In this video by Threads, Judith Neukam shows you everything you need to know about altering the pattern’s shoulder slope. Every figure has a unique shoulder slope. Your shoulder slope may not match that of the pattern. There is no right or wrong shoulder slope, but your pattern should match your body. See how easily you can alter a pattern to match your natural shoulder slope. This simple pattern adjustment is a necessary part of most fitting, and it is quick and easy to alter a pattern shoulder slope. 

Once you know how to adjust a pattern to your shoulder slope, you will instantly see fitting improvements in the garments you sew for yourself.

This detailed tutorial is one video in the comprehensive Teach Yourself to Sew series.

Teach Yourself to Sew

Judith got her first taste of sewing when she took the free lessons that came with her mother’s sewing machine purchase. Judith was 9 at the time. Soon after, she was sewing her own clothes and feeding her passion for the craft. In her Teach Yourself to Sew series, Judith shares her enduring love of sewing and her invaluable years of sewing experience.

Getting started

She starts with discussing the equipment and the essential sewing notions for anyone who sews. You’ll learn about shopping for fabrics, choosing patterns (including selecting the correct size), and planning the perfect pattern layout. From machine-sewing simple seams to inserting zippers and stitching buttonholes, Judith demonstrates the key steps to making a custom garment.

Discover methods for clean-finishing seam allowances and applying facings so all edges are neat. To add shape to garments, Judith explains how and why to sew darts, and how to gather fabric for volume. Other garment elements, such as sleeves, pockets, and elasticized waistbands, are shown in…