Threads Fitting for Every Figure

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.

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.

Very good information.

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!

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 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.

Lots of good information here. I purchased the kindle version but unless you are very comfortable with digital format this may be a better purchase in hard copy. I don't subscribe to threads magazine but after reading this I think I should!

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!!!

I have been sewing clothes for over 30 years. However, now that I'm of a certain age and my body shape is not what it was in the years BC (before children), I have had real problems fitting for myself, especially where compound alterations were necessary.I love this book, I have overcome some of the fitting problems I had. There is always something new to learn in sewing and there is always someone who may do things differently, which can save time and effort. I will make use of this book often and refer to it frequently.The only reason I did not give it a 5 star review is that I simply do not like the way it is bound. This is a reference book, it will be opened and closed a lot. I don't think the binding will stand up to that kind of frequent use. Spiral binding would have been better to allow the pages to lay flat.A particular delight to me was the section on drafting, I had been having fits trying to work this out from another book, I had my first trouser block drafted in about an hour. This was a real bonus.As other reviewers have said, if you subscribe to threads you probably have read all of this book, I don't and although I have come across one or two articles online, this is a book worth having - no matter what your skill level.

Arrived on time for Christmas gift. Book as expected from the Threads team. This book contains articles that have featured in the magazine but rather than rummaging through back issues it is now easier to just select from the book as all the articles are in one place.

there are better book out thereSandra Betzina Fast Fit is so much better

This is a very good book but if you have the Threads magazines (which I do) then this book repeats all of the tips.

Very good and informative book. Seemed to take forever to get here.