Learn to Sew - How to Make Petite Alterations

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Do you ever struggle to fit standard sewing patterns to your frame? Do you have a petite body? In this video, Jo explores all the potential fixes that you may need if you have a petite body. From adjusting for height, limb length and hems to more intricate alterations which need more attention - Jo has all the bases covered. Learn the quick fixes to avoid and improve your fitting knowledge to ensure that your homemade garments fit you like a glove.
We’d love to hear from you, is there something you’d like to see? Please let us know in the comments below and we’ll let you know how we can help you on your sewing journey!
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Jo is wearing a Grainline Studio's Linden Sweatshirt in our Cadiz Navy Jersey fabric
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[@ritaadler-everett5392]

Hi Sue! It has taken me 3 years of sewing to figure some of this out by trial and error and lots of different videos. I think your video is so useful and a great start in learning where and how to make the adjustments. I hope any new petite sewists find your video early on! It would have saved me a lot of frustrations, because very few designers offer pattern markings made for petite issues.

[@MinervaDotCom]

Thanks so much 😊

[@aseret01666]

Thank you very much for this video information. I am five feet tall and this has been so useful.

[@maryb3909]

Thank you! Best video of the series.

[@MinervaDotCom]

Hi Mary! That's lovely to hear, we are glad you liked the video!

[@252jdw1]

Thank you for this video. A lot of the issues you identified are one that I have. It would have been nice to see you make the alterations on the paper. These maybe covered in other videos so will take a look. I am wanting to make the Tessuti Lois dress and just know that I am going to have problems with the fitting of the bodice. Do you have any suggestions on how I can make sure that the centre front does not end up being too low?

[@MinervaDotCom]

Thank you for your feedback!

[@philiptipping6738]

Thanks very much, this was very helpful . Cheers Mary

[@andreabush1742]

Great video!

[@marietremble9426]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@lovetosew1373]

Fab tips!

[@karenhalloran8389]

I see this video is a year old, but I’m just watching it. I am petite with narrow and sloping shoulders . If the adjustments I make change the armhole, is lengthening it going to allow it to still fit the sleeve, or does the sleeve need to be changed? Thank you!

[@lindabeauchamp4596]

Lots of useful fitting suggestions!!! Thank you so much😊

[@margaretdawson538]

Thanks for a great video. I am under 5 ft tall and have problems with ‘ RTW’ clothes fitting properly. This has been a great help.

[@MinervaDotCom]

We are so glad to hear that you found this video helpful!

[@kimh.4667]

@@MinervaDotComdo you have any other petite videos? Thanks

[@melraeambs]

Very helpful insights. Thank you so much!

[@MinervaDotCom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KnitzyKitzy]

This a very helpful video. I like how you show us where to measure and what you can do to fix areas.I really want to troubleshoot fit issues before I make my first toile of a garment so hopefully it is wearable and I won’t waste fabric. I keep looking for petite versions of patterns for a woman with a full figure but they a few and frumpy. I need to know how to alter ones I like without breaking the bank on toiles or being wasteful.

[@MinervaDotCom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patriciaingram803]

Thank you for this. I’m 5’8” but all three of my granddaughters are petite.

[@kimh.4667]

Do you have any other petite sewing videos? Thanks

[@heatherelizabethallen8563]

Thank you so much for making this video, I'm petite and struggling with most of the issues raised. Can I ask is there a tailors dummy/dress form that is good for petite ladies. I'm short body, more should to bust than bust to waist, but worry they won't adjust small enough for me.

[@MinervaDotCom]

Yes, we have a wide variety of dress form to fit all body sizes - you can find them all here: www.minerva.com/mp?search=dress%20form Each dress form comes in small to large variations as well so you can perfect the size to your liking

[@lifesbanquet4501]

A little sketchy to be really helpful.

[@ameliagfawkes512]

I'm 4'11" and find even purchased "petite" clothing is too long and/or the size 8 I normally am has plenty of "ease". Someone who is my size is a different entity entirely from someone who is 5'6" or 5'7".

[@christinemarshall1547]

Completely untrue about not taking off from the centre front and back. I am 5 feet 2 inches and the big four pattern companies always make the neck too wide on all their patterns and you have sloppy fabric at centre front and taking off from the sides will not fix this problem at all. I notice in many of Minerva videos this problem on your dressmakers and also on the raglan top you are wearing doesn’t look in good proportion at the neck. It needs to be narrower at C front with more width on the sleeve. I take off half a inch at centre front and back to make all my tops and dresses fit well at CF, this does reduce the pattern size one or two sizes smaller, but is worth it for a nice looking top. I have no problem buying ready to wear clothes that fit well at centre front so this is poor pattern drafting in my opinion (made for six foot Amazon women) 😢 Always think critically and outside the box and don’t believe what’s not true. ❤

[@MinervaDotCom]

Thank you for your comment! We are sorry that this video hasn't been helpful for you

[@joanneroberts1088]

Thank you for your comments. Hopefully you will enjoy our videos coming out soon on reducing a gaping neckline.