The Palmer Pletsch Complete Guide to Fitting: Sew Great Clothes for Every Body. Fit Any Fashion Pattern (Sewing for Real People series)

If you already know how to flat-draft a pattern or you’re teaching a college level class, this may not be the book for you. However, if you don’t know how to do that and you just want your clothing to fit, this is an excellent book! You only need 1 measurement- high-bust- and you’ll learn how to make almost any sie pattern fit!The 1st 10 chapters are full of sewing tidbits and some history of pattern sizing, how to buy a pattern, and how to discover your fit challenges. Ch. 11-12 are the basic method and show several examples of real people fit solutions;13-21 go in-depth in fitting each section: the neck and chest, sleeves, darts, and the waist/hips/tummy. The remainderof the book is full of sewing techniques and how to design for yourself WITHOUT needing math. The last chapter is titled “The Wrinkle Dictionary” and shows visually what the wrinkles in your clothes may be telling you.The book is chock-full of illustrations and I’ve yet to find a technique without a drawing of some sort. Some techniques may be easier with a friend (making an Optional body map on paper) but for the most part, you can go it alone (even do parts of that body map)!I taught myself flat-pattern drafting and how to alter a size 10 patterm for my size 26 body and this method is SO MUCH EASIER! It takes less time and no more bending over a table and messing around with measuring tapes. I’m smaller now and not looking forward to re-altering until I bought their Pants For Anybody book and discovered how much easier and faster their method is. I got this book and am looking forward to making a dent in my fabric stash! I hope they’re still doing fit seminars but this book will suffice in the meantime. Happy sewing!!

Some reviewers have complained that you must skip around in this book but the main points are put in sections such as Back, Bust, etc. Yes, you do jump around but it doesn't bother me, as I don't see any other way that they could cover so many subjects. Our bodies have lumps here, sags there and we are all different. This book comes as close to covering it all that I've found. After coming back to sewing at age 66 I found that my body does not fit any pattern available. I followed their instructions and made a simple sleeveless dress to wear to my granddaughter's graduation. I have a bump on my back from a lumbar fracture and the dress fits my back with no puckers or wrinkles. My bust is more ample than it was in my earlier years and the book helped me fit it perfectly. I am happy to say I've got a simple, comfortable dress that does not gap or highlight areas that I'd rather hide. It took me two full days to get the hang of their method but I'll use the pattern again for dresses and tops. I wondered if the tissue paper would tear but after adding so much tape to the pattern, it will hold up for a long, long time. I also think that the next time I alter a pattern it will be much easier. I like the fact that the models in the book have different sizes and shapes.If you have never been successful in garment making but would like to sew your own clothes buy this book. If you are experienced but have a few fitting problems then buy this book.As others have said it does not cover fitting pants. I ordered their book on sewing with knits and if that doesn't cover enough on the knitted pants I like I'll get the pants book.

This book is wonderful for showing how to size patterns to fit your shape. It even has a photo section in the back, showing different types of wrinkles in your clothing, and how to adjust your pattern to fix it. Love this book!

The instructions are well thought out and cover what appears to be every body shape. I really appreciate the pictures of actual people demonstrating how a paper pattern fits out of the package and how/where it should be altered for a better fit. The models are of all ages, shapes, and sizes -- not like the pictures on patterns you buy. The alterations cover any type of garment you would want to sew. Very good value for what you get!

Well, I do think this book is pretty awesome in that it answers some really practical problems that I’ve been frustrated with for years in sewing.I thought I was broad shouldered but I have a broad back! So or sew, I didn’t realize these are two different adjustments.I have taken the practical suggestions for adjusting the back of a store bought pattern and for ‘fluffing’ the bust . Did you know most patterns are designed for ‘B’ cup? Well no wonder I’ve thrown away several finished items in the past because they pulled across the bust. I have made two pretty awesome shirts with the adjustments.Now for the ‘buts’, but it isn’t as easy as they state in the book that you just need a mirror and your free hand. Well…that is rather difficult. Ultimately it would be wonderful to have a friend to help you. That friend could also give you a fair assessment if you’re correct in what you are seeing as you stare at your backside.As for the complaints about their not being info about altering pants that’s true. But if they put all the in-depth info from the whole series of books in one volume the book would be REALLY thick and probably cost $75 which I would not pay for. Also maybe some people don’t want to sew pants or knits or tailor. So I have no problem buying another book.Is it worth the money- YES! I am looking forward to sewing again. I am not frustrated and swearing and claiming “I will never try to make a cute pattern again, sewing sucks!”There’s my 2 cents or maybe more like a dimes worth of my experience.