Pants for Real People: Fit and Sew for Any Body

This is one of the most helpful books I have in my sewing library. At first I didn't want to spend the money to buy it, so I checked it out in my local public library to review it in depth. I read the entire book twice because it was so interesting. And then I decided to give it a go...to try making a pair of pants for me. The end result was that the pants I made using the techniques taught in this book are now the most comfortable, flattering pants in my closet. After the review, I decided to buy the book because I found myself referring back to passages I had read for guidance. And after I returned the borrowed one to my public library, I missed it terribly because I didn't have it for a reference. At first I was intimidated by the instructions. I just knew I would tear the paper pattern when I tried it on for a fitting. And I only had myself...no helper to measure and "fit" me. But I am very, very happy with the end result. I have made the first pair of pants in my life that truly fit me. They are without a doubt the most comfortable in my closet. And my husband says they are extremely flattering. My figure is a challenge to any pant's maker. One hip is 1 inch higher than the other; with the aging process I have added weight to my high hips and have a dropped derriere. But with the slacks I made using this book, you don't see these flaws. They actually make me look slimmer. This book was extremely helpful to me because it explained the rationale behind the fitting problems. I was suddenly able to understand how my various figure problems caused the pants to hang on my body, and ultimately translate into a poorly fitting garment. The solutions became obvious. After awhile, I found myself using the knowledge and solving my own problems even though the book provided a guide to solve any problem in fit. It was educational and empowered me. I feel I am better prepared to fit others for whom I sew...such as a teenage granddaughter who can be very picky. I am glad I bought the book because I frequently refer to it for the many tips it includes. When I returned the borrowed book from my local library, I found myself checking my mailbox daily for the one I had purchased. I truly missed it and couldn't wait to get my own. I highly recommend this book. And if this is any example of Pati Palmer's other books, I will be buying more!

This book is one of a kind for showing real world pant-fitting issues and how to solve them. Palmer-Pletsch has been a trailblazer in writing for the home sewing market since its earliest days. Many, actually, most sewing and fitting books merely collect old info and display it well. Instead, Palmer-Plestch has collected data and new fitting solutions to very difficult derriere problems (and most others) from their years of hands-on experience running a sewing school and present it in excellent photos and illustrations in a thorough manner. My husband was rather surprised by some of the "models", but that is just the point: these are real-world, applied solutions to real people! In my mind, the only negative to the Palmer-Pletsch method is that they believe in tissue-fitting without doing any previous flat pattern work to get the pattern "into the ball park". This may very well be only an issue for me, personally, as I have always worked that way. Their method is too place the unaltered pattern on the figure and to systematically analyze each wrinkle and alter the pattern until all grainlines are straight, all wrinkles are gone and all major seams hang in the right place. Another excellent feature of this book is a comprehensive set of design alterations for customizing your pant pattern once it fits you: different waistband, pocket, and hem treatments, darted and pleated styles, etc. The only other reference book that one might purchase for pant fitting and sewing is the 1989 Singer Sewing Reference Library's "Sewing Pants that Fit". This is also an excellent resource with terrific photo illustrations. It has a very good and comprehensive fitting section, although I would go with the Palmer-Pletsch guide if there is any discrepancy in fitting advice, particularly on fitting the crotch. The Singer book is particularly good for construction and offers photo illustrations on construction, which I found helpful. The Palmer-Pletsch book offers photos for all fitting problems and drawn illustrations for construction. Together, these two books should do it!

This is one of the best books I have read on construction details. I have read it front to back and refer to it often when making pants, shorts, even skirts. I really recommend making a muslin first and follow all the recommendation for adjusting the pattern from the muslin. It will change the way you make pants forever!

This is my fourth fitting book and the ONLY one that helped me achieve a good fit in a pair of home-sewn pants. I can't tell you how many fitting shells I have attempted to make - including the "custom designed" one from DRESS SHOP software. All I got for all my study and work was frustration and a lot of ugly, unwearable pants. Now I've got what I need to make pants that fit. I got them right the first time around! WOW! No matter what your shape, you can make pants that fit nicely and flatter your unique figure. I highly recommend this book.

We loved this book from the title on down. Pants for Real People is just that: patterns and designs for creating pants that fit. Most of us aren't runway models, and Palmer and Alto show you cost-cutting methods for creating unique, creative, and perfectly fitting pants, even jeans. Now ladies, how about Bathing Suits for Real People?