How to Alter Paper Dress Patterns
When it comes to creating custom clothing, altering paper dress patterns is a crucial skill to master. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced seamstress, understanding how to modify these patterns can help you create a garment that perfectly fits your body and style preferences. In this article, we will guide you through the process of altering paper dress patterns, from assessing the fit to making the necessary adjustments.
Assess the Fit
The first step in altering a paper dress pattern is to assess the fit. Try on the garment or use a fitting dummy to determine which areas need adjustment. Common fit issues include length, bust, waist, hip, and sleeve length. Take detailed measurements of these areas, as well as any other areas where you need to make changes.
Make the Necessary Adjustments
Once you’ve identified the fit issues, it’s time to make the necessary adjustments to the paper dress pattern. Here are some common alterations and how to make them:
- Lengthening or Shortening the Dress: To lengthen the dress, draw a new line parallel to the hemline, adding the desired amount of length. To shorten the dress, draw a new line parallel to the hemline, subtracting the desired amount of length. Then, redraw the hemline and cut off the excess paper.
- Adjusting the Bust: To add fullness to the bust, draw a new line from the bust point to the side seam, creating a dart. Cut along the new line and redraw the side seam, ensuring that the dart is in the correct position. To reduce fullness, take out the dart and redraw the side seam accordingly.
- Modifying the Waist and Hip: To narrow the waist or hip, draw a new line from the waist or hip point to the side seam, creating a dart. Cut along the new line and redraw the side seam, ensuring that the dart is in the correct position. To widen the waist or hip, take out the dart and redraw the side seam accordingly.
- Adjusting the Sleeve Length: To shorten the sleeve, draw a new line parallel to the sleeve hem, subtracting the desired amount of length. To lengthen the sleeve, draw a new line parallel to the sleeve hem, adding the desired amount of length. Then, redraw the sleeve hem and cut off the excess paper.
Re-draw the Pattern
After making the necessary adjustments, re-draw the pattern on fresh paper, ensuring that all measurements are accurate. Use a ruler and a compass to create clean, precise lines. It’s essential to maintain the original proportions of the pattern to ensure a proper fit.
Test the Pattern
Before cutting and sewing the fabric, test the altered pattern on a fitting dummy or a muslin (a fabric that’s easy to sew and won’t be used for the final garment). This will help you identify any additional adjustments that may be needed before proceeding with the final garment.
Conclusion
Altering paper dress patterns is a valuable skill that can help you create custom clothing that fits perfectly. By following these steps and practicing your techniques, you’ll be able to confidently adjust patterns to suit your unique body and style preferences. Happy sewing!
