Replies

1. 
   GailAnn | Oct 13, 2007 10:08pm | #1

   If you have some clothes already in your own wardrobe, that you like, and enjoy the fit, you could measure them at various crutial points and alter your patterns to correspond with those measurements.  Gail

2. 
   GailAnn | Oct 13, 2007 10:10pm | #2

   I think we've all grown a little used to the fit of "Ready to Wear" and so maybe we don't ecactlly know what proper fit and ease might be.  That which is popular may not necessarily be what is proper.  Gail

1. 
   4brossis | Oct 15, 2007 09:28am | #6

   That is so true! I haven't sewn in a long time, and have gotten use to "un-fit" in ready to wear. "Petite" pants are as much as 8" too long, etc., etc.
   Thanks for your response.

3. 
   suesew | Oct 14, 2007 04:33am | #3

   Ease can be different for many type of garments. You will want much more ease in a jacket than the blouse under it or the camisole under that. I agree with Gail, check out some of your favorite garments and compare their measurements with the pattern you want to use.

4. 
   Josefly | Oct 14, 2007 05:37am | #4

   Amount of ease is often a matter of preference, as suggested by those who've recommended you measure your favorite clothes to see how much ease is incorporated. Different styles also call for different amounts of ease, and fabric type also affects the ease - other factors equal, thicker fabrics may need more ease, knitted stretchy fabrics need less.

   That said, several books do recommend minimum ease for motion and comfort allowance, associated with bust, waistline, hip, and bicep measurements. From my copy of "The Perfect Fit" from the Singer Sewing Reference Library, the following ease allowances are recommended:

   Bust -
   blouse or dress - 2.5 to 3 inches
   unlined jacket - 3 to 4 inches
   lined jacket - 3.5 to 4.5 inches
   coat - 4 to 5 inches

   upper back width -
   blouse or dress - .5 to 1 inch
   jacket - 1 inch
   coat - 1 to 2 inches

   hip, under size 16 - 2 inches minimum
   hip, size 16 and larger - 2.5 inches

   upper arm -
   blouse - 1 to 1.5 inches (I prefer 2 inches, though)
   dress - 1.5 to 2 inches
   unlined jacket - 3 to 4 inches
   lined jacket - 3 to 4.5 inches
   coat - 4 to 5.5 inches

   waist (waistband) -
   under size 16 - 1/2 to 3/4 inch
   size 16 and over - 1 inch
   (a skirt attached to a waistband has more ease than the waistband itself, 1 to 1 inches.)

   There is a wonderful description of the "proper" way pants should fit (with ease incorporated) at this site:

   http://www.premiere-impression.net/e/newsletter.html

   Hope this is helpful.

1. 
   Cherrypops | Oct 15, 2007 02:26am | #5

   Hi,

   You have received excellent advice especially from josefly. The website given is a great one. Lise-Laure is also one of our forum members. you can find all her past advice using the advanced search function liselaure is her screenname.

   Cherryp (australia)

1. 
   4brossis | Oct 16, 2007 02:40am | #8

   Hi,
   I did go to the liselaure site. It was fascinating reading. As you mentioned, lots of good advice.
   Thank you.

2. 
   4brossis | Oct 15, 2007 09:31am | #7

   Thank you, your response is very helpful.