Pattern Fitting With Confidence

by Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman's pattern fitting approach is easy - no cutting, slashing, tucking or pinching—just logical and easy pivot-and-slide techniques, providing a painless method to follow that results in a garment that is comfortable and attractive. Once you learn Nancy's techniques for fitting, you will find it easy to make every garment you sew fit your size and shape. Multiple fitting charts are included in the book, as well as an index for locating technical information at a glance.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Nonfiction, Fashion, How To

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Nancy Zieman—author, designer, businesswomen, producer, blogger and national sewing authority—was the host of the popular show "Sewing With Nancy" which appeared on Public TV and online. Nancy was also the founder of Nancy's Notions, a direct marketing company, featuring sewing and quilting products.
Nancy wrote numerous books on sewing and quilting, including her autobiography, "Seams Unlikely," which was co-authored by Marjorie L. Russell.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first fitting book I actually understood so for that I give it 4 stars. I haven't tried any of these techniques yet but I will the next time I have fitting issues with a pattern, which won't be long. I look forward to trying this out and I hope I find some solutions to my fitting issues.

[Kati · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book way over-promises and under-delivers. This method can be a useful tool in the toolbox, but it's not the end-all-and-be-all. You won't like the results of increasing the bust using this compared to doing a slash-and-spread Full Bust Adjustment unless you're increasing only a small amount. Generally, you'll be better off blending between sizes on a multi-size pattern than using this method. The only example that really looks promising to me is a large biceps adjustment greater than 2 inches, where the 'standard' method falls apart; even here it assumes you have to do an equal or greater bust adjustment.

Borrow it from the library before buying it for yourself.

[Pearsonbennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garment fits

The diagrams were valuable to compliment the texts. Shading of pivots were helpful also. Due to time constraints, the kindle method was used. I miss the boor. Unable to “flip through” pages. Difficult. ‘Pivot & slide’ is the best idea for altering garments. Great reference!!!

[E W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best method I know for preserving the original lines of a pattern which was my goal for a project. Successfully used the pants section in the past. Note, no photos, using illustrations instead, which is helpful in the section showing wrinkles and how to understand their fitting implication.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book details fitting instructions that are easy to follow and use. Much of the techniques I learned instinctively in my 60 ish years of sewing, but this is a teachable, learnable, logical system. I’m keeping this reference manual next to my sewing machine.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUPER helpful and clear. No filler, just straight to the point with illustrations and examples. I got this from the library, but now I’m buying my own copy secondhand so that I can have it as a reference.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really thorough and straightforward. I think this is what I need to step up my game now that I know which patterns I'm going to remake many times, is to make them fit really well.

[Nakia Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will help the beginner and intermediate seamstress. The directions and pictures are very clear and understandable. If you struggle with pattern fitting, then this is the book for you!

[Stephanie Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle version - images not very clear

I had a couple of specific fit issues I wanted guidance (gaping décolletage) but I couldn’t find how to fix this ‘gaposis’

[Jec · Rating 5 out of 5]

nancy zieman is always an excellent resource for clear concise reference material. you can never go wrong having her books in your library

[Charity Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pattern Fitting With Confidence by Nancy Zieman is an unexpected gem!

I am pleased with the amount of useful information in this book!

[Amberjean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. Not really what I was looking for--suitable only for very basic fitting (lengthen sleeves, torso, legs, full bust adjustment). Not suitable for uncommon alterations (pants-that-fit-weighlifters'-quads, for instance), nor for diagnosing what exactly it is causing that wrinkle in your muslin.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an introduction to the pattern fitting process, I think this is a good start. I suspect that it won't address all possible fitting problems but certainly will help many achieve a good fit. I also like avoiding tissue fitting.

[Rebekah]

I haven't yet used this Nancy Zieman book in a real project, but I am eagerly awaiting the time and occasion.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

clear, simple, great

[Julie-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

So much simpler (to me) and safer than slashing and spreading, though she didn't really get into FBAs as that's what I am most interested in.