Welcome back to the Beginner’s Guide to Sewing! Ever wanted to know how to get a perfect fit across your chest? The secret is all in the bust adjustment. Whether you need to add fabric with a Full Bust Adjustment, or reduce fabric with a Small Bust Adjustment, we go over each step, as well as cover the background info you need to fully understand why we do what we do.
In episode 20, We teach you how to do the measurements, calculations, and how to taper the adjustment to fit the remaining pattern pieces. We’ve removed the guess work, making it easier to practice on your own patterns. The best way to learn is by doing, so grab some scrap fabric and start practicing! The more bust adjustments you do, the better you’ll become at recognizing and fixing fit issues. You’ll discover the measurements that work best for your body and feel the most comfortable.
While doing your measurements, be sure to wear the same under garments (shape wear, bra) you plan to wear under your finished garment. An expert tip is to even put on the shoes you intend to wear with your finished garment. After all, there are significant posture changes when wearing high heels compared to house slippers.
We hope you enjoy this bust adjustment tutorial! Happy sewing!
13 comments
A question about FBA from video 20: you said to use your high bust measurement for determining the size to use on back of the pattern for the bust. A 42 was listed as bust on the pattern back and you said in the example your high bust was 42 and a FBA would be needed since you used the smaller size for your pattern because of your waist measurement. Why did you use the 42 bust as your high bust measurement in the example? I thought the bust on the back of the patterns are full bust not high bust. Am I wrong? Is the bust on the pattern backs really high bust? Thank you!
When looking at the pattern, for the bust, you want to use your high bust measurement so everything will fit in the shoulders.
Hey Sarah,
I’m looking for a beginner class for sewing. I need know better beginning sewing machine. Even if I have pay from it
Hi, Cheryl! In addition to our full Beginner’s Guide to Sewing, you can also take in person sewing classes at local sewing/quilting shops. In what area are you located?
Sewing Parts online is awesome thank you Sarah
Hi Sarah, My name is Lisa. My friend has an antique Singer 603 Touch and Sew. I think we have it ready to sew, but girl, how in the world do we thread the bobbin? I cannot figure it out nor she. I sure would appreciate any help you could offer. Thank you and please have a blessed day
Hello Lisa
Here is the link to the manual for the Singer 603 Touch & Sew: https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/instruction-manual-singer-603—603e.aspx
The manual gives instruction on how to wind the bobbin.
I loved it
i love you. i wish i could print this out and keep it near my machine. drat!
Lol – we love you, too!
Nothing like having a visual. Perfect!
loved the video! so clear and informative. thank you for sharing.
very informative