Fitting for Curves

Pattern Adjustments for the Upper Body

 

Learning to sew your own clothes when you're curvy is incredibly fulfilling and fun.


But the real gamechanger?


Mastering fantastic fit!

  • Do you wish you could sew clothes that fit you wonderfully?
  • Do you get frustrated when sewing patterns don't fit you "out of the packet"?
  • Are you bigger than a C cup but have always been intimidated by the infamous "Full Bust Adjustment"?
  • Do you want to learn a range of pattern adjustments for curves, step-by-step with videos and an eBook?

Then this is a course made for you! Join me as I take you through 16 common upper body pattern alterations for curves and demystify fitting once and for all.


 

Welcome to Fitting for Curves: Pattern Adjustments for the Upper Body!

It's so frustrating to shop for clothes when you've got a curvy figure; not only are there very limited options, but they rarely fit well. Sewing is an amazing way to make and wear whatever your heart desires, in your size! But it's not always that easy; sewing patterns come in a limited number of sizes and, of course, we all have differently shaped bodies.

The secret? Learning how to adjust your patterns.

In this workshop, you'll learn how to do pattern alterations for a curvy body, which is much easier than you might imagine! I take you step-by-step through how to figure out which alterations you need, measure your muslin for adjustments, and then how to alter your pattern pieces.

There are two parts to the course to help you deeply understand the techniques, whatever your learning style:

  • 21 clear and easy-to-follow videos that cover the basics of how to measure yourself, pick a pattern size to start from, and make a muslin and then dive into sixteen common pattern adjustments to address fitting the bust, neck, shoulders, back and arms, including four types of Full Bust Adjustments.
  • A downloadable eBook accompanies the videos, giving step-by-step illustrated instructions, which you can use to follow along and refer to at any time.

By the end of the course, you'll feel confident in diagnosing fit issues in the upper body and know how to fix them. Get ready for a wardrobe of garments that fit well and make you feel wonderful!


 








Sewing lessons whenever and wherever you want.

Unlike regular classes, there's no need to block off time in your schedule or arrange to travel - you can watch the videos on your laptop, tablet, or phone, and master pattern alterations from the comfort of home. Learn at your own pace, and re-watch the videos as many times as you like - they never expire! Plus, you'll have 24/7 access, and it's a fraction of the price of an in-person class.


Get additional help

Do you have questions about the lessons? Just ask in the comments section and you'll get personal feedback.


"Just finished watching the course. It was brilliant - clear instructions and easy to follow. I have been unsuccessful making garments from the Big 4 patterns due to my curves. I had numerous AHA moments whilst watching and now know where I was going wrong..... A really great resource!"

--Megan

 

"This was an excellent class! So glad that I signed up. It is much easier for me to learn by watching how things are done. Thanks. This will make my pattern adjustments much easier for me to do."

-- Mary

'I just wanted to let you know how much I love your "fitting for curves - upper body" course! I was a bit hesitant to buy it, because of the price. But wow, it has been worth every single dollar (or euro :-)). With it, I made the perfectly fitting Springfield Top that I now use as a basic for Summer. Also, I used it on many other patterns (where I needed an FBA or move the darts, etc). In short, it is really great!! Thanks so much!"

--Laura

 

A sampling of techniques you'll learn in this course:

  • How to measure yourself to make sure your garment will fit
  • How to choose a pattern size to start from
  • How to make a muslin
  • Four types of Full Bust Adjustment, with many variations!
  • How to get a smooth bust fit by raising, lowering, splitting, or rotating darts
  • How to prevent the dreaded gaping armholes and necklines
  • How to adjust shoulder width and position to fit your frame
  • How to fix fabric pooling caused by a hollow chest
  • Four approaches to back fitting, including sway back adjustments on patterns with and without a center back seam
  • How to make your sleeves more comfortable with a full bicep adjustment

Your Instructor


Jenny Rushmore
Jenny Rushmore

Hi, I'm Jenny! I founded Cashmerette because I was so frustrated with never being able to find clothes that fit my plus size, curvy body (hello, H cups!).

I learned to sew at the tender age of 30, excited by the potential of being able to make clothes that fit me, and also reflected my bold, print-loving style. But I immediately faced the same issue that I did with store-bought clothes: most of them didn’t come anywhere near to fitting me well, not least because most were designed for a B cup.

So I learned how to alter patterns and had the (literally!) life changing revelation: that I could change my clothes to fit my body, rather than changing my body to fit clothes.

And well, the rest is history! At Cashmerette we have the patterns, books, and workshops that I wish had existed when I learned to sew. This, here, is my life’s mission, and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride!

As for the rest of my life? Well, I live with my daughter just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, but I’m originally from the UK (still have the accent!), and am very familiar with the British Airways Boston-London flight schedules. When I get the time, I also love drawing, painting, and cooking fancy things.


 

"I love how you have the videos organized. You can go back and look at the segment that you need. You have a strong and commanding video presence. Instruction is straight to the point. Excellent work!"

-- Mary in AZ

Course Curriculum


  eBook and supplies list download
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Introduction
Available in days
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  Bust
Available in days
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I just finished this tutorial and must say it is the most informative and understandable I have ever seen. My upper bust is about 4" smaller than my full bust so I do need a full bust adjustment. Also, I help various ladies from my sewing guild with fitting and definitely have needed the high round back adjustment with one of them. This tutorial will help me with my own fitting as well as helping my friends with theirs. Thank you.

--Margaret

Frequently Asked Questions


Sounds great! How can I join?
Sign up below to reserve your spot in class. You'll be able to start watching the videos right away, and you'll get an email with a link that will take you right back to your course at any time.
What equipment do I need?
Together with your pattern, you'll need a few basic tools including tracing paper, a ruler and a pencil - a PDF supplies kit is included with the course.
When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How do I get my eBook?
Your eBook is available for download in the first lesson. It's in a PDF format, which can be downloaded and read using the free program Adobe Reader. You can read your eBook on a computer, tablet, or phone.
How long does it take to do the course?
It's really up to you! The course is broken down into short video lessons on each topic and you can watch them over time or in a binge weekend, depending on what suits you! And, you can always go back and re-watch again. In total, there are 21 classes.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.

Get started now!