Threads Fitting for Every Figure Paperback – October 16, 2012

I own many books on sewing, including a number of books on the important subject of fitting. This, along with one or two others, will be my go-to book for fitting issues. The format clearly lays out fitting problems and then explains methods for resolving them with lots of illustrations to make the techniques clear. I especially like the parts that help you "read the wrinkles." This is always a challenge for me; I can see them but don't always know what they mean or how to eliminate them. In my opinion, any book or article published by Threads is well worth the money spent. I have yet to find one that's a disappointment. I highly recommend this book for the advanced beginner or intermediate sewer. The advanced or expert sewer may find they are already familiar with and have mastered the contents.

This book helped me understand how to take proper body measurements for the best fit, dress forms, fitting slacks, working with patterns and muslin, etc. It has excellent guidelines for even using a camera and mirror when you're self fitting garments. As I'm getting back into sewing garments, I wanted good reference since we no longer have sewing stores that offer instruction. This book has proven very effective in answering any questions I've had to date. Much of my fabric stash cost quite a bit when purchased so I wanted information on using muslin to fit garments before cutting. This book "Threads Fitting for Every Figure" has been as good or better than having a class. All of my questions have been answered within the pages. With it being by Threads, I knew this was a great selection. I have not been disappointed! This is a wonderful book to have in your sewing library.

I really love this book. I have been sewing for myself and others for over 40 years and finally found a book that covers every type of fitting problem. The instructions are clear, the illustrations,or pictures of actual people used in the fittings, help very much. I have several fitting issues, such as tall (5'11") and scoliosis, so It helps me, and I can also fit my customers.

This book is exactly what I've been looking for. Every single fitting issue is addressed. The illustrations and explanations are very clear and well thought out. Having this book is like have an advanced sewing and pattern fitting instuctor working with you in order to get the best possible fit for your figure. I love it. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is as obsessed as I am with achieving the perfect fit for any body type. I'm very happy that I have my sewing instructor with me 24/7.Love it!!!

however; the place to draw the line is using chemical products for a moulage, the duck tape form. it is easy and cheap to make, but that is in your dwelling off-gassing not your healthiest choice. further some of the verbiage and pictures used are in kings self congratulatory book smart fitting solutions published a few years later. cloning-couture has excellent ideas for making moulage as well as classes if you desire. and there are others offering fitting classes. best wishes for your fitting and creating adventures.

Great ideas for someone who wants to tailor their clothing for a better fit… This book has become my reference .. smart solution, great illustrations, explains in detail. I love it!

For this review, I'll assume you read Threads Magazine at least semi-regularly. If so, you may have bookmarked/collected articles that solved your particular fit concerns. Therefore, you have seen the info in this book before. There's one thing I've learned about Threads, its books are compilations -- not earth-shattering new information. This is not a bad thing, you just need to manage your expectations.With that said, I thought one way to review this book is to tell you what articles are included, and (based on my collection of back issues) which didn't make the book. Please keep in mind that my frame of reference is articles I own that address my fit concerns (and I'm not saying my collection is perfect) - I'm a pear with square shoulders a sway back and a full bust. Threads has done many articles on fitting concerns that don't apply to me, so I've ignored them. (For those who don't share my fitting concerns, skip down to where I've listed the table of contents.)Here's a list of the articles as seen in my back issues of the magazine that ARE included in the book:-Issue #151: Muslin Refined-Issue #151: Fitting Knits-Issue #149: Smart Fitting Series, Part 3: Fitting Over Layers-Issue #148: Smart Fitting Series, Part 2: Fine Tune a Bodice Front-Issue #147: Smart Fitting Series, Part 1: A New Approach to Fitting-Issue #143: Improve the Bottom Line-Issue #127: Fitting Series, Part 2: For A Great Fit, Start at the Shoulder-Issue #142: Add A Bust Dart-Issue #129: Altering Patterns for the Well-Endowed-Issue #121: Ah Ha! Pattern Principles-Issue #117: To Get the Right Armhole, Fit the Bodice-Issue #116: Add A Dart at the Bust or Shoulder to Make a Gaping Vest Armhole Fit-Issue #116: To Fit Your Body, Measure Your ClothesHere's what I didn't see from my collection of back issues (again, these are articles relevant to my fitting concerns):-Issue #151: Waist Darts Redesigned-Issue #139: For A Personalized Fit, Grade It!-Issue #122: Adjusting Pants from Waist to Seat-Issue #119: To Fit Pants, Start At the WaistFor those who don't aren't really into back issues or share my fitting concerns, here's what's in the book:Chapter 1: Fitting Basics-Measuring-Measuring Garments for Fit-The Importance of Ease-The Dress Form-The Pants FormChapter 2: Working with Patterns and Muslin-Fitting-Using A Camera to Fit-Making a MuslinChapter 3: Fitting the Bodice-Fitting the Bust-The Shoulder Slope-Fitting the Armscye-Fitting the Sleeve-Using RTW for Fit-Fitting the Back-Fitting the Neckline-Fitting the Bodice with a Muslin-Fitting Knit TopsChapter 4: Fitting Pants and Skirts-Fitting the Waist and Hip-Fitting A Skirt-Fitting Pants-Better Fit With a Two-Piece Waistband-Fitting a Fuller Abdomen-Fitting High Hips or a Swayback-Fitting Wide Hips and Slender Legs-The Pants Pattern-Fitting a Full Seat-Fitting a Flat Seat-Drafting a Custom Pants PatternChapter 5: Specialty Fitting Techniques-Draping the Bodice-The Bodice Block-Draping a Skirt Sloper-Copying Existing Garments-Sewing for a Changing Figure-Sewing for a Mature Figure-Fitting Bras-Cloning a Favorite Bra-Fitting SwimsuitsAppendices-Tools for Fitting and Alteration (includes Issue #82 How to Use a French Curve by Peggy Sagers)-Measurement Notes-ResourcesHere's the deal: If you're really good about keeping up with back issues of the magazine that address your concerns, you probably don't need this book. If you have the Threads Archive on DVD, you certainly do not need this book. If you are relatively new to sewing and haven't figured out your fit concerns, this is a great book. I like it because it keeps almost everything in on place; I got to file 10 of my back issues. Now there are only four still out.

I saw this advertised in a sewing magazine and was overjoyed when I received it. I have sewn for over 40 plus years and I received answers to questions I had pondered. Easy to use, easy to find and locate the answers. Was a very useful purchase. Thank you Mary