Description:
Commercial patterns rarely fit straight out of the envelope—but with the right approach, you can make any design work for your body. In this class, Lynda teaches you how to use your personal bodice sloper as a fitting template, giving you a reliable roadmap for adjusting commercial patterns before you sew.
Over eight weeks, you’ll learn to:
Select the right size and prepare patterns with proper length adjustments.
Compare circumference, shoulder, and neck measurements for accuracy.
Make bust and upper back adjustments for a custom fit.
Adjust and fit sleeves to balance with the bodice.
Practice truing patterns at every stage to keep lines clean and accurate.
Each week builds on the last, moving from paper adjustments to muslin fittings and sleeve work. By the end of the course, you’ll have a thoroughly revised working pattern, along with the skills to confidently alter future commercial patterns—ensuring your garments look polished, feel comfortable, and fit beautifully.
Supplies:
A copy of your sloper/basic block in clear plastic (This should have all reference lines marked (waistline, high hip, low hip) and apex. I like polypropylene sheets (24 ½” X 45” X .020 smooth/matte, SKU #20346 grom Tap Plastics.)
Tape measure
Ruler and square, or gridded transparent ruler at least 18” long (here’s an example - see the 2” X 18” size)
Drafting curve (here’s Lynda’s favorite)
Paper for drafting (available in art or office supply stores, just make sure it’s at least 36” wide and copy paper weight)
Scotch tape
Pencils and erasers (colored pencils as well)
Pins
Medium weight muslin, unwashed
Testimonials:
"I finally understand how a flat pattern relates to my 3D body. Great explanations and videos." ... a fall 2023 student
"Most sewers start with commercial patterns that were drafted to some “standard” used by the pattern company. They can be as ill firing as ready to wear. Part of sewing is learning to fit. This class showed us how to use our one of a kind, tested sloper and use it to make the initial pattern alterations to our desired commercial patterns. While doing this, we also learned how to customize a multi sized pattern or choose a more appropriate size. Conventional wisdom says I should use my upper bust measurement. My neck and shoulders, we discovered, needed a pattern several sizes smaller than that metric indicates! This is the difference between a garment that can pass for ready to wear, and a custom fitted confection that can pass for pret a porter or couture. The best execution won’t shine in an ill fitted garment. Lynda will show you how." ... a fall 2023 student
About Lynda's Classes
DURATION: Lynda's classes meet weekly for 4-weeks ($200), 6-weeks ($250) or 8-weeks ($295).
ONLINE/ZOOM: Each 1 1/2 meeting is live, on Zoom and all class meetings are recorded. The link to the recording is sent out at the end of each class and it is available to students for 8 weeks. All class times are noted for Pacific Standard Time (PST).
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS: As part of each class, Lynda also shows instructional videos, which students will have access to after class. These links do not expire
CLASS SIZE: 8 students in Finish It!, 12 students in classes that include fitting, and 15 students in all other classes
OFFICE HOURS: Lynda will hold office hours once a week. Details will be sent as classes are about to begin.
INSTRUCTOR ACCESS: You'll have access to Lynda during class and in our weekly office hour, your best to ask questions and get hands-on help. If you run into something that can't wait, Lynda is still available by email between classes.
PRIVATE LESSONS: Private online lessons are also an option if you'd like more personalized guidance.