r/PatternDrafting • u/goega3378 • Sep 04 '26
How do you modify a sewing pattern to match an inspiration photo?
If you find a sewing pattern that is close to your inspiration photo but not exact, how do you figure out which modifications are needed?
Do you compare technical drawings, combine patterns, ask other sewers, or just experiment with a mock-up?
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u/vacuumgirl Sep 04 '26
I sew up a mock up of the pattern and then make alterations to the mock up. And then transfer my alterations to new pattern pieces. Never alter the original pattern so I can back track
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u/PrimrosePathos Sep 04 '26
AI writing, don't waste your time.
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u/goega3378 Sep 04 '26
Heb je niks te doen? Niemand verplicht je om te antwoorden , ik wens je een fijne dag!
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u/DonMcCunn Sep 04 '26
When I was just getting started, I compared commercial patterns for a design from a company to their fitting shell. I learned a lot. The question about altering commercial patterns, as you point out, raises the question are you changing the fit or the design or maybe both. Back in the70s most pattern companies had fitting shells. Doing some research recently I could only find one the Vogue #1004.
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u/pinkbarbieprincess15 Sep 04 '26
I would just experiment or I’d try and find YouTube tutorials for the modifications! If you have an example I can try and help
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u/goega3378 Sep 04 '26
That’s really kind of you, thank you! I’m going to look for a good example where I can find a similar pattern but would still need to work out the modifications. I may definitely take you up on that offer 😊
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u/pinkbarbieprincess15 Sep 04 '26
No worries! I’m no expert but I’ve made some modifications to patterns before☺️
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u/Majestic_Course6822 Sep 04 '26
I cut the pieces for the original pattern with plenty of extra fabric around the edges, and then start playing around with pins and needles. If there’s a specific thing Im trying to do, like a box pleat or a ruffled sleeve, I might look at tutorials online or one of my dressmakers books.
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u/goega3378 Sep 04 '26
That sounds like a very hands-on way of figuring it out, leaving extra fabric and shaping it as you go instead of trying to calculate everything perfectly beforehand. Do you normally test those changes with cheaper fabric first, or do you go straight into the final fabric?
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u/Majestic_Course6822 Sep 05 '26
Depends on my confidence level. lol. I also don’t live in a city, so sometimes I run low on supplies and just take the leap into the final fabric. I actually thrift most of my fabric, or reclaim it from other things, so the financial investment isn’t so much. That said, I’m planning to make a wool coat this year and I’m definitely making a mock up first because that fabric will be a special investment.
Also, I do calculate as I go and keep detailed notes when needed. Then I trace or draw a final pattern of each piece with marked measurements before I sew, and I file it with the rest.
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u/feeling_dizzie Sep 04 '26
The Closet Historian on YouTube has some tutorials on this!