Learn to Fit Yourself Two-Day Workshop with Katrina Walker

Learn to Fit Yourself Two-Day Workshop

2 Day Virtual Workshop with Katrina Walker

Video Download

Make clothes that you love to wear! Everybody is unique - so all patterns must be adjusted for fit. But where to start? In this interactive class you will start by learning how to select the correct size pattern and then learn to diagnose - and fix - the pattern so that it feels great on your body. Certified Palmer/Pletsch Fit Instructor Katrina Walker will take you through each step carefully and clearly so you can easily understand the fit process. You will practice making each pattern alteration hands-on using half-scale patterns, so you know exactly what to do for your own pattern adjustments.

Both classes come with detailed reference information and practice patterns with step-by-step instructions for making your alterations. This class is a MUST HAVE for anyone who is interested in sewing clothing for themselves and others.

Day One

Our first day you will learn the basics! Katrina will take you through the process step-by-step as she adjusts in real time. She will teach you how to evaluate your pattern on your body (by yourself!) and how to make sure you have a jacket or top that fits well and is comfortable to move in. You will practice hands-on making the needed adjustments for all typical body areas such as rounded backs, tummies, large and small busts, and shoulder angles. These will be practiced with darted patterns.

Day Two

Our second day will start with a review of what you've learned, with a new twist - learning to alter princess seams! Princess seams build on what you've learned working with darted patterns but have a few more steps. Just as in Day One you will go through the process carefully step-by-step as you learn how to make great fitting clothes. You will practice making alterations to both "shoulder" and "armhole" princess patterns, as well as how to alter a "Dior dart" panel pattern.

Required Supplies

• Class Notebook (one for each day) – download and print at least the practice pattern pieces in the back and cut them out.
• Erasable pen/pencil
• Paper scissors
• ½” Scotch brand Magic Tape (green package) (optional)
• Perfect Pattern Paper or tissue paper (regular paper can also be used)
• Clear ruler with 1/8” markings (basic drafting ruler 1” x 12” is fine)
• Pinnable surface for pattern work (can be foam core from office supply store) – This is for practicing ½ scale samples. I use a piece of foam core and glue stick a piece of graph paper to it for a gridded work surface.
• Straight pins
• I strongly recommend The Palmer/Pletsch Complete Guide to Fitting from Palmer/Pletsch. Your class educational materials were created (and used with permission) by Palmer/Pletsch, and of course the book has everythingin much greater detail, fully illustrated and cross-referenced. I especially likethe spiral-bound version because it conveniently lies flat on your worktable.

The following are useful patterns for practicing the concepts learned in class.

• Butterick #6849 (or similar basic "sloper" fitted pattern) -- This is not required but recommended if you want to practice making alterations on a very fitted pattern with built-in alteration marks. You can also use this pattern (or similar) to create a customized “block” (sloper) for designing your own patterns.
• Butterick #6842 is a great blouse for practicing darts and it is very versatile. It can be easily altered to become a jacket or even a dress.
• McCall’s #6076 is a princess blouse pattern that has it all – shoulder, armhole, and “Dior” side panel options. Only available as a printable PDF but well worth having and sewing.

Meet Katrina Walker

Katrina Walker has published over 60 articles for Threads, Creative Machine Embroidery, Sew News, Art of Quilting, and many other sewing magazines. Her videos and classes for Clover, SewDaily TV, Craftsy, Sulky, National Sewing Circle, Taunton Workshops, and BurdaStyle are enjoyed worldwide. She is also the author of Serger 101: A Field Guide, and the Essential Serger Reference Tool. Katrina is a national educator for PFAFF, Husqvarna Viking, and Singer sewing machines, Clover’s Tool School Instructor, and a Sulky Sewcialite. Katrina is the 2024 inductee of the American Sewing Guild’s Sewing Hall of Fame.