In this on-demand video course, Sarah fits two different models who have both common and unique pants fitting challenges.
In this series, learn to successfully fit pants as Sarah Veblen demonstrates her hands-on techniques on two models with different body types. Each fitting addresses both common and unique pants fitting issues. Sarah shares tips on pattern selection, and best practices for fitting the crotch curve, an asymmetrical body shape, a full thigh, a narrow waist, and other challenging areas.
Sarah’s fitting method involves fitting a test garment on the body—there are no complicated pattern adjustments to do before you start. It works for any body type or size; the examples shown start with a basic, slacks-style design that, once fitted, can server as the basis for many other pants styles.
The lessons included in this course are also available at ThreadsMagazine for those with an Insider membership.
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Pants Fitting
See how slacks differ in style and fit from trousers and jeans as Sarah establishes guidelines for picking a pattern and discusses the fabrics that work best for a test garment. Learn the value of placing horizontal and vertical reference lines on your muslin, and how to prepare yourself for the fitting process.
Chapter 2 Title: Pants Patterns Compared
Explore various patterns as Sarah explains the advantages of specific pattern designs and the impact those will have on your final garment.
Chapter 3 Title: Choose the Best Size for a Fitting Muslin
Lean how to select an appropriate pattern size for a muslin that can be fitted to your figure. See what to look for in grainline and horizontal balance line positioning while considering the ease of adding or removing fabric as you determine your preferred muslin size.
Chapter 4 Title: Pants Fitting Example 1
With Sarah’s first fitting, learn to position grain and horizontal balance lines and discover what they reveal about the garment’s drape and draglines. Understand how to address asymmetric figures. Explore options for dart placement as you create three dimensionality in your garment. Review considerations for pant leg adjustments and crotch-curve changes.
Chapter 5 Title: Pants Fitting Example 2
With the second fitting you find out more details on selecting the pattern size that will make fitting effective and easy. While working with grainlines and horizontal guidelines you learn the best way to remove excess fabric and adjust for a smaller waist and fuller thigh. Sarah shows the aesthetic considerations for dart placement and offers design options to consider while fitting for function, feel, and a good, finished look.
Chapter 6 Title: A Special Tip for Fitting the Back Crotch Curve
Learn Sarah’s simple and effective method for fitting a problematic crotch curve when conventional methods don’t work.
Meet the Instructor
Sarah Veblen is a sewing instructor with decades of experience designing and creating custom clothing. She teaches in person at her Baltimore area studio and around the country, as well as online.
She has authored many publications on sewing and design, including her books The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting and First Time Garment Fitting. Sarah has been a consultant to several small label women's clothing companies as well as a patternmaking consultant for Fit For Art Patterns, with whom she collaborated to develop the Eureka! Pants that Fit pattern.
Sarah has a Certificate in Fashion Design from Baltimore City Community College and a BA from Stanford University. She is an active member of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals (ASDP), the American Sewing Guild (ASG), and the Haute Couture Club of Chicago (HCCC).
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