Let's face it. There are probably not many of us out there that fit in the neat little box that are pattern measurements. If we're lucky, we're going to get close, maybe being off by a few inches. If we're unlucky, then chances are it might be worse than that. Well, we're here to help the lucky and unlucky alike with our tutorial showing you how to make your own alterations to commercial patterns. For instance, in this tutorial we demonstrate how to increase the waist measurement so you can create a garment that looks like it was custom fitted using the pivot and slide method. We show you how to do a waist increase alteration on a bodice pattern, on a bottom pattern (like a skirt) and, last but not least, for the waistband. Now you'll no longer have to waffle between which size to choose. And when you see how quick and painless using the pivot and slide method is for altering the waist on a commercial pattern, you'll save yourself time in alterations later on the the completed garment.
As with all alterations, I always recommend creating a muslin after making alterations to your patterns. That way you can test your adjustments before using your more expensive fabric. You don't need to fully create the completed garment but just baste the necessary pieces together so you can try it on. Then you can see if you need to make any other alterations.
I guess it depends on if you’re matching notches of the waistband and pants top. If you divide the amount among all the pieces, you may throw off your notches so they will no longer line up. In that particular case it might just be better to add the extra inches to the waistband pieces that make up part of the side seam. If there are no notches to match, then you can split up the extra inches among the 3 pieces.
One more question. I have a pants pattern that has a left and right waistband and a back waistband piece. Would I divide the number to increase by six, for I have to cut two of each or would I divide it by 3. From the instructions of pattern it looks likes the waistband of each piece is to give the waistband some thickness instead of the normal fold over to create a waistband. I hope I am asking the question right.
Thank you, that is good to know
Yes, you can increase the waist by more than 4 inches total
Is this alteration feasible if there is more than a 4 inch increase for waist line
does this technique work for patterns with bust darts also? Or does it only work with patterns that are dartless/no bust dart?
I would say fit the bust and adjust the waist would be the best way.
Is it always best to take the size of the pattern from the bust and adjust the waist or vice versa?
yes, we do plan on releasing a tutorial on altering the hip area. 🙂
Good afternoon
I would like to know will you do a video on how to adjust hips cause i am trying to make a skirt but I don’t
know how to increase my hip size which is a 56 any help that you can provide I sure will be greatful I have
been trying to make this skirt for a year and I just don’t want to mess up the pattern or material.
thank you
Olivia weathers(prettyhankies)