How to make a full or small bust adjustment — Pattern Fitting Tutorial

June 25, 2026

Beth – Sew DIY

Dana Jumpsuit resources, Eva Sewalong, Miri Sewalong, Pattern Fitting

How to make a full or small bust adjustment — Pattern Fitting Tutorial

Today’s post is a deep dive into how to make bust adjustment to a pattern with a side dart. The objective of the bust adjustment is to make the dart bigger or smaller so that the shaping fits your body better. I share details on what a full or small bust adjustment is, what you might want to make one and how to do it. I show how to calculate a bust adjustment and how to make the adjustment to your pattern. I’ve included illustrations, written instructions and videos for how to do a full bust adjustment and a small bust adjustment.

February 23, 2023

Beth – Sew DIY

Tutorial 2023, How to Sew, Pattern Fitting, Miri Sewalong, Dana Jumpsuit

Pattern Fitting: How to Adjust the Shoulder Slope of a Pattern—Video Tutorial

February 23, 2023

Beth – Sew DIY

Tutorial 2023, How to Sew, Pattern Fitting, Miri Sewalong, Dana Jumpsuit

Pattern Fitting: How to Adjust the Shoulder Slope of a Pattern—Video Tutorial

Hello sew-friends! Today we're talking about how to make a shoulder slope adjustment to your sewing pattern. This is a simple adjustment that makes a BIG difference in the fit of tops, blouses and dresses with a shoulder seam. I didn't discover this fitting adjustment until many years into my sewing journey and now I'm kind of obsessed with it.

I have rather square shoulders, meaning my shoulders extend from the neck at almost a 90 degree angle. Most patterns are built with some downward slope to the shoulder seam so on my shoulders, tops would jut up at the neck. There was one shirt in particular that would stand up away from my body when I sat down that made me realize how ill fitting it was at the shoulder.

January 13, 2023

Beth – Sew DIY

Sewing Tips, Garment Sewing Pt2, How to Sew, Pattern Fitting, Tutorial 2023, Beginning Sewing

5 Things To Do Before Cutting a Sewing Pattern

January 13, 2023

Beth – Sew DIY

Sewing Tips, Garment Sewing Pt2, How to Sew, Pattern Fitting, Tutorial 2023, Beginning Sewing

5 Things To Do Before Cutting a Sewing Pattern

Hello sew-friends! We're going back to basics today to talk about patterns. There's nothing more frustrating than making a garment and finding that it doesn't fit. The most common answer is to make a muslin first, but today I'm going to share the five things that you should do before you make a muslin and even before you cut or trace out your pattern. These are my tried and true tips that will help you get closer to making a first muslin that is the right size for your body as well as for your style and fit preferences.