This reader-submitted tip was originally featured in Threads #186 (August/September 2016).
I took up sewing again after 25 years to help with my wardrobe problem. I had lost 90 pounds, with 70 to go. Along the way, I had a breakthrough in fitting pants on myself. I decided to make a master pant pattern and began by cutting a basic pant in 1-inch gingham, using my hip measurement to select the size. I didn’t have a helper, so I stapled the pieces together, with the seam allowances on the outside. Then I fitted myself using the stapler, instead of pins, to adjust the seamlines. I had no problem fitting the back seams and crotch seams with the stapler. I let myself out of the pattern by undoing the center-front seam after I marked the seamline. I sewed the stapled pieces to establish the new seamlines, and I added seam allowances. This process took less than a couple hours working with the stapler. I use the master pattern every time I make a new pair of pants.
-Elizabeth Burgess, Bremerton, Washington
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First of, congratulations for weight loss. I know it's not that easy. Secondly I really like that tip!
This is sewing brilliance!
Great idea. And if you have a serger with a chain stitch, you can use that to quickly sew a seam, easily remove stitches, and then sew a new slimmer stitching line.
How difficult was it to get your butt seam? Did you feel it out??