understanding certain fits and cuts and overall getting to know patterns more. This book breaks down how to read a pattern and how to measure and plan for a fit based on size, materials, etc. It's a helpful guide for making wearable clothes.
This is a helpful thorough guide understanding certain fits and cuts and overall getting to know patterns more. This book breaks down how to read a pattern and how to measure and plan for a fit based on size, materials, etc. It's a helpful guide for making wearable clothes.
August 14, 2025
This is one of the three sewing reference books in my collection. I absolutely LOVE this book. There are so many pictures and step by step instructions. My sewing improves each time I sew because I use this book to make adjustments to fit my unique body. If you sew, I recommend you have this book in your reference collection.
August 23, 2017
I borrowed this from the library to decide if it is worth purchasing. Yes! The visuals are large and helpful, and reading it made me feel more confident that, with the book by my side, I can learn to fit any pattern.
January 20, 2023
This is absolutely going to take my sewing game to the next level. Takes a while to get into if you're a fitting newbie but then it will start to make so much sense.
January 26, 2024
Very clear diagrams and instructions for basic garment fitting. I imagine somebody with more experience would not get a lot out of this book, but as a beginner I really appreciated the book's format.
March 31, 2024
Consider purchasing. Includes pants section. Initial steps explained well for a beginner but fitting maybe less so.
April 19, 2024
Helpful information
November 30, 2024
very good reference book
January 21, 2014
A great guide for its intended purposes.
Good photos, good details about how to get the fit right. And good examples or real life, non-model sizes that have common problems with standard size patterns.
I would love to be able to use the skills I could learn from this - but it leaves me a bit scared. I can only do basic stuff with a sewing machine, and I'm uncomfortable with anyone touching me. And most of these fittings you can't do on only yourself.
But some day... I would love to get back to this book, acquire some skills, make some test patterns, and get some really amazingly tailored stuff made by myself.
Good photos, good details about how to get the fit right. And good examples or real life, non-model sizes that have common problems with standard size patterns.
I would love to be able to use the skills I could learn from this - but it leaves me a bit scared. I can only do basic stuff with a sewing machine, and I'm uncomfortable with anyone touching me. And most of these fittings you can't do on only yourself.
But some day... I would love to get back to this book, acquire some skills, make some test patterns, and get some really amazingly tailored stuff made by myself.
May 4, 2012
There is a lot to learn from her - the two pieces I made using her techniques came out very well - I like her emphasis on the non-normal figures - the "Non-Barbies"! I think the lay-seamstress would find this extremely helpful as she explains all terms that pros use - it was an excellent refresher from undegrad.
March 14, 2013
Checked this out from the library first to determine whether it was useful to me. I found it to be quite comprehensive although according to the pictures, you have to have someone else do the adjustments on you. I think it would hard to do most of the adjustments solo. The full bust adjustment method described was the easiest I've found and I used it recently
January 21, 2013
A really good book on fitting without tons of math or specialized tissue fitting. Photos really help and lots of examples to help understand the concepts the author introduces.
January 28, 2014
This is a fantastic book. Even as a professional sewer and fitter, I learned a great deal from Veblen.
October 15, 2014
Outstanding reference book with lots of pictures!
September 19, 2012
Love all the photos. They make it so easy to pinpoint the fitting problems.
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February 25, 2019While not something you would read cover to cover, this is an excellent photo guide for fitting muslins, especially for identifying and correcting fit problems. There are different strategies for addressing different styles of bodice (including princess seams). This book does not cover flat pattern adjustments in detail, but it does offer some suggestions for marking your muslin adjustments on the paper pattern. Paired with a patternmaking book, I think this book would be incredibly useful in a beginner's reference library.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews