Name: Bodice Fitting 101
Start: 2024-06-29T10:00:00+01:00
Location: Sewisfaction - Sewing School

Love sewing but struggling to fit tops and dresses, or maybe you find you have the same fitting issues time and time again and don’t know how to fix them? This is the class for you!
During this one-day intensive class, our expert tutor will guide you through the fitting and alteration process for the perfect base pattern, focusing on the tricky bodice area. You’ll start with trying on one of our presewn toiles (yes we’ve done the first bit of hard work for you!) and then we‘ll work with you to identify fit issues and make adaptations to your pattern and personal toile. We use a base-pattern with bust and waist darts to maximise the fitting opportunities.
By the end of the class you will not only have a new bodice toile that fits you really well, you’ll have an adjusted pattern that you can sew up in beautiful fabric at home and make again and again, as well as understand some of the relevant adjustments you might need on other patterns! We’ll also give you ideas on how you can adapt the bodice pattern for different looks, eg changing sleeves, adding a different skirt to it.
You will learn
How to take accurate body measurements
Full bust adjustment
Small bust adjustment
Lengthening and shortening a bodice
How to raise and lower bust darts
How to fix a gaping back neckline
How to fix a tight back for rounded shoulders
How to alter for a swayback
How to raise or lower a neckline
Some basic sleeve alterations
How to diagnose fit issues that can’t be spotted on measurements alone
How to make pattern alterations to the paper pattern
How to make pattern alterations to a toile
Please note that this class will end up being structured according to the individual needs of the students; not everyone will have to make the same alterations, and some other fit issues not mentioned above may come up, and will be addressed. The aim of the class is to arm each student with the tools and know-how in order to make bodices to fit their own body, plus a broader understanding of pattern alteration in general from seeing other alterations being performed.
Also, please note that we have toiles made up from a the minimum bust size of 32″ and a maximum of 42″ and a minimum waist measurement of 26″ and maximum of 35″. Therefore if you are outside these measurements, please contact us as we do have extended sizes available but there may not be toiles available for you to try on first.
Our sewing classes are relaxed and friendly, taking place at our beautiful studio at Holme Grange Craft Village in Wokingham, Berkshire. Students get to use our brand new digital Janome sewing machines and this class is capped at 7 to ensure everyone gets the time and attention they need.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The class includes expert instruction, use of the Janome machines, tools, threads etc, a copy of the bodice pattern, plenty of calico to sew up your toile and of course tea, coffee and biscuits!
YOU NEED TO BRING
Nothing, everything you need for this class is included.
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate (4)