Fit Without Fear

DATE & TIME:

Thursday, September 3, 2026 — 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Don’t have a sewing machine? Contact our machine department to learn about class specials.

CLASSROOM COURTESY:

For the comfort of all students, please avoid wearing perfume, cologne, or heavily scented products when attending classes. Your consideration helps everyone have a safe and enjoyable experience.

SKILL LEVEL:

Ambitious Beginner — should have basic sewing skills; having made a garment is helpful but not required.

📋 SUPPLY LIST:

Click here to view the supply list

No machine needed for this session — just give the supply list a quick glance and come ready to explore ideas and possibilities.

About This Class

Very few sewists can sew a garment straight from the pattern envelope and achieve a perfect fit — but the good news is that most fitting issues can be solved with a handful of approachable adjustments. In this empowering workshop, you’ll learn how to understand your body’s unique shape, evaluate patterns more effectively, and make informed choices that lead to better‑fitting garments.

What We’ll Cover

This class introduces the fundamentals of garment fitting so you can sew with confidence rather than frustration. We’ll explore:

• Identifying your personal figure features and choosing flattering silhouettes
• Why body measurements matter more than pattern sizes
• Understanding wearing ease and design ease
• Choosing patterns that work well for your body and sewing goals
• Common pattern adjustments (FBA/SBA, length/width changes, bicep adjustments, and more)
• Using tracing paper and drafting tools to preserve original patterns
• The purpose and value of sewing a muslin before cutting into fashion fabric

Whether you're new to garment fitting or looking to strengthen your foundation, this class will help you develop the skills to create clothing that fits comfortably and looks great.

Continue your learning:
Pattern Hacking & Frankenpatterning
Knitting Skill Builder
Basics of Lace knitting

Materials Included

• Classroom tools for demonstration
• Fitting reference handouts (if provided by instructor)

Class Policies & Helpful Notes

Timing may vary slightly depending on student needs.

Class Cancellation Policy: To receive a refund or credit for a class, cancellation must occur 7 days prior to class date.

Help us keep this class on the calendar!
This class needs a minimum of 5 students to run. If we’re below that number one week before class, the session may be cancelled. Early registration makes a big difference.

Instructor

Janet Szabo
Janet is a lifelong maker, educator, and designer with deep expertise in garment construction, knitting, and creative problem‑solving. She brings a warm, encouraging teaching style shaped by decades of experience — from publishing books and producing her podcast The Straight Stitch to teaching nationally at Sew Expo and for guilds across the country. Her classes blend technical clarity with a supportive, confidence‑building approach that helps students grow their skills and enjoy the process of making.