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Achieving a perfectly fitted garment is often the holy grail of sewing and while it may seem daunting at first, there are several tricks that can make the process smoother and give your clothes that custom made feel. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced seamstress, these 12 genius sewing hacks will help you get that flawless fit every time.

Take Accurate Measurements

One of the most important steps in getting a great fit is knowing your measurements. Take the time to measure your bust, waist, hips and inseam accurately. Don’t rely on ready made sizes, as they often differ from your actual measurements. Having accurate measurements will ensure that your pattern fits your body shape perfectly.

Use a Fitting Muslin

Before cutting into your precious fabric, make a test garment (a muslin) using inexpensive fabric. This allows you to check the fit and make necessary adjustments without risking your main fabric. You will be able to tweak things like waistline placement, sleeve length or bust darts without starting from scratch.

Add Darts for a Better Shape

Darts are key for adding shaping to a garment, particularly in areas like the bust, waist and back. If your pattern doesn’t have enough darts or shaping, you can easily add them yourself. Properly placed darts will create curves and prevent any gaping in the fabric, giving your piece a tailored, custom look.

Adjust the Side Seams

The side seams are a great place to make fit adjustments. If the garment feels too tight or loose around the torso, you can take in or let out the side seams to create a more flattering fit. A simple tweak here can make all the difference in how the garment looks and feels when worn.

Use the Right Stretch Fabrics for Fitted Garments

If you are sewing a garment that needs a snug fit such as a dress or a pair of leggings, choose fabrics with a bit of stretch. Fabrics like jersey, spandex and lycra will provide both comfort and flexibility, helping your garment hug your curves while allowing movement.

Customize the Waistband for Comfort

For pants, skirts and dresses with waistbands, it’s important to ensure the waistband fits properly without feeling too tight or too loose. If necessary, adjust the waistband by adding or removing darts or even inserting an elastic band for added comfort and stretch. This small adjustment will make your garments feel like they were designed just for you.

Create a V-Shaped Back for a Perfect Fit

If your garment has a back closure like a zipper or buttons and you often experience gaps or loose fabric at the back, try adding a V-shaped seam along the back. This technique will help the fabric curve around your body more naturally and provide a smoother, more fitted look.

Adjust the Shoulder Seams

Photo Credit: Kateryna_Maksymenko/Envato

If your garment’s shoulder seams feel too tight or too loose, make adjustments by shifting the shoulder seam forward or backward or by trimming the shoulder seam for a better fit. This will ensure that the garment fits perfectly at the neckline and stays in place.

Add a Back or Front Yoke for Shaping

A back or front yoke can add subtle shaping and help with fitting across the chest or back. If your pattern doesn’t include a yoke, consider adding one to improve the overall fit. A yoke can help with excess fabric and create a more structured, custom look especially in shirts and dresses.

Use a Contoured Seaming Technique

For more advanced sewing, using contoured seams can help enhance the fit of a garment. This technique involves adding curves and shape to the seams rather than straight lines to match the natural contours of your body. It works wonders on dresses, jackets and pants, giving them a sleek, form fitting silhouette.

Consider the Grainline

The grainline of fabric affects how it drapes and stretches. Make sure to cut your fabric pieces along the correct grainline indicated on your pattern. Cutting along the wrong grain can lead to uneven stretching or gaping in certain areas. Paying attention to the grainline ensures that the fabric behaves as expected, resulting in a smoother fit.

Use a Serger for Professional Edges

For a clean, polished finish, a serger is invaluable. It trims and finishes the raw edges of your fabric as you sew which prevents fraying and gives your garment that professional, custom made feel. If you don’t have a serger, you can mimic this effect by using a zigzag stitch or an overlock stitch on your regular sewing machine.

By implementing these 12 sewing hacks, you will find that fitting your garments is much easier and the result will look like it was tailored just for you. Small adjustments can make a huge impact on how your clothing fits, so take the time to refine your techniques and you will be wearing pieces that feel as good as they look. Happy sewing!

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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Sewing is not just a hobby, it’s a gateway to endless creativity and innovation. Whether you are a seasoned seamstress or just beginning, there is always something new and exciting to try. From fashion forward garments to home décor wonders, sewing offers infinite possibilities to transform fabric into art. If you are ready to take your sewing skills to the next level, here are 15 must try sewing projects that will not only challenge you but also leave you in awe of your own talent.

Read it here: 15 Must Try Sewing Projects That Will Blow Your Mind

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Read it here: Sewing Shortcuts You Wish You Knew Sooner 13 Time Saving Tips

12 Hand Sewing Hacks That Will Change Your Life

Photo Credit: insidecreativehouse/Envato

Hand sewing can be a rewarding and satisfying skill, but it can also be a bit tricky. Whether you are making small repairs or crafting an entire project, the little tricks you learn along the way can make a huge difference. These hand sewing hacks are all about efficiency, precision and making your sewing experience a whole lot easier. Once you try these, you will wonder how you ever sewed without them!.

Read it here: 12 Hand Sewing Hacks That Will Change Your Life

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