Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Alynmc
Date: 03-28-2004, 03:05 PM (1 of 4)
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Hi I am fairly new to sewing and have posted here a couple of times. I have just finished sewing 1 pair of pants, a shirt, and a hooded sweatshirt for my 2 year old daughter. They are so ill-fitting on her, it is embarrasing. When I measure the final product they are off by 1/2 to 1 inch. And they are very wide, like a barrel. I wash my fabric before sewing. I think I must be messing up on my hemming and seam allowances. I guess I am confused as to how to make adjustments when cutting out the fabric with the pattern. When you all first started sewing did you have to the same project a couple of times before you were able to get it to fit right? It makes me soooo frustrated. I feel like I am wasting fabric because she can't wear the clothes. Thanks for listening any tips would be helpful. I feel like giving up, but I think if I knew what was causing my problems I would be able to make better fitting clothes. thanks Andrea |
User: Alynmc
Member since: 02-17-2004 Total posts: 8 
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 03-28-2004, 08:05 PM (2 of 4)
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When I sewed for my children 30+ years ago I didn't run into the problem of the clothing not fitting, and I made everything from shirts to pants to dresses to baby items. When the grandchildren came around I found that the clothes I made for them just didn't fit no matter how much I measured and tried to fit. When I switched to Kwik Sew patterns my problem stopped. It seems that this brand fits so much better. I can pretty much make what ever it is without having to stop and measure and fit. The length is the only thing that is way too long for them right now. An added benefit is the instructions are extremely simple and I've never had a problem with construction. Only thing you have to watch for is some patterns use a 5/8 inch seam allowance and others use 1/4 inch. Kwik Sew is more expensive than McCalls and Simplicity but I find that if you buy the book with the included patterns you don't need to buy anything else as it contains enough different pieces to make an entire wardrobe, plus the book gives you added instructions on how to make other items with the available pattern pieces you have with only a couple of changes. Not affiliated with Kwik sew just love the product.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: MartySews
Date: 03-28-2004, 10:01 PM (3 of 4)
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When I sew for my nieces and nephews, I take their height into consideration. One of the things to look for on the pattern envelope is the finished garment size. Make sure that the seams are 5/8 inch (not 1/2) or 3/8 inch if the pattern calls for it. Also, always allow 2 inches for growth in the length. Using a ruler when cutting out the pattern might help. Sometimes, the patterns are not the sizes that the company promises. Also, at that age, children can grow quickly. For the hooded top, add a colorful decorative ribbon on the sleeves and around the hem. Do the same thing on the pants and or shorts. Children love bright colors. This will extend the wearing time. To figure out why the clothing fits differently, check your child's measurements against the pattern envelope sizes. If you made the clothing based on her RTW size, then it is possible that the pattern size may be larger or smaller depending upon her shape. Another way is to check your seam allowances to see if they are indeed 5/8 of an inch. Go slowly and over time your skills will improve. Think of this as your learning curve. If the clothes are too small for your DD, don't toss them out. Donate them to a shelter for abused children and know that someone will love having new outfits. Don't give up on sewing. Happy Stitching! Marty It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: stitchmd
Date: 03-28-2004, 11:05 PM (4 of 4)
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A simple way to see if the pattern is close to the right dimensions is to put a piece of clothing that fits well on top of the pattern pieces laid out on a surface. You have to remember to consider seam allowances and that finished pieces aren't totally flat, but you should at least see if the length or width is significantly different. When I've used commercial patterns for my kids the lengths have been all over the place. Sleeves and pant legs are way too long, while tops are too short on the trunk. Things are often way too large in circumference too. |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
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