CUSTOM FIT sewing patterns FOR YOUR HEIGHT. FIX Petite, Tall & ALL length issues. FREE printable.

[@kathyskagen6210]

I know these fitting videos are 3 years old but, in the hopes that you will see this comment, I want to let you know that they are still helping people. I've been sewing for over 50 years and I can't believe how much more I am learning about fit. Thank you, Karina, for sharing your vast knowledge.

[@deonuacid]

The most comprehensive explanation ever. This has been the best and only pattern fitting video in the history of YT easy to understand. Thank you sooooooooo much, this will take away my fear of using commercial patterns.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you so much and I’m so happy this helped you!

[@sandyerickson4214]

OMG, I’ve been having fitting problems forever and trying to fix them. I sew a beautiful garment but I hate the fit. You have made everything click into place with this video. I said it before and I’ll say it again, you are an amazing teacher!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thanks! I prepare and think ahead of time how I can demonstrate the best I can.

[@francesfrancisco3381]

Thank you so much for all the work you put into making this video. Your explanations and visual aids make everything so clear. You are a natural when it comes to teaching. Keep up the great work. IMO you have the best sewing channel online.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you so much 😊

[@denisedorsey2889]

Okay...I’ve taken all my measurements, made all my pattern adjustments (I’m petite and yes, I needed to shorten the area above the arm hole) now I’m going to sew up my muslin. I’m so excited! I will let you know how I did. I suspect I need to adjust the dart but I will check that on my muslin. ❤️❤️ Update: I had to lower the dart, but I followed your tutorial to do that. I’m happy to report I have a perfect fit!! Just have to set in the sleeves. Success feels so great!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Im so happy for you!!

[@susankaterman211]

I was one of those naive people that didn't understand you were supposed to alter the printed pattern that came out of the package. I thought I was a terrible seamstress because nothing ever worked out right. I am 63 years old and I'm just learning now from your videos what I need to do to make something fit me. Thank you so much for opening my eyes to this. I can't believe it has taken me so long to realize this. I stopped sewing for many years because life got busy and I had such terrible results. Now that I have the time I'm going to really learn how to make something that fits me

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

Just like your sewing, your talent at explaining problems and their solutions is limitless. Thank you so much for all you do.

[@skullsarecute]

I feel like I’m reading a mystery book. Every new measurement comparing patterns / average person I then compare to my measurements and go THIS EXPLAINS EVERYTHING

[@deniseblake6214]

Wow! Now I can see that I need to shorten the neck to arm measurement ... I can always grab a handful of fabric at my shoulder and excess around upper bust ... such a helpful video and so well explained ... thank you

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

How exciting:) now you can experiment to see how you can improve the fit :)

[@jacquelineclifford8285]

This will be a game-changer for me. Thank you so much. Fitting can be soul destroying if everything you make is not quite right.

[@jeansdaughter]

This is the best fitting lesson I have ever seen. I now know where to start! I am 76 and have been making my clothes since I was in my teens. I know my fit has been off but didn’t know how important height is. I am petite, short waisted, sloping and forward shoulders, high round back - so many changes I need to make but I’m hopeful that I can improve things now. Thank you so much❤

[@heatherthrone9999]

Hi Karina just went back and watched the PANTS fitting series WOW your comments at the end the print jogger pant were precious. Thank you. All adjustments we make are what customizes the garment we have taken all the time and $ we have invested. This is why couture garments cost so much they are made to measure to each client. Think that you are that client and you are worth it. ×××××

[@alethialovetosew]

Hello, I watched this video at lease 3-years ago, with the intention of using it to alter my garments. Today was the day. I am sewing a pinafore dress, it does not have bust darts, however taking my measurements as you shoed in one of your tutorials and using the front neck measurement and creating that little chart was an eye opener. I've been sewing for a long time and this has been a great help. Even though I am sewing a semi loose garment, I was able to see that the waist was too long for me and length was too short.

[@nicolethurtell4193]

One of the most useful videos I've ever seen, thank you for making that so easy to follow. I'm 5'11 1/2" and very short waisted, and have been so frustrated with the couple of efforts I've made from Big 4 patterns in the past. I got a dress form for Christmas that I've been wanting to pad out to my size, but didn't understand how to adjust the flat pattern muslins. There's not a lot of places to learn to sew clothes where I live in Australia so this is brilliant, thank you!

[@J-UK62]

I’m 5’2 and been sewing for a long time. But since watching your video I’ve learned most patterns are too long in the armhole. I’ve been making the wrong adjustments for years so thank you for your amazing advice.

[@SamanthaLlanos]

This was a really great video! Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate how to make the adjustments and how it would actually look. I've read a lot about trying to make petite adjustments for myself, but this is the most comprehensive video I've seen of it, and it's so much easier to watch someone doing the adjustments rather than just reading it!

[@denisedorsey2889]

Karina, thank you! This is a game changer for me. I have been measuring the pattern and my body but making the neck width template makes so much sense!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Glad it was helpful! There's no way to go wrong with a clear, unchangeable reference point :)

[@helentucker5134]

Thank you so much. I have been working on my sloper off and on for over a year - made about 15 muslins this year and couldn't solve one problem. Nothing I ever read before mentioned checking armhole depth the way you did - it made a huge difference - I was off by almost 1"

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I hope it makes a difference with your sloper :)

[@judiesiewert248]

Karina, thank you! I am petite and a Beginner + sewer. After some fit issues, I see the problem has been too much fabric in the upper chest area. I thought I needed to do something with the shoulders, but your video has made it very clear what needs to be done! 😀 I am looking forward to grabbing some patterns and making adjustments now! Thank you for also showing how the sleeve cap needed to be adjusted.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’m so glad you found this helpful. Have fun!

[@julieleese6419]

I am average height (5’ 6”) but have a long torso, so I have struggled with fit issues on tops and dresses since I started sewing a couple of years ago. My attempts to correct the pattern length have never been 100% effective. Thank you Karina, I can now determine exactly where to make the required length adjustment(s). Your neckline template is genius.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I hope this method makes a positive difference :)

[@barbarawarner4645]

As always, you provide clear and helpful instructions for the most difficult and confusing aspect of clothing construction. Thanks!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I try my best to show this in different ways :) I’m glad you got it :)

[@jessicalamb7314]

You have saved my sanity after I had two days of sewing multiple poor fitting muslins. Thank you!!

[@susancheer5981]

Super job explaining the topic Karina, and now I will be measuring everything beforehand so I can get a much better fit. That neck trick makes so much sense.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@2u2a]

I am a sewing beginner, and had terrible issues with shirt fits. I thought it was because of my bust size, but it didn't solve problem. Even on simple, not fitted shirts. And your video seems to answer my problem! I definitely need to shorten the arm part. It will be challenging, but at least now I don't feel that lost. Thank you, your video was very informative!

[@wondergirlray]

I had almost given up on fitting until I found this video. I need extra height in the upper bust and would have NEVER figured it out with the resources I was using. Thanks so much for recording this!!

[@Angeglue]

I'm french and love the way you explain how to fit. Thanks a lot to show us in real what it does. It's really usefull. You are beautiful and you are right : all bodies are different. All beautiful. Sorry for my english.

[@dancetoday542]

I've watched this through again, as I'm not sure I went to the end the last time, and it all makes perfect sense. I can't wait to get started and get a much better fit. Thank you for all the effort you put into these videos, and the clear filming and explanations.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Escape10mom]

What great info. I've had trouble with arm hole depths before. Now I know how to adjust the pattern property. Thank you so much for all the great content!!!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re very welcome 😉

[@jadeelise7982]

thanks karina. you have made this method understandable and i will try to use it on my next pattern. i am still a bit intimidated so wish me luck!

[@maryp4698]

This was a fantastic tutorial. I am going to measure each pattern from now on, to avoid ill fitting muslins. I have often wondered why the patterns rarely fit out of the envelope. These measurements are pretty easy and should help me on my quest for the perfect TNT patterns.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

It’s great to measure the pattern. I do the same for pants. The the muslin is for tweaks and not major things :)

[@juliej6638]

Another BRILLIANT fitting series from you, Karina. Many many thanks - such a useful reference tool for all sewists. You are a star!

[@annecarus2884]

Such a brilliantly clear explanation of why length matters so much! Thank you Karina again 💛

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re very welcome 😉

[@tricialamotte]

What an incredibly helpful video, Karina!!!! You make everything so understandable. For the first time, I really "get" what changes I need to make in order to have a well fitting top. I can't wait to complete your series, and apply what I am learning to making my long desired woven tops!! I am so thankful to have found your channel with your excellent instructive videos, and am happy to join you on Patreon!

[@ann-elisefryen6364]

I'm petite and this was just on point for me. Thanks a lot for showing :-)

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I hope it helps :)

[@caroltice161]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles Yay, I am short too. I am going to watch this again. You are awesome.

[@denisedorsey2889]

Just have to come here and comment that I have once again referenced this video to get a perfect fit! Thank you again for all you do to support me, thousands of miles north west of you in Portland, Oregon. 🥰

[@montezbrown2461]

You are a terrific teacher. You explain things so well.

[@evawisl]

Thank you so much for this series of videos. This one about the height of circumference measurements is exactly what I needed to help me get a better fit in my garment sewing. I’ve been stuck on the toile for a Princess seam jacket since May this year because I could see wrinkles across the front and I knew it wasn’t a circumference issue because the pieces match my body measurements plus generous ease for a jacket. This video has helped me to see that the bust point on the pattern is too high for me and once that is adjusted everything else will be fine. Thank you for the whole series, everything has been super helpful!

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

Dear Karina, this series is genius! Your hard work is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

[@sharon_stewart]

Thank you so much Karina. I’m petite and really appreciate this tutorial. I was feeling overwhelmed adjusting patterns as a beginner but after watching this (for the second time 😀) will give it a go!

[@ritaleimer4284]

What a wonderful and informative presentation. It's premise is LOGIC!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Glad you think so! :)

[@maryhull531]

As I am petite I have found this to be invaluable . Thank you for taking the time to produce this tutorial . It was excellent .

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re very welcome ☺️

[@deborahchu2393]

Oh my this is such a game changer! Thank you so much! I really dislike pinning out excess fabric in a muslin. Your method of measurements first is awesome. As always you deliver incredible content. Thank you!!!!

[@Iamgone1961]

Thank you Karina, this is invaluable! I always have a problem with measuring from the mid shoulder as this can vary enough to cause an issue! Your sewing friends may want to put on a chain necklace to measure the width of the neck, as the chain will show exactly where the neck connects to the shoulder, this also helps with measuring from the back neck down 👍👍

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I knew about the neckline trick but I don’t have any. It’s a good tip I’ll touch on later on.

[@suegrover6797]

Karina you are amazing. You have revolutionised my sewng!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’m honored. The sky is the limit now :)

[@NaomiW1010]

This is an eye opener! Thanks for this great explanation. I never knew about the width of neck measurement and how important it is to everything! I have had to rewind this video numerous times to work with your instructions. This is so valuable.

[@pbfoote59]

Once again... A HOMERUN!!! So clear Thanks

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Home run 🏃🏽‍♀️, I love that! Thank you so much 😊

[@helenhamilton9473]

Fantastic class. The amount of preparation you do makes such a difference for we learners. You are a wonderful teacher. Thank you

[@LovingHandsDesign]

Thank you for sharing. Your videos are so easy to understand and follow. I appreciate your time. Your teaching style is on point with the visual references. Thank you so, so very.

[@donnac5201]

Karina, thank you so much for all of your work putting together this wealth of valuable information. It’s most helpful and I’m going to watch the video twice! 😍👍👍

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I'm glad it's helpful for you :)

[@jennifermaddock4382]

This is fantastic information. I'm long between my bust and my waist so I always need to add length there. It is super helpful to see the badly fitting muslins so we can pinpoint the problem. Thanks for doing such in-depth videos for us. I look foward to the rest of the series.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I've got a lot of content to execute :)

[@millymarmalade7537]

This video was another revelation for me! I am 5'6 and short-waisted but I never really understood how that translated into effective pattern adjustments for my body. I learned through your videos that my natural waist is higher (where my torso bends) than where I thought it was (where my belly button is). Your description of the armhole depth was very informative because now I understand what I need to modify on the same bodice pattern for both sleeveless and sleeve versions to avoid slight gaping in the sleeveless version. I didn't realize that the extra fabric around the armhole was for the sleeve's full range of movement. Thank you for the clarity!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’m glad my comments helped :) it’s very satisfying to make corrections and see them working :)

[@millymarmalade7537]

​@@LiftingPinsandNeedles Absolutely! I am very excited to review my old pattern adjustments to see how I can improve my skills. I also now understand why Burda provides such an extensive measurement guide. I used to think that it was too much info. The clouds have parted!

[@janicek6399]

You did a nice job demonstrating and explaining all the hight adjustments!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’m glad you liked it :)

[@amyoungil]

What a terrific presentation! So clear and detailed, and fun too. I'm sure many other viewers will have as many a-ha! moments as me. Maybe others, like me, have resorted to knit tops more often than we prefer because the woven ones have some fitting issue that we haven't been able to diagnose and tackle. No more! :D Thank you, Karina! I always enjoy your experienced and unique approach.

[@JaqueBampi]

Armhole depth - life changing information 🙌🏻 This why even the most basic tops had extra fabric above the bust for me - excellent video! Thank you!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’m glad this helped :)

[@sboudreaux4029]

Oh how I wish I had found the video earlier and saved myself from so much frustration. All this time I thought I needed to make a sway back adjustment when the problem was that the waist line was actually hitting my body too low. Shortening the bodice to fit my petite frame fixed the problem. Thank you so much Karina, for sharing your knowledge. This video is a game changer for me.

[@terrinelsondrawsstuff]

YOU ARE MY NEW HERO. Thank you for this. I have been struggling with fit and this explained what to do to make a pattern petite for me.

[@hmf5328]

You are amazing Karina, subscribing to your channel was the best thing EVER. I am looking forward to all your videos.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thanks for joining. There’s a lot to catch up on 😀

[@petamoss358]

Everyone should watch this before sewing their first garment! Amazing thankyou it makes sense to me finally

[@kellietrudel8222]

I’ve been trying to find resources on this very topic…was concentrating on my sewing skills now trying to learn some basic fitting…just made an unstructured shirt and it’s “okay” and wearable but could have been more accurate with the fit. This is everything I was looking for and you demonstrated in a very easy to understand way. So appreciated! Just a tip to all…do go through the practice to confirm your correct height. I’ve been referencing myself as 5’4” and yet someone measured me recently and I’m 5’2”. It makes a huge difference.

[@peachyfeather]

Thank you Karina. Excellent illustrations and explanations, a true master class on fitting. I totally will be using this approach on my next project. 😊

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I hope it goes well :)

[@brendaschoolfield5101]

This really helped me understand why the tees I’ve tried to make don’t fit. Thank you!

[@judyhansen6237]

Omg Karina! You’re amazing! I have many vertical fitting issues because I am petite 4’ 10.5. Doing the paper with the neck measurement to get the vertical body measurements is an amazing idea! I will look you up on Patreon ! Many thanks for this! 😘x1000000

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’m glad my video helped :)

[@ginnyrivera2786]

You are a fabulous teacher. This series is coming at the perfect time for me. I made a muslin for a dress thinking it would fit perfectly, but it did not. Now I am armed with what I need to try again, and my discouragement is gone. Thank you.

[@alisonwhite1942]

Loved this video. It is so detailed and very easy to understand. Thank you!

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

I’ve been a long time subscriber to your channel. I really learn so much from the things you show is. I always seem to have trouble with armhole, sleeves and high round back adjustments. This has helped me so much with how to measure for height changes! Thank you very much! ❤️

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re very welcome 😉

[@deannakrull9220]

Great info! You made complicated adjustments so understandable! Thank you!❤️

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’m glad this helps :)

[@pamelaliebelt9967]

This was super helpful! I am 4'10" and have to make adjustments to all patterns. I am going to try this today.

[@wiiwiimarie]

I’m so glad a fellow seamstress recommended me to watch this video! Super informative and helpful. I’ve been having problem with most of the patterns I see for myself. It’s either darts sit horrible at my bust or the sleeves fall. Now I feel confident on making adjustments to those pattern! 🙌🏻❤️ thank you!

[@marylennox288]

Thank you so, so, so much! I'm quite short and could see that my main fitting problem was in that armhole area but could not for the life of me find anyone anywhere that mentioned that as a legitimate alteration and so I was terrified of cutting out excess and distorting both the armhole and the armhole/sleeve connection. Thank you!! The whole video was a revelation!

[@rhondaa18]

Wow! Game changer! The neck width template/worksheet to measure to all the length points... amazing. This will also help me change necklines when I want to. Brilliant! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

[@ingridmohr9824]

All your videos have teaching moments or minutes in them, but this was absolutely one of the best for me personally. I'm petite and I've previously wondered about how to get the correct heights/lengths for armholes, etc by flat pattern measurement, so this information about measuring the width of the base of the neck and then applying that to the pattern was a true light bulb moment! (I've not had time to watch the first video in this specific series.🥴) Now I just need a woven top pattern with sleeves that fit me correctly. I have a sleeveless one, so that is a start. Thank you so SO MUCH! You're an awesome teacher and I really appreciate you!🤗💞

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

This is blowing me away fully. I have been sewing since 1964-65 but was never taught about fitting adjustments. It took me 20 years to even adjust for my short waist. Of course, shortening a sleeve wasn’t hard and the bishop sleeves in the 70’s only needed proper cuff bu

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

...cuff button placement. Anyway, I am preparing to teach a friend who is on the very upper end of even curvy pattern bust sizes so we will have to learn for her benefit. All I need for myself is shorter sleeves and shorter waist, plus FBA and grading. I am determined that my friend get clothes that fit her bust properly. She deserves to have days where she can forget about pulling down on her top all day.

[@Lemmikki2011]

What a fabtastic tutorial. You explain everything so well. Thank you, Karina!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You are so welcome!

[@jerifisher9621]

Wow! It’s like a lightbulb just turned on! Thank you so much for a fantastic explanation on making adjustments and visually why’s. You’re a huge help with these excellent videos!

[@myworld9746]

Just wanted to say a big " Thank You" for all the effort you have taken to make this video and the fitting series. I am now off to put it into practice!

[@hjkennaugh]

Really excellent tuition.

[@kathiefish6577]

I have found these videos really interesting and helpful. Will you also be including adjustments for the lower body? I would be very interested to see how to overcome a sway back and adjust for a large tummy. Thank you for taking the trouble to make these videos.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I will include what’s needed to fit a top. Sway back and tummy are still upper body to me :)

[@kathiefish6577]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles Thank you

[@jburd07]

LOVE this video, had to come back and watch it again now that I feel I am ready for the advanced master class

[@fantasypaintco]

Oh my goodness, this is very easy to understand, I can’t wait to truly get solid patterns with using the new template, I will be using and waiting for all your telling me.

[@lynnew5619]

Brilliant video. So informative and helpful. Wish I’d known all this years ago. Will be making much better fitting garments now. Thank you.

[@karimcandrew5576]

This is an amazing video description for fitting a top. Looking forward to trying this out. Thank you so much. I really enjoy your videos.

[@margaretjoyce6572]

Great information . Thank you !

[@rosaM06]

Waow! Really really well explained! Thank you! 👍🤗

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re welcome 😉

[@mgriffis1303]

Thank you, thank you! I am short plus size with extra short neck to waist. I am downloading this video so I can refer to this whenever I need to. You are a life saver!

[@KimberlyNichols]

What an incredibly helpful video. Thank you so much for the free resources. ♥️

[@lidiam7710]

Thank you for this series!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@suebray3633]

The template is genius! Thank you so much. It makes checking against the pattern easily.

[@jennycollard1173]

Really great information, very useful, Thankyou.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re very welcome 😉

[@TheHaymeadow]

Thank you Karina, this is a great series and exactly what I think I need! I have a growing pile of fails and all of the issues look to be due to height measurements. Such a wonderful vault of knowledge you’re sharing, it’s much appreciated 💐

[@mariamacksoud8284]

Amazing clear instructions in the major fitting problems for me. Thank you again Karina!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’m glad this helps :)

[@shirleyc1521]

Thank you for this video - I wish I had looked before I had cut out my fabric! I thought that as I had previously successfully used a pattern from the same designer, that all their patterns would fit me. I am petite and haven’t been able to find an explanation that made sense until now! Armhole length - never measured that before! Thanks again.

[@helenhart4778]

fantastic information thank you for sharing. The templates are great

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re very welcome 😉

[@christineennis4766]

Thank you as always you have explained beautifully. You have put so much time and effort into to this video. It explains so much .

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You are so welcome!

[@carolrobbins581]

Brilliant video. Love your channel so much.

[@cherylberry5982]

This is exactly the video I need. Thanks so much!

[@jlp4111]

Wonderful presentation on measuring vertical points in a pattern!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thanks ! I hope this helps you.

[@daraharper2003]

You are Truly a Sewing Genius! Thank you So Much!😀😀😀

[@louisestevens5267]

Thsnk you do much, you are wonderful to share this information with us. May God always bless you and your family.

[@KSMP]

Stellar video. Thank you so much for this!! You have a new devoted viewer 😊

[@LaNonnaYvon]

Thnx Karina. Now that I sew more with woven fabric I notice the patterns don't fit that good anymore. Knit is more forgiving I think. I will go back to your video on measurements with this perfect download charge I think I'm ready for the next step. You're the best!