Adapt Sewing Patterns For a Better Fit
Maximum Class Size: 5
Level 4: Suitable for proficient machine stitchers with experience using sewing patterns.
This one-day workshop will teach you how to adjust commercial dressmaking patterns to achieve a better fit and style for your body shape.
Using a fitted bodice pattern with bust darts, four waist darts, and optional sleeves as a base, we’ll focus on refining the bodice fit, customising the neckline, and shaping the sleeves (if desired). The gathered skirt element ensures flexibility in fit, allowing us to concentrate on bodice alterations.
This class is ideal if you frequently encounter fit issues—such as narrow shoulders or tight armholes—and want to learn how to make precise alterations. Feel free to bring garments you've made that don’t fit quite right or a pattern you'd like to adjust.
As this is a skills-based class, you won’t complete a finished garment. Instead, you’ll create a toile (a practice version of your design) and leave with a fully adjusted pattern, ready to cut and sew in your chosen fabric.
Techniques covered:
- Adjusting the neckline shape and creating new facings
- Shortening or lengthening sleeves and skirt
- Moving darts for a better fit
- Adjusting bodice length
- Constructing a toile
- Transferring alterations to your pattern
Once you’ve mastered these invaluable skills, you’ll be able to customise all your sewing patterns—creating a wardrobe that truly fits you!
All tools and materials are provided.
Booking a class at Ray Stitch entitles you to 10% off everything in-store, where our team is happy to help and advise on fabric. (Valid up until the day of your class.)
Testimonials:
"I’d just like to say thank you for a really great class yesterday with Moyna. Moyna was so generous with her knowledge and time and is without a doubt a born teacher. She was full of patience and wisdom and packed so much into the class I came away brimming with new information and ideas! The school room is delightful and a really pleasant and comfortable place to hang out and the friendliness and hospitality of the other staff was most welcome too. Thanks everyone for such a lovely day." - Sally
Please take a moment to read our cancellation policy before you book: Unfortunately our classes are non refundable. Due to our small class sizes it is also very difficult to transfer your booking to a different date. If you cannot attend a class and are able to notify us at least two weeks before the class starts, it may be possible to fit you in on another date but this is not guaranteed so please give us as much notice as possible to increase your chances.
In the event that we are forced to cancel a class, we will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible and offer either a full refund or swap your booking to another suitable date.