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Have questions about pattern cutting lines and fit? The information in the following guide can help you with garment pattern alterations. Also visit our Resources page to find helpful sewing articles, techniques, plus answers to many of your frequently asked questions.
Measuring and Basic Pattern Alterations
An indispensible reference guide for all skill levels.
Measuring and Pattern Alteration Guide
blending sizes
KWIKSEW recommends not to cut between or "blend" sizes by cutting from one size to another.
KWIK SEW patterns are multi-sized and each size is printed in a different color. For clarity and ease in cutting or tracing, the sizes of a pattern piece may be placed or arranged different than the piece it will be sewn to.
For example: in order to easily identify the cutting lines and pattern markings for an armhole, the sizes on the front pattern piece may share a common line at the shoulder and the back may share a common line at the bottom edge.
If your body measurements indicate you need a size M for the bust and a size L for the hip and you start cutting size M for the upper part of the body then go between or "blend" to size L for the hip, the side seams will be different lengths.
For best results, find the size on the pattern envelope closest to your body measurements, also compare your body measurements to the finished garment measurements printed on the pattern piece. From your selected size, cut or trace the pieces and then make any necessary adjustments to the pattern pieces before cutting the fabric.
Anytime pattern adjustments are made, check the altered pieces that will be sewn to each other for accuracy before cutting the fabric.
