Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon

Threads Project Guides

Fit & Sew Tops

Guide Home
Chapter
Insider

Sign in or become an insider to access this story

Sign In

Fitting a Full Abdomen

Learn a couple of ways to fix the fit for a full abdomen in this video hosted by sewing expert Judith Neukam, By making key adjustments to a pattern’s front piece(s), you can accommodate the fullness without enlarging other parts of the pattern, Judith explains. She walks through the adjustments and even includes pattern alteration tips to fool the eye.

Using half-scale patterns, Judith demonstrates how to add fabric across the midsection, where it is needed. There are several ways to do this. You can pivot the pattern at center front. You can draw and cut a line parallel to the grainline, leaving a hinge on the pattern piece near the shoulder to simply flare the cut sections. Another option nearly eliminates any waist darts.

Benefits to using a princess-style pattern

Yet another option takes advantage of multiple seams, if you are working with a pattern designed with princess seams. Judith shows how adjusting the seams on princess-style garments could give you an extra 3 inches at the waist.

The princess-style design also provides an opportunity for some visual trickery. Judith demonstrates how to make a fuller abdomen less conspicuous by moving some of the seams.

A really great fit starts at the torso, Judith says. That’s why it’s worthwhile to spend time making adjustments at the midsection.

Previous: Remove Excess Fabric from the Neckline | Video
Discuss

Discuss

  1. Dayamitra | | #1

    This video is terrific! I want to sew clothes for my husband and this video has addressed a problem I have had. His abdomen is a little larger than his upper half and now I know how to deal with it. Thank you!

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

Fit & Sew Tops

Fit & Sew Tops

Sew beautiful tops with tips from the experts

View Project Guide

View All Project Guides »

Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Fit & Sew Tops Project Guide.

Start Free Trial

Basic Torso Adjustments
Bust Fitting
Sleeves and Shoulders
Construction Secrets: Collars, Yokes, Cuffs, Vents, Plackets
Make It Your Own