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How do I change a dress pattern so it fits my body shape?

I have cut out a paper pattern, but the bodice is the wrong shape for my body and there are folds of excess material in the front and bag. However I don't know what to change to make it fit better. Any tips or directions to websites much appreciated.

Public Comments

1. well, put the ill fitting dress on and have someone pin it in where the excess material is. then take the sewing machine to it!
2. You can copy the tissue pattern onto a simple pice of constriction paper and change the pattern to your body. Start seam ripping now and get rid of the material you don't need then start sewing from there.
3. go ahead and sew the bodice together for the most part (don't add zippers or buttons or facing yet.) then with the seams facing away from you (by which i mean put it on inside out) get a friend to pin the seams to fit your body while you stand perfectly still. then sew following the alterations that make the garment fit your body. still leave just a little space so you can do a final adjustment after the first alteration is through. just about everyone has to do this, as no one in the world is shaped exactly like a dressmaker's mannequin. some people have to take in waists or bustlines. some of the companies that make patterns offer tips, so you might check that out online. I've linked and example below. and next time you buy a pattern from this company you might consider buying the next size down if there is alot of additional altering and fabric you have to take in.