Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure [Hardcover]

Sandra Betzina (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2001

Sandra Betzina has done it again. Whether she is sharing her imaginative ideas for sewing original garments or advising readers on the best way to make clothes that really fit, Betzina hits the mark every time. In Fast Fit, the host of "Sew Perfect" on HGTV and author of Power Sewing Step-by-Step offers innovative, simple, and straightforward approaches to sewing clothing with the best possible fit, and ultimately, the most flattering look. Each fitting solution is illustrated with a step-by-step description of the pattern alteration and a photo of the correctly altered pattern. Fast Fit simplifies the usually complex process of fitting.
-- An essential book for every sewing reference library.
-- Includes 200 color photos and 52 drawings.
-- Enclosed spiral binding allows it to lie flat for use.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Store-bought patterns usually need a bit of finessing to take them from a general size to an individual's perfect fit. Sandra Betzina, the host of HGTV's Sew Perfect, knows exactly how to alter a pattern to compensate for just about every figure flaw or to accommodate any figure type. Fast Fit is packed with dozens of clear analyses of all the "problem areas"--from broad back to thin neck, sloping shoulders to large upper arms, big tummy to bowed legs--and step-by-step solutions to turn a standard pattern into something that corrects the fit in each area.

The introductory section explains how to take proper measurements, choose the right size, and approach the pattern-alteration process. Illustrations of altered patterns show precisely how to cut apart and reposition the pattern pieces, although some details may need a bit of interpretation since the patterns are shown quite small. One other drawback is that, easy as these fixes may generally be, they're not necessarily fast from the start, since Betzina recommends that you first make a fitting shell to highlight problem areas. (But once you've figured these out you can then apply the information to many patterns.) All in all, this is a good reference, and unless you know how to draft your own patterns from scratch, you'll probably benefit from Betzina's help. --Amy Handy

Review

"Take the fear out of pattern adjustments and learn what makes things fit with the details for any body type from the wonderful information in this book."

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 250 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (August 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561584940
• ISBN-13: 978-1561584949
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 7.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #626,059 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Expert Advice > Sandra Betzina

More About the Author

Sandra Betzina, the "power" behind Power Sewing, is the author of More Fabric Savvy, Fast Fit, Power Sewing Step-by-Step, Sandra Sews for the Home, No Time To Sew and Fear of Sewing and most recently, the Power Sewing Toolbox series. She has produced a skill series of Power Sewing DVDs and also designs a full line of patterns for Vogue under the tab of Today's Fit. Sandra hosted her own show, Sew Perfect, on HGTV for six years and now has a regular, online sewing show called Power Sewing TV, which is co-hosted by Canadian sewing expert, Ron Collins. Sandra is also a popular speaker and hosts several week-long Sewing Retreats San Francisco throughout the year.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

153 of 156 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Bad fit, September 25, 2001

By 

B. Louis "sewingbunny" (Plantation, Florida United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure (Hardcover)

I have to start this review by stating that I adore Sandra Betzina. I have seen her in person several times and she is a generous teacher full of wonderful ideas. Her books are normally full of wonderful photographs worth the price of the book alone. The photos in this book are not great - even one of Sandra in a most unflattering outfit. I also found some of the techniques shown quite strange. I was puzzled by the knock-knee alteration, which would actually make my pants look worse, not better and the full-bust alteration, which does not allow for extra length (only width). If you are serious about learning to fit yourself, Fit For Real People by Palmer/Pletsch or Fitting Finesse by Nancy Zieman are better books.

108 of 112 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Cindy Roy, August 23, 2001

By 

Cindy Brown (Raleigh, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure (Hardcover)

You will be disappointed by poor quality photos. I have 20/20 vision and had to use a magnifying glass. Additionally, only one or two photos were used to illustrate a six to eight step instruction ("Power Sewing" uses at least twice that many along with closer more-detailed pictures). Many times her instructions lacked detail or were unclear which, along with bad photos, left me puzzled over her fitting "solution". Fast Fit is a misleading name as Sandra wants you to make a basic fitted shell for each company you purchase patterns from then, for every adjustment made, make a pretest garment in scrap fabric. Cartoon drawings are used to illustrate fitting problems (swayback, narrow shoulders, etc.) when a "real" person photo would be more effective in seeing how things wrinkle or hang. Sometimes, after adjustments are made or for just a better fit, it's necessary to reposition button holes, collars or lapel lines--this is not addressed anywhere in her book. For beginning to intermediate sewing levels, Fitting Finess by Nancy Zieman or A Perfect Fit by Singer have clearer more-detailed instructions and better photos.

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful but not complete, April 9, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure (Hardcover)

When I first got this book, I didn't think it was all that useful, except for the bust adjustment (which, by the way DOES add length and width) and a couple of others. However, the more I actually work on fitting, the more I find myself referring to it and understanding the rationale behind the adjustments. Here's the bottom line: the book is not so well organized, and the adjustments will not work in every scenario. You have to be aware of exactly where your fitting problem originates and then decide if the recommended adjustment in this book addresses that particular area. I would not recommend this book as your only fitting book, or as your introduction to fitting. I would say, instead, get a good general book like others recommended, and use this one as a reference when a different approach is needed for specific areas. P.S. the bust adjustment is the best one I've found for dartless tops.