Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure

I really like the way this book is put together. You can find any area that you want to alter the pattern for easily and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. It is great for anyone needing to alter patterns for themselves or others.

This is by far my favorite pattern fitting book. Every pattern you sew must be fitted--and differently for every person you sew for. Every fitting solution I have tried from this book turns out great. Each fitting solution in this book is given in one-paragraph summary form (the "Fast Fit") for the extremely experienced tailor, and then given in simple, numbered steps for the very beginner. In each fitting solution Ms. Betzina makes an extra effort to find the simplest modification that affects the fewest pieces of the pattern, unlike some alteration books that have you shredding the pattern into small pieces. She even gives you the sequence in which to make your modifications. I often refer to her ease charts that tell how many inches each area of a garment should measure beyond the body measurement. She includes suggestions for how to modify knit patterns for woven fabric (i.e. where to add extra ease to make up for the loss of stretch). She directs you through taking body measurements, altering a fitting shell, making measurements on the flat pattern, comparing your pattern to clothes in your closet and making a pretest garment. Throughout the book there are little windows with helpful fitting tips, e.g. "To make length adjustments, alter both above and below the knee--not just at the pants bottom--to preserve the integrity of the pants or skirt style." There are also little workshop sections thoughout the book with special features, like "Adding Pleats," "Duplicating Pants You Love," "Creating a Princess Seam" (on a pattern where there was none), and "Sleeve Swap" for using sleeve designs from other patterns. Most of the book is composed of specific fitting problems (like "Large Upper Arms," "Round Upper Back," "Rounded Body," "Thick or Thin Neck," "Small Waist," "Uneven Shoulders"), how to identify the problem and then 2 or 3 well-illustrated pages with step-by-step solutions for altering the pattern. My favorite is Ms. Betzina's adjustment for narrow shoulders which is simple and perfect--it adjusts the shoulders and raises the underarms and does not change the sleeve. I can't say enough good things about this book, so I'll add a few more. The book is published with a sturdy hardcover and a spiral spine so it lays flat on the table so you can easily refer to it as you work. There is plenty of white space for your own notations or for post-its. There is a comprehensive index and even a list of the patterns Sandra wears in her photos that appear throughout the book. As I make each adjustment I actually learn the logic behind it and add it to my knowledge for the future. This book is the perfect link to grow from being an amateur sewer to being a tailor without a lot of effort. Every sewer who wants their garments to fit should have this book on their sewing table. Well Done Sandra Betzina!

I borrowed this book from the library about 10 times before I finally bought it. If your clothes wrinkle at the bust or pull across the tummy, there's a reason and this book gives it to you and then tells you how to fix it, so all your clothes fit like a dream and make you look 10 pounds thinner. No kidding, good fitting clothes will make you look younger, thinner, richer and smarter.

Andra Betzina's FAST FIT provides the author's quick tips on easy pattern alterations for every figure. Here the host of TV's Sew Perfect provides an accessible, easy key to understanding fitting patterns, isolating different pattern problems and walking readers through the process of making changes. An easy, wonderful guide.

I am just like most sewers. I cannot just buy a pattern in the correct(?)size, make it and wear it well. There are always problems with some of your body contours. This book is very easy to use, beautifully illustrated, and oh so easy to understand. Altering a pattern is almost impossible if you don't already know something about accomplishing what you need to do. I thought I knew almost everything, but boy was I wrong. The alterations to patterns have been approached very clearly by Betzina. I have enjoyed her other books, but this one is the BEST. I am ready to start altering a pattern and am looking forward to it. The only problem is that I have to get the book back from a good friend who wanted to see it. I really am looking forward to using the information from the book. Thanks again Sandra, I'm beginning to think of you as one of my best friends. Ann Brown, Madison, Wisconsin