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Fast Fit [Paperback]

Sandra Betzina
4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)

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Book Description

September 1, 2003
Sandra Betzina's tried and true--and easy to do--techniques for creating clothes that fit and flatter your unique shape.

Frequently Bought Together

Fast Fit + Power Sewing Step-By-Step + More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric
Price for all three: $49.68

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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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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."

Product Details

  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Taunton Press (September 1, 2003)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1561586498
  • ISBN-13: 978-1561586493
  • Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 0.8 x 10.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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

Andra Betzina's FAST FIT provides the author's quick tips on easy pattern alterations for every figure. Midwest Book Review  |  7 reviewers made a similar statement
This book is very easy to use, beautifully illustrated, and oh so easy to understand. ANN W BROWN  |  6 reviewers made a similar statement
I borrowed this book from the library about 10 times before I finally bought it. J. Peters  |  1 reviewer made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
163 of 166 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Bad fit September 25, 2001
Format: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.
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112 of 116 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Cindy Roy August 23, 2001
Format: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.
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48 of 48 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Useful but not complete April 9, 2003
By A Customer
Format: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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars great
very specific instructions with good visual examples. Sandra really knows a lot about sewing fitting, technics, etc. Worth having in your sewing library
Published 20 days ago by Denise Gore
4.0 out of 5 stars Go-to sewing fitting reference
I love this book! I first got it out from the library and after reading some of the great fitting tips to help to fit a sewing pattern I was making, I just had to have a copy of... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Slimstyle
5.0 out of 5 stars Fast Fit
Well, I love Sandra Betzina, so whatever she writes I will buy. She gives brief concise fitting techniques for all body types. This is definitely a keeper.
Published 2 months ago by D. King-Abraham
4.0 out of 5 stars A great reference to have at hand
This is a very handy reference to have at hand for your clothing projects! Lots of tips and tricks and great insight into what makes a garment fit properly.
Published 5 months ago by T. Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars Very VISUAL!
This was written very well! Each garment adjustment had its own page, complete with photos and full color drawings. There was no mistaking what she was trying to get across. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Shestands
5.0 out of 5 stars Need fitting help
Faster than losing the weight... a good fit could do the trick to making you appear thinner... Sandra helps you solve your fitting problem(s) and you will be amazed how well you... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Krush
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for a beginner sewer. True to it's title.
I'm not new to sewing, but I am new to alterations that go beyond the basics. I have limited experience with muslins and see them as a laborious necessity. Read more
Published 11 months ago by T. Calvert
4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Reference for the Difficult-to fit
I think Sandra Betzina's methods have really taken my sewing to the next level. Her book is very intuitive and easy to apply. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Rabid Reader
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Book to Have!
This book answered my main fit problem in simple, easy to understand instructions. Straight and to the point. Love it!
Published 22 months ago by N. Rodez
2.0 out of 5 stars Great read, but not for me
I'll admit up front that this is the book I use more as an encyclopedia of fit issues. I love the way the Betzina defines the various problems. Read more
Published on August 29, 2010 by NuJoi
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