Home Collections Classes Bodice Pattern Alterations for Better Fit - Virtual Workshop
Bodice Pattern Alterations for Better Fit - Virtual Workshop - Victory Patterns
Classes

Bodice Pattern Alterations for Better Fit - Virtual Workshop

Please select all options.

Notify me when this product is available:

Sewing your own clothes is one of the most rewarding skills you can develop, but without an understanding of fit, you are missing the opportunity to create clothing that truly works for your body. This workshop teaches you the most common pattern alterations so that you can apply them to every garment you make and achieve a beautiful, confident fit.

You will learn how to properly measure yourself and select your pattern size, how to make preliminary changes to your pattern before you begin sewing, and how to identify and correct fit issues so that every garment you make fits the way it should. Rather than sewing multiple muslins and hoping for the best, you will learn a systematic approach to fit that you can apply to every pattern you sew from this point forward.

Using a workbook containing quarter-scale pattern blocks that you print at home, you will work through a range of fitting exercises in class, learning each concept and applying it immediately, building a personal reference book of pattern alterations as you go.

Class Schedule

    Dates coming soon — sign up for notifications

What You’ll Learn

Fitting Foundations

  • Taking measurements and choosing the correct pattern size
  • Understanding wearing ease versus design ease
  • Garment alteration concepts and how to prepare a pattern for alterations
  • Grading between sizes and beyond the pattern envelope
  • Understanding what good fit looks like and how to detect fit issues
  • Using wrinkles as a diagnostic tool
  • The sequence of fit adjustments and why order matters
  • How to make a muslin and how to true a dart


    Back

  • High round back and low round back adjustments
  • Full and partial broad and narrow back adjustments
  • Narrow and broad shoulder adjustments
  • Back gaping armhole
  • Adding a back shoulder dart
  • Erect and sway back adjustments


    Shoulders and Neckline

  • Gaping neckline
  • Hollow chest adjustment
  • Shoulder height adjustment
  • Wide and narrow shoulder adjustments
  • Forward shoulder and sleeve adjustment


    • Bust

  • Understanding dart components
  • Shortening a dart
  • Raising and lowering a dart based on a repositioned bust point
  • Full and small bust adjustments across four bodice types: single and double dart, dartless, princess seamed, and Y-line for larger adjustments
  • Front gaping armhole


    • Sleeve

  • Increasing and decreasing bicep circumference
  • Lengthening and shortening a sleeve with an elbow dart

    What to Prepare Before Class

      Before the first session, you'll receive a PDF workbook, which must be printed out before the class.

    You will need to supply

      Fabric & Materials

    • Your class workbook printed out
    • Awl or push pin
    • Pencil, pen and eraser
    • Measuring tape
    • Several sheets of paper
    • Scotch tape (matte, not glossy, so it can be written on)
    • 2" binder

    Included in Class

    • A PDF workbook that will need to be printed before the class.

    • Who This Class Is For

    This class is best suited to sewers who are comfortable following a garment pattern and have sewn clothing before. If you are past the beginner stage and ready to take on the challenge of fit, this class is the right next step.

      This class is great if you:

      • Have sewn garments before and are comfortable following a sewing pattern
      • Are frustrated with how your handmade clothes fit and are not sure how to fix it
      • Have been making do with ill-fitting garments rather than knowing how to correct them
      • Want to stop guessing and develop a reliable, systematic approach to fit
      • Are ready to invest in a skill that will improve every garment you make from this point forward

        • Virtual Class Details:

        This is a live, online workshop taught by me, Kristiann, streaming directly from my home sewing studio. Class sizes are kept small so I can give each participant individualized guidance and real-time feedback throughout each session.


        Joining the class:

      • You'll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a reliable internet connection. A larger screen is strongly recommended for the best visibility.
      • Classes are held on Zoom. If you don't already have it, you can download Zoom here.
      • Your Zoom link and password will be emailed the day before the first session to the address provided at checkout. Please double-check your email address when registering.


        Camera Setup:

      • An overhead close-up view of the work surface
      • A dedicated camera focused on the sewing machine
      • A face-to-face camera for demonstrations and conversation


        Recordings & Catch-Up

        Each session is recorded. If you fall behind during class or need to miss a session, recordings are available for review for 30 days following the final workshop date.


        Class Policies & Cancellations

        Please review our full class policies before registering, including cancellation and refund terms.