Why Change Patterns?
People come in all different sizes and shapes, yet commercial patterns are all designed for a set of “standard” measurements in order to fit “average” sizes. Patterns can be expensive and you want your clothes to fit properly – you can easily adjust your patterns to fit you perfectly even in those places where you may be curvier or skinnier than “average”.
Common Body Shapes
Truly there is no “average” or “typical” body size or shape, every body is different and that’s what makes us each unique. There are however some common body shapes like those shown above. Keep in mind that every one of these “types” has variations and there is no exact science to categorizing bodies.
Some of us are just naturally harder to fit than others and most of us can’t simply pick something off a rack at the store and have it fit like a glove.
You can have a perfectly tailored and well fitting wardrobe very easily – simply choose one or more of these methods depending on your fitting issues and sewing skills. If you don’t feel confident starting out with pattern making then start by adjusting your commercial patterns and then by learning how to convert the sleeves, collars and necklines of your favorite patterns to create whole new designs.
