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.
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!