Working with Tina Givens patterns: part 1

Hi all! So, this week we get in to some of the fine points of working with Tina Givens patterns. This is the first in a three part series so be sure to check back for the follow-up videos. Not many links for you all today since I'm really just talking about Tina Givens.
As always I thank you SO much for watching and I especially want to thank everyone who requested help with Tina's patterns.
my measurements for reference:
Height 5'3"
weight 138 LB
bust 38"
waist 34"
hips 39"
Sew Tina Givens:
sewtinagivens.com

[@attedragon]

Thank you so much for this series of videos. I love Tina Givens patterns. I am a plus size. I have never had any of her that patterns fit me well. The neck is always to BIG for this plus size person ! Always to much fabric around the waist in pants. I always feel like I am swimming in her patterns...they end up as pajamas or cut up for something else. I love her designs, want them to work for me. Thank you for giving me tools to make that happen. I am going to start with a pattern tomorrow and we will see how it comes out. I hope you can give some suggestion on her pants as well, if you are only focused on tops now maybe it could be later in summer. She has two new pants patterns, Jack and Jill and Mac that are interesting and would be nice for fall. Thanks again, you are a wonderful instructor! 😊

[@thebigsewalong]

thank you Atte! I hope these tips help you have some success with Tina's patterns as I have so much fun sewing and wearing them but only once I get the fit I want! This Sunday will be a video on Tina's patterns with grown-on sleeves but the following week will be pants! and I just got the Jack and Jill so I'll probably be using that.

[@abundantlyinspired]

I had the hardest time understanding why I kept creating the worst garments when I first sewed Tina's patterns and after several fails I left the patterns for several years. 😒One day I became obsessed with her whole style again and was determined to create the garments and realized with the sometimes unclear illustrations or instructions I needed to get into her mind. The more I sewed her patterns, and like you said used my measurements, the more I created successful garments! I also went on Pinterest to see others completed "real life" garments and watched her YT sew along videos as well and now I have a small wardrobe of her garments. 😊❤

[@marymontgomery3966]

Great overview of working with Tina’s patterns. I love them but also measure and adjust before cutting, especially the sleeve head, sleeve length and neck opening. I often lengthen the dresses. They are easy sews and great designs so the alteration is worth it.

[@thebigsewalong]

I agree!!

[@prosie1968]

I love this because it is much better than having to do so many alterations on the fly. I often have to cut off inches with certain patterns because of not understanding the ease. Thanks Gini!

[@thebigsewalong]

You are welcome! 🤗

[@lmackey63]

Yes a lot of work. So worth it though. TG patterns are my favorite and I finally made the Meg, my first one of the TG, and it was such a bad fit. I wish I had found your very helpful videos before I hurried through the process trying to get it done to wear at a wedding. Because I found your videos I will now take my time on the next ones. I almost gave up, so thank you for your expertise

[@thebigsewalong]

@@lmackey63 I’m so glad you find my videos helpful. I love TG style and use her patterns often but there is definitely a learning curve 🤗

[@senfully]

These videos are the most helpful for a new sewer! I can't say thank you enough! Also plus sized here, and I've already redrafted my first sleeve for a Tina pattern. Thank you for all of these tips!

[@thebigsewalong]

You are so welcome!

[@redkbikerider]

Thanks for the tutorial on how my own measurements can be checked against the paper pattern. Previously I would only narrow the neck opening to mitigate my bra straps showing (due to narrow shoulders). Your method is much better at addressing the shoulder and overall fit! Thanks for sharing it!

[@thebigsewalong]

I hope this helps with your future makes Red thanks for watching 🤗

[@deb.m.7458]

Gini and sewing friends - a tip, re: matching up the neck facing. Instead of tracing it, just tape it down and cut to fit. Saves having to trace it with a pen and then cutting it. Very important video on fitting TG patterns. I can see where things blow up for me. This would make a great lagenlook sloper for future makes. The TG top is so cute on you! ❤

[@thebigsewalong]

thanks Deb!n great tip on the neckline!😀

[@gail-robynbailey6965]

That was very helpful. Thanks Ginny 😊 I'm a big Tina fan.

[@thebigsewalong]

😃😃😃

[@dorisamstutz5888]

As always you are brilliant and yes I did find this a lot of work. I am just a bit lazy so when it comes to TG patterns I just wing it a bit and measure widest part then I have an over size top that I use as my preferred size/ease and scale down or up from there, but no where near as neatly as you do it. I love the finished piece

[@thebigsewalong]

Sometimes I go the easy route too 😂

[@gracevaughn8132]

Hi Gini! This is great information! Thank you! So important for this designer. I suggest checking all patterns, as you said, especially if purchased from a reseller. Those are probably discontinued and may have additional issues, IMO anyway. I do know of an issue with the cutting directions that did not consider nap. On the “Nancy” pattern. I bought a fabric where the weft was one thread color and the warp was a different thread color. Totally was CROSS GRAIN for the dress skirt pieces when the rest of the pieces were directed to cut length grain. And because of that, the fabric requirement suggested on the pattern was wrong and I didn’t buy enough. So everyone needs to be aware. Gini is sharing such important information in this series! 💝💝💝

[@thebigsewalong]

Hi Grace, yes "nap" can be an issue with a lot of Tina's patterns since many of them are cut with a fold at the front/back AND at the arm! Knowing your length measurements can be a big help in establishing how much fabric you'll need!

[@channellwoods]

This is such a lifesaver. I think you , I thank you! You have made my life easy!

[@thebigsewalong]

I hope so Channell please let me know how you do!

[@channellwoods]

@@thebigsewalong will do!

[@TheGardenKitten]

this is so great, thank you 💖

[@thebigsewalong]

you are welcome, thank you for watching

[@Sabine69]

Thank you, Gini! 😘 Again I learned a lot! ❤ I ´ m so happy that you are going to do some Tina Givens projects ! 👏🏻 I love her patterns and „work“ on one every weekend 😊 Today I ´m a little frustated about my Smock it dress… 😂 Think I ´ll need to work on the measurement… 😅 Try again next weekend… Best wishes to you 🌸☀️ and have a great week 🍀❤️

[@thebigsewalong]

smock it is one I've had for ages but never made. Let me know how yours turns out.

[@audrey8530]

Great information on how to use body measurements on any pattern, not only Tina Givens', to ensure success. I keep info on garment measurements from my favorite clothing styles so that I can check the ease (garment measurement minus body measurement) of a pattern.

[@thebigsewalong]

that's a great idea Audrey!

[@kathecameron7984]

Thank you!!! It's worth the work of personal measurements. I'm also kind of not good at the measurements first and have "winged it, guessed and been disappointed. I think once done, with proper measurements I can fall in love with a pattern or 2 then just make several of different fabrics 😊

[@thebigsewalong]

YESSS! plus then just add your own tweaks or embellishments

[@robyn3349]

Thank you, Gini! So helpful and so fun! Oooooh! Embellishments! 💖

[@thebigsewalong]

yes!! I have two more TG videos to go then EMBELISHMENTS!! 😄😄😄

[@BethS-LA]

Thanks Gini! It's super-helpful to see your process :)

[@thebigsewalong]

🤗

[@mlv1964]

Thank you for answering my question! 🙋🏼‍♀️ 😊

[@thebigsewalong]

Of course!!

[@user-mi5hm6wd1d]

Thank you for this, I needed 😂😂😂this five years ago! I like the style of Tina’s patterns, but most of them are ill fitting on me. Doing the measurements first and then making adjustments to the pattern should lessen my fail rate.

[@thebigsewalong]

🤣🤣🤣

[@lmackey63]

So helpful!!!

[@susanshaw9119]

Thank you. Good warnings on checking measurements, especially on Tina Givens patterns. I have quite a few. They are cute BUT frequently poorly drafted.

[@thebigsewalong]

😃😃😃

[@phylliswilliams113]

Thank you!

[@thebigsewalong]

😃

[@judithritner9696]

Hi Gini! Thank you so much for the great tutorial. This is another one I will save in a few places so I can always find it. I took photos and measured everything. I think I should do it again, I had a difficult time getting decent shots. I ended up using the delay timer. lol it was ridiculous,🤣, I would push the button and run to get into position and rarely ended up in the correct position so the tape and the body tapes were both visible. The ones with the weighted tape measure were crazy. By the time I got into position and picked up the tape and tried to get it in the right position. The camera would start. You made it look so easy😊. I’ll try again with the camera on a tripod. Today’s video was so very helpful. One of the issues I have had several times, is that the back piece is shorter than the front, and it sticks out away from my body. How should I modify the pattern so the back doesn’t stick out, and not be so short? Maybe if I try a muslin with your alterations on the pattern I can get a better fit. You are so generous to teach us more beginner/ medium type sewers how to make these basic but very important changes to our TG patterns. I tried the Lizette pattern and after two attempts gave up. I feel ready to try again armed with this new information.🤗. Thank you again your amazing videos. I so look forward to each Sunday so I can enjoy more learning and inspiration. BTW I was inspired to add a gathered section on the back of an overly large RTW overslip/tunic. It turned out great. I have had the garment, and another like it, for years but each time I tried it on I just looked lost in them. Now I have already worn the one I just fixed. 🤗 I am so happy to be able to alter some of my favorite pieces so that I will be able to wear them! Thank you again, 🤗😘💕👏🥰

[@thebigsewalong]

Hi Judith! yes you definitely need the delay timer! 😂 it took me several tries on some of my photos but got it in the end. As for the short back, I have a suggestion for you in my next video. As always thank you for watching I really appreciate your continued support 🤗

[@sallyvaughan1231]

I choose you and your style of everything for my sewing inspiration..here in chilly Uk! The only thing I notice a few minutes in here is that you are having or choosing to make so many alterations, neck, width and length! You must have the one thing I struggle with, patience! It almost seems like you will be just creating a whole new box top and a pattern not needed? Considering how expensive they are. I love this deep facing. I must really do more work on my own pattern drafting. Good Luck with the kitchen. Keep on wearing your alternative mix of ear wear too! x

[@thebigsewalong]

thanks Sally 😄 yep this is a lot of alteration and, drafting your own patterns is always a good option. I know a lot of people choose to use TG as more inspiration and use their own self drafted patterns. Thanks for watching from across the pond and I hope you get some warmer weather soon !

[@georgielewis4180]

Thank you Gini! As always -- you are brilliant :-) I have been warily circling my pattern for the Tessuti Athina Top, and now I feel like I can make some adjustments BEFORE cutting everything out. My problem with oversize is that I always make things WAY too big to account for my large bust. As a newish sewist, the FBA has me chewing my nails and not doing it.

[@bcmagnolia1170]

Is it like circling the wagons? Ha ha, just jump in and do it. In a cheap fabric of course.

[@thebigsewalong]

I agree with @bcmagnolia1170 do it once in cheap fabric. I also have a habit of making things too big (no large bust here so not sure why 🤣)but once you get the ease right on one garment it's SO much easier on the next. Jump in and do it and let me know how it turns out.🤗

[@bcmagnolia1170]

@@thebigsewalong oh my gosh, I always make everything at least two sizes too big and then go from there. Ha ha my fluffiness needs to be covered.

[@bluegrassdreams2seams510]

Hi, Gini! What kind of cutting mat are you using on your table? I’m a little envious of cutting tables. Unless I lose a bedroom, I can’t have this. Hummm? I wonder what else I can convince my husband into remodeling 😂 Watching this was really helpful. This video is really going to be a great resource for me. Thank you!

[@thebigsewalong]

I say "lose the bedroom" 🤣🤣🤣 this is the cutting mat I have and it's great! www.etsy.com/listing/970581588/30-x-60-big-mat-rotary-cutting-surface?click_key=2c0e000112293c21105db5920813a81d057dd177%3A970581588&click_sum=c3e62fc0&ref=shop_home_active_3&frs=1&crt=1&sts=1 she has other sized in her Etsy shop

[@lynnecarville1]

Thank you ❤

[@thebigsewalong]

🤗

[@bcmagnolia1170]

The sale is on the website now.😊

[@thebigsewalong]

Thanks!!

[@Nannypie2]

I enjoyed this video. I haven’t tried any Tina Givens patterns but I may give one a try. What type of cutting mat do you use? Thanks!

[@thebigsewalong]

HI nannyypie, If you want to try a Tina pattern I recommend starting with the "plinka" pant, it's free on her website, or one of the slips. Zelda is my favorite. I'll link to my cutting mat below, check her etsy shop for other sizes. I've had mine for two years and absolutely love it. www.etsy.com/shop/Bigrotarycuttingmat?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=970581588&from_page=listing

[@jessicawery3939]

Thanks Gini! After watching, I am excited to give the ireland shirt a try - it looks so good on Gini (with the mods). Unfortunately, the sleeve process is beyond my understanding. I purchased the pattern on Etsy, and the instructions refer to a diagram. there is no diagram. Can anyone recommend a vid on how to make these sleeve cuffs.

[@thebigsewalong]

Hi Jessica sorry I'm just seeing this comment now. That pattern should come with a diagram but not sure how helpful it is anyway. I can't find a video for a shirt sleeve like this BUT I'm linking a video below that shows how to add the same kind of tie to a neckline. The process is the same. Really hope this helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/poXJZIqGdteIedUsi=MDVN_G3kXpHC9YKO

[@kathecameron7984]

Ps. ❤❤❤ That shirt on you! Have you done the Lazy Top by Tropical research?

[@thebigsewalong]

yes! I made it into a gathered dress a while back and I love it. I had the pattern printed out twice so I could cut the med and the large I want to make that one again as a top.

[@gloriaedwards6093]

Again what n where can we purchase a suitable size cutting board

[@thebigsewalong]

Hi gloria I have a cutting mat from this Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/Bigrotarycuttingmat?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=970581588&from_page=listing I've had it for two years and love it! Thank you for watching 🤗

[@bcmagnolia1170]

I'm really curious about the Sophia shirt. Have you ever made this one? TIA😊

[@thebigsewalong]

I haven't done that one. I haven't had much success with Tina's shirt patterns in the past so I'm reluctant to try it but I'd love to know how yours turns out if you do it.

[@bcmagnolia1170]

@@thebigsewalong it looks pretty simple so I'm not sure it's worth the risk. 🤷‍♀️😂

[@thebigsewalong]

@@bcmagnolia1170 😂😂😂