Why Your Sewn Garments Don't Fit! Four Books To Help You

[@splibragirl]

All points are so valid! When I went to school for fashion designing (in 2001) one of my professors swore by the most basic book "Fabulous Fit" by Judith Rasband. She is also a legend from the late 1900s to the early 2000s. I remember as a kid looking forward to PBS and Nancy's segments! I will occasionally pull those books out to double-check my processes, and even look at my old notes. Sewing for years or months we all have to continuously re-learn how to fit our bodies. I know mine changes almost every other year. I made about six of your patterns about three years ago AND took them all apart this year to adjust the fit on all of them so I can keep wearing them. Thank you for always helping us feel "normal" and seen lol. You are amazing at what you do and I'm grateful I have a mimiG now!

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@splibragirl Thank you so much!! That made my day.

[@kimbrachet5695]

18:22 I read about the process of producing a couture Channel jacket - 31 measurements & at least 2 fittings! If people with the finest skills in the industry making a straight cut jacket that hasn’t fundamentally changed in decades taking 31 measurements still need multiple fittings, we should all give ourselves more grace and patience when customizing standard patterns to our unique bodies

[@MimiGStyleshow]

If you guys want me to talk about any other struggles you have let me know!

[@erinwhite1234]

CURVED HEMS! 💀

[@gailthecrafter]

How to get a straight hem. Sometimes the back is higher than the front.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@ you got it

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@erinwhite1234 no problem!

[@stephie9451]

How to pick the right fabric

[@AdriaCanSew]

Right on time, thank you! Fit is the reason I put my sewing on pause.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

I know the feeling! It's frustrating, but I hope these books can help you get back into it.

[@tonideaderick7024]

This is just what I needed to move forward with my sewing projects. I can't wait for your video on how to choose the right size pattern which has been my major deterrent.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

I got you!

[@arlenemurphy804]

Totally agree with you…I’m 79 and just figuring out the fit bit. Just because you are a 14 dress size doesn’t mean you are a size 14 pattern size. 😂😂😂. Looking forward to your videos

[@MimiGStyleshow]

I'm so glad it's resonating with you!

[@rerelat8242]

I would like to see you make the adjustments. I think that would be good content. Also I struggle with this and have most of these books. I guess I’m more visual.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@rerelat8242 sounds good!!

[@LovingHandsDesign]

I’ve missed you on KZbin, I’ve missed this 😊😊 you’re funny. Thank you ☺️ ❤ I’ve been sewing for over 50 years and patterns have seriously changed since I was 9,19. The information you are providing is so needed by so many including myself 😂. I have the one Patience Palmer book, the pants one is sitting in my Amazon cart as I watch you. I took my sisters Nancy Zeiman book and totally have used it and love it. All great books. FYI, tissue fitting isn’t for everyone, however, I do it and each time I have, especially with family members, spot on every time. I’m learning my body more as you say and love sewing that muslin, it’s a must especially on new sews. I write on my muslins, that way for the future I know what I did.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@LovingHandsDesign Thank you so much 😋☺️

[@stacyyoung6400]

I am HERE.FOR.THIS!!! I have been making my own clothes since I was 12 and I get so frustrated with fitting and wasting fabric. THANK YOU!!!!!!!

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@stacyyoung6400 You’re welcome!!

[@mimimack6905]

I have been sewing for 40 years, it this “new body” of mine…..it’s so intimidating, until I have literally stopped sewing for YEARS now. I was just saying to myself today, that I cannot keep letting this body intimidate me. What’s worse it is that it doesn’t stop me from buying patterns and fabric!!! 😂😂😂SMH… I am committed to making at least one garment THIS MONTH!!! All best wishes appreciated!!! 😀❤️

[@millysews5646]

You are so right. Sewing and Fitting are two different skill sets. I struggle with fitting. I have attempted the tissue fitting method but it is difficult to do by yourself and most of the time the pattern is ruined after the pinning and unpinning etc. Making a muslin is the way to go - just need to find the patience to do so. Looking forward to the follow up videos.

[@Scrapin2012Designs]

Thank you so much for sharing tips on getting the proper fitting.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

You’re welcome!

[@ashleydouglas833]

Thank you, this is so helpful. I have been sewing for years and never thought to find a book to help me with fit! Appreciate it!

[@clarafarrell9393]

I got the Nancy Zieman book on amazon in October , its a 2nd hand edition but a fantastic book for reference

[@joyscranfield5527]

My Home Ec. teacher, 196?, always told us "IF you can read, you can do anything." I agree but also know visual learners need to see the process, too. I had at least 3 of these books before our house fire 12/8/23; I'll start looking for them at a good used book store. Thank you Mini G! Love your videos.

[@2nu4uorsewitseams]

Yesssssss Mimi this is what us sewers love from you the tips that patterns don’t fit right for real for real

[@gailthecrafter]

It was Nancy’s fitting book when the light for me came on about measuring your back. For me that was a game changer.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@gailthecrafter 🙌🏽 her book is great!

[@laurajones4088]

Thank you, Mimi!! So happy to hear that you try on garments when you’re sewing. I’ve been sewing for many years and it’s always helped me. Could you please add a video about EASE to your list? It’s one of the issues I have difficulty with. Thanks for sharing these helpful books about fitting.

[@nicoled2831]

I love the fitting book! I like that Gina shows you how to make the same alteration on several different design styles:) (sometimes I know what I need to do, but not how to do it on a princess seam for example) Also a good thing to remember when starting out is that the problem to be fixed is the pattern, NOT your body! It can be a real hurdle when we get down on ourselves thinking our hips are too big/boobs are too small etc etc. remember y’all you are perfect, we just gotta make the pattern perfect too❤

[@sewzolamarie7527]

Finally! As a former retail fabric store employee (JoAnn's) I spent many, many shifts explaining how to pick the right size pattern, choose the right fabric for the pattern, and to learn to fit themselves by reading (gasp!) a book on fit, specifically the ones you mentioned! Do you know how many people would come in complaining about how this didn't fit, that fabric was awful, etc. . . ?! Those books you mentioned are in my home sewing library along with all the other Palmer/Pletsch line of books - they are invaluable IMO. And I learned the pivot and slide method from Nancy Zieman, God rest her soul! I've been sewing since Mrs. Dunn (also God rest her soul) taught me in 7th grade in 1974. . . These books may also be found in local libraries, FYI Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for addressing all this! 😅

[@MimiGStyleshow]

You’re so right! The books really do make a difference. Thank you!

[@claudchin5257]

Thank you 😊 in my sewing class, I do a mock up on bedsheet fabric or fabric thats similar to the actual fabric I will use for the final piece. Does take longer but I end up with my makes fitting me 🙌🏾

[@MimiGStyleshow]

For sure!

[@SallieandSamStyle]

Great advice! I had to learn to sew and fit simultaneously because I exclusively self-drafted at the beginning of my sewing journey. Now that I use commercial patterns I am so grateful that I figured out fit in the beginning because I’m not dependent on what the pattern gives, I can make it my own 💕

[@carriehankins5740]

Mimi, I love how your personality shines through your message during this video! Thank you for all the fitting advice!

[@MimiGStyleshow]

You are so sweet, thank you!

[@dawnecamacho2601]

Very good information for sewing. I am learning and my mom sews very well so I am learning from her.

[@jeannettebenner6990]

Thank you Mimi. Your information is very helpful.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deeperrydesigns2878]

Yes, Mimi, Books! As a library worker, I support books! Thanks for all the details! 🥰

[@billiegangle4237]

Fitting book is in my cart! Great video! Thank you so much !

[@yvettefeyjoo-booth2670]

Loving all this great advice on books. I always follow your recommendations. Thank you so much. 😊

[@Bajanqtay2012]

I got Pattern Fitting with Confidence from the library. Got the Kindle version. Helped me adjust a commercial pattern for a dress I struggled to fit

[@MimiGStyleshow]

Awesome, glad it helped!

[@culturedpurl4470]

This could not have come at a better time Mimi!! I have 2 major weddings this year and 2 formal dresses to make and I sure can use all the fitting and skills this year,,,,,,thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!! PS you are looking absolutely mahh, velouss!!!!!!!

[@carmensalome]

Yay I have 3 of the 4. Going to look for that last fitting book. Thank you.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@carmensalome Awesome!!

[@helenv2906]

I have been sewing for over 40 years and yes fitting is not always easy but it's learning about your body and your personal preferences. I love the book of Gina Renee, she has done something that was missing in a lot of the other book and explain well as well as she has video on every one page that goes with the Q code. Thank your for you video

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@helenv2906 Yes! Very good book

[@bonniemurphy1057]

Well done! Thanks for the book recommendations!

[@PatriciaWeeks-nq5zx]

Thank you for these videos. Im getting back into sewing after yrs. I'm learning so much from you. Love how you keep it real! As a Librarian when you said Books I had to smile! Yes, old school! They need to check with their libraries; ours carry many sewing books, I'm going to see about getting these that you mentioned for ours. Everyone needs a Mimi G❣️ Thank you and look forward to the next great video!!!

[@Amaspiritartist3]

Thank you soooooo much! I really needed this video! I have just been choosing the size on the pattern for my largest measurement and then not being happy…

[@MimiGStyleshow]

You are definitely not alone, most people do that!

[@kathygann7632]

When I was a teenager learning to sew, I could sew a size 12 big 4 pattern without any adjustments or fittings. It was wonderful! When I went to collage, I made most of my clothes including lined wool plaid Slacks pleated skirts, dresses, capes, etc that had all plaid lines matching. I think about it now and am amazed. At the age of 75, I can’t even make a simple shell without tons of fitting.

[@cleanqueen75]

I take old sheets and I make a muslin all the time.

[@cassandrap.3183]

I got the Nancy Zieman book at a used bookstore. I’ll be sure to look for the others on my next visit.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@cassandrap.3183 Great!! 😊

[@tangorhumba3777]

I always make muslins. I love a muslin you can do so much with them before pattern making ❤

[@daxxydog5777]

I’ve used Nancy Zeiman’s Fitting Finesse video method from the 90s and it’s helpful and easy for pattern adjustments. For pants, the Top Down, Center Out method is awesome. I think the videos from The Crooked Hem are the best.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

That's great! I'll have to check out the Crooked Hem!

[@sewzolamarie7527]

Ummm, the TDCO method is a reiteration of the original tissue method from Palmer/Pletsch's Pants for Real People with the addition of adding a well-fitted waistband and THEN adjusting pants hanging from that. Yes, The Crooked Hem did a very good series on how-to do the TDCO method and it works well for some, however the method itself is not really new.

[@n3rdygrl]

I hope these videos you're planning will be in a playlist. I struggle so hard just with clothes off the rack, so it makes me avoid sewing my own clothes.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

Yes I will try to get the videos into a playlist.

[@francescaleaton4973]

Thank you so much - just bought The Fitting Book - fantastic vlog❤

[@avdm196]

I have all 4 books and have used parts of them depending on the fitting issue. Gina Renee's and the Pants I have as e- books . I like the full search capabilities for easy finds. I als like "Easy Guide to Sewing..." by Lynn MacIntyre and Marcy Tilton. It has both sewing and fitting information. My biggest issue with fitting is when it becomes overfitting, and every wrinkle or line springs in the eye and makes you doubt yourself. For a perfectionist fitting is a long process of trials and "horrors." Whenever I am really happy with the fit of an item, I make a pattern copy on Easy Pattern for repeated use.

[@carolwhitaker5966]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I'm revisiting sewing clothing right now after a moment off...nothing fitted so I've been studying hard like I'm about to take the SAT...lol looking forward to your coming videos...I just cant wrap my head around the pattern sizes 😮😮

[@MimiGStyleshow]

I hear ya! It took me a long time to really feel like I got it.

[@helyns1416]

I've sewn off and on since middle school but I've always been so intimidated by garment sewing even though it's my dream to sew my own clothes. I recently managed to get into making some baby clothes but I feel very aware of how much I don't know when it comes to fit for adult clothes. I will definitely look into some of these books!

[@MimiGStyleshow]

It’s amazing you’re getting into sewing, you’re going to have so much fun!

[@bajaboolie]

Wait, what? You’re 48?? I’ll have what she’s having! This is the first time I’ve watched your videos, and I’m ready for the next level-fit. Thanks for helping me expand my knowledge! ❤

[@salvationmanadom4900]

Awesome tips. Thank you. I need to pick up my fitting book this year.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

You got it!

[@cassandrawade460]

Wow; thank you so much for this video! I have struggled so many years with fit and it is encouraging to hear that this is part of the process. Being self-taught, I didn’t know I could cut “outside the lines” until I took a local sewing class. But I still struggle with the fitting process; I cannot see what is exactly wrong with my ill-fitting garments, but I know they don’t feel right on my body. How can I make adjustments when I can’t see and don’t know where the problems are? That is my major struggle-not being able to identify what’s wrong. I have the books you recommended, but I don’t know how to train my eye to find the problem. I would love to see a video on you taking a pattern (a Mimi G one, of course!) and making your personal adjustments on the pattern itself. Then, another video on making your test muslin and how you fit it on your body. And one more video fitting in fashion fabric using your “fit as you sew” techniques. Actually seeing someone go through the process would be extended helpful! Thank you for your down-to-earth style and being so generous with your time. I am very much looking forward to your upcoming videos and hopeful that they will give me an “a-ha moment” where things will finally click and the puzzle pieces will come together!

[@themamachar]

You hair looks so good. You look younger with that hairstyle.

[@cassandrawade460]

Yes; love the hair and glasses. Very chic!

[@cookeka]

Appreciate this video. Thank you!!

[@darihernandezstudio]

Mimi, I would love to see your adjustments and see how you fit yourself. After all of these years I didn’t realize you make a muslin. It would make a good video to see the sewing queen herself making a muslin and fitting it. 😊

[@katherinclayton4344]

You make me laugh out loud😂. I've been following your career for a long time before all these new KZbin sewers came on board. I agree. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The first 2 books I have . But because I still struggle with fit as my body changes, I will be buying the last book. Gravity is real😊 I always knew you would be successful. You keep it real.❤ Happy New Year! 🙏🏿 ✌🏾

[@MimiGStyleshow]

Thank you so much! Happy New Year! 😊

[@denisem9407]

Great recommendations. I have all those books, plus Smart Fitting by Kenneth King which has lots of great photos and is easy enough for even a beginner to follow. He also offers a Smart Fitting dvd series.

[@deborajohnson6440]

It was only in the last few years that I finally learned what a muslin was. Then, I couldn't understand why people were making so many of them. Long ago...when I took sewing, we were taught fitting right from the start. I had never done a muslin for any sewing I've made and the items fit. But I also fit as I go along through the sewing process. I still use this method and would love to see someone teach it. ❤

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@deborajohnson6440 yes I prefer to fit as I go unless the garment is more complicated or a fuss to fit because of design details.

[@deborajohnson6440]

@ Yes, my stuff is basic. 😅 I would definitely make one if it was a special garment or I was using a special or expensive fabric. Thank you for responding. I've been following your career for a long time 🩷.

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you. More, please.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

I'm so glad you like them!

[@maritzalove2157]

You are hilarious!! Thank you so much for explaining things, as your student at Sew it Academy your tips are so helpful!

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@maritzalove2157 🙌🏽🙏🏽 Thank you so much!

[@GailDulay]

It would be nice to purchase a pants pattern for a sway back...as a standard. Or for a fuller derriere.. would be easier to do custom adjustments on those than to the Big 4 patterns.

[@TheEvie202]

I just make tunics with some ease and don’t have to worry about fitting. My mom taught me to cut a little bigger and adjust! I do make a toile the FIRST time I make a pattern, then cut and sew in the fashion fabric.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

That's a great approach to fitting!

[@franreichenberg7466]

What a great vlog...wish I had this to watch 50 years ago when I was learning to sew! Altho I fitted standard patterns fairly well, fitting has become more and more complex the older I get, so many changes happen to our bodies even if our 'size' doesn't change. Do we need a fitting for older women spevific guides?

[@CravingCentsandSensibility]

I found that learning pattern making also helps with learning how to fit.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

That's definitely true!

[@jacquelinea8224]

I would love to see how to measure the pattern to apply a few adjustments to the pieces before making the muslin. I take my measurements, but I'm not quite sure what to do with them.

[@angelamcgovern1525]

Great video, thank you, I’ve only been sewing for 4 years. I make bags and baby clothes, but really want to learn how to fit clothes for me, I have a large bust, haven’t got a waist, small hips and skinny legs, I struggle buying clothes, as most clothes in the uk are made for the pear shape lady. Look forward to your next video xxx

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@angelamcgovern1525 Thank you so much and glad it was helpful!

[@lynetterene]

The struggle is real Mimi 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@MimiGStyleshow]

LOL, it is!

[@ELaine-hq2ge]

Do you feel that an adjustable manikin form to your own size works pretty good?? Thanks for your input and your video🥰

[@MimiGStyleshow]

I am not a fan of the adjustable dress forms as I dont find them to be as accurate. I personally only fit on myself vs a form but I know many who do and have success.

[@ELaine-hq2ge]

@ thank you for your response!🥰

[@andrahmeda-oc7wo]

Love this video! As a follow up to this fitting video, I am wondering about how to use a block/shell pattern tailored to my body to help make alterations on a commercial pattern I’m interested in. I can’t find too many resources online and I always appreciate your amazing teaching style! Do you have any resources you like?

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@andrahmeda-oc7wo That’s a great request, I think it’s because it’s not done much or shared much and instead is very much based on measurements. I don’t think I’ve used my sloper to check against a pattern before I’ll look into it tho!

[@andrahmeda-oc7wo]

@MimiGStyleshow amazing! Thank you for your response and thank you for your amazing videos, I’m always inspired!

[@Troutay]

Just got "Figure Your Fit" a Simplicity Book but will add the "Fit for Real People" and "Pants for Real People" to my library

[@MimiGStyleshow]

Awesome!

[@Cindy-sb5dv]

Ok. So when you post your project .... What is shown is just a portion of getting it from 2d to 3d. That you share ... I wondered about that...! Appreciate the share . Let's others know that you don't just get it from the folded fabric to your body .... Like you share it in the video !!

[@MimiGStyleshow]

You are absolutely right! There's so much that goes into fitting!

[@sewingmachinelust5367]

Ur glasses link!? Thx for the sewing book info.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@sewingmachinelust5367 🤣 I order from Zeelool.com

[@SewFelicia]

Thanks for sharing. I’ve been wanting to get a good fitting book and came access Gina Renee’s book and videos last year. I’m not a beginner sewist, but I haven’t fitted much in a long time so I was wondering about other sewists opinion on the GRD method. She seems to explain things well too. ❤❤

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@SewFelicia She does, I really like her book

[@SewFelicia]

@ thanks. Just bought it today now

[@aprylthatch]

Since you’ve recently lost weight, can you show us how to take in existing garments to accommodate continued weight loss? Thanks!

[@MimiGStyleshow]

@@aprylthatch great request! Yes, I need to go through my closet anyway so that will be great lol

[@valeriecorke7973]

I think us home sewers are more critical of the fit of our makes than if we chose something ready to wear.

[@Jacqueline-bq4xp]

Thank You 😊 Senior Citizen low bust point.

[@liszl414]

What about fitting with a dress form?

[@daxxydog5777]

I have pretty good luck starting out with tissue fitting on a dress form that I padded out to resemble my measurements (including my poochy tummy 😂).

[@MimiGStyleshow]

Yeah you can certainly do that too!

[@margaritamaldonado7032]

A video about how to fit a pattern would be wonderful. I'm someone whose short waisted, small on top, big on the bottom. Help

[@MimiGStyleshow]

Got it!

[@Scrapin2012Designs]

Just FYI Mimig has a book as well. 😃

[@MimiGStyleshow]

😊😅

[@bredalynch35]

Thank you for sharing, looking forward to the correct fit video. Can you talk about round back adjustment please, as you get older your shape does its own thing 😂❤

[@MimiGStyleshow]

Sure thing!

[@zoraidavargas8995]

Good comment you have show but question Have you make a book off your own for biggest and intermediate.

[@andreadaniels8484]

MiMi, WTH.... I was about to say...:"What is Mimi's daughter doing hosting her channel?" Chile! I don't know what you're doing but....while ALWAYS gorgeous, you look 20 years younger, Sis! Okay, let me calm down from the excitement and get a pen and pad to write down the title names of these books. Luv Ya!

[@MimiGStyleshow]

Haha! I'm not sure what I'm doing either, but I'm happy to hear you like it! Get those books!

[@loveloreal]

I love that youre 48 and youre so cute. I hope I'm this cute at 48. I have plenty of time to get better at sewing

[@ninadukette3340]

I find out of print books at Thrift Books.

[@brownsugarcoffee1]

I have all those books every time I read them. I get so confused. I’m more hands-on if somebody can show me. lol🤭❤️

[@MimiGStyleshow]

I feel ya! I think a lot of us are the same way. I'll do some vids actually showing the adjustment soon.

[@andreasfort1599]

I feel so called out. I gave up sewing in rage when those patterns made no sense and looked awful.

[@karenrochette849]

I'm sure I'll get grief on this but where are you looking? People should do better about looking where the viewers would be watching, like making eye contact, instead of looking at your camera's screen. This sideward look is distracting from the message being delivered.

[@MimiGStyleshow]

😂 ok

[@notinmyname792]

Wait, wait, wait! You are how old? You look 28

[@NotToday50]

A video in grading for hips would be great, specially for shift dresses