Techniques to fit the shoulder and upper back, using a tape measure, two ordinary rulers, and a pencil.
The vast majority of fitting issues encountered in the upper body (jackets, blouses, tops, tees and dress bodices) originate in the shoulders and upper back: your body's "hanger." The revelation is that all fitting must start there to be successful. Three critical measurements, along with their easy-to-make pattern adjustments, are the beginning of a wonderfully fitted garment. The result: many wrinkles and unsightly folds instantly disappear, and your clothes become more comfortable. In other words, you will solve many (if not most) of your fitting issues at once, when you fit your hanger.
The three key areas that make up the hanger are the shoulder width, the upper back curve, and the shoulder slope. Once you have fit your "hanger" you will be able to clearly see if any other adjustments are needed, and if so, exactly what they are.
The course addresses the three hanger areas, in a basic darted bodice, an armscye princess bodice, and a shoulder princess bodice, providing you with a complete guide to fitting your own body’s hanger in a range of garment styles.
What You’ll Learn
- Measure shoulders and back accurately for a flawless fit
- Adjust patterns to match your unique body shape
- Fix common fit issues for tops, blouses, jackets, and dresses
- Master shoulder and neckline adjustments that transform how your clothes look and feel
- Align shoulder slopes and seams for professional-quality results
- Use shoulder pads confidently — know when, why, and how
- Eliminate gaping, pulling, and shifting in your garments
- Build the skills and confidence to fit any pattern — for yourself or others
You’ll love this class if you:
- Want to finally achieve a comfortable, flattering fit in every garment
- Struggle with shifting seams, gaping necklines, or binding shoulders
- Sew for yourself or others and want a clear, reliable fitting method
- Have a changing body and need help adjusting patterns with confidence
- Dream of clothes that look custom-made — shoulders aligned, hems level, necklines just right
- Want to eliminate wrinkles, gaps, and that “off” fit that keeps you from loving your makes
Learn how to fit your clothes the way they’re meant to hang — perfectly balanced, flattering, and made just for yo
Meet the Instructor
The late Cynthia Guffey designed and constructed women's clothing for many years. What started as a custom workroom in Baton Rouge, LA, creating garments for high profile women and events, was transformed into a pattern business 25 years ago. From training workroom staff in couture techniques, her sewing methods also made the transition into a system of the most effective, practical and simple fitting and construction techniques, highly valued by the thousands of enthusiasts she shared them with at Original Sewing & Quilt Expo and in her lectures and workshops across the U.S.
Her fitting approach is derived from a mathematical background coupled with her constant search for the simple and the obvious. And although her precision sewing techniques are not short-cuts, she saves you time by helping you get it right the first time. Moreover, at each step in the process she shares how what you are doing affects subsequent steps, and “what you’re going for” in the result. Thus, confidence and satisfaction bloom for her students.
Cynthia’s design philosophy involves creating lines that multiply opportunities to fit and enhance a figure type, and using the grain of the fabric to enhance the look and feel of all garments.
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