This post is part of Dress Up Party. For contest rules, full details, and schedule, please click here!
Lisa Comfort opened Sew Over It in 2011, feeling like sewing was becoming a lost art. She began sewing at 11 and was determined to continue her heart’s desire despite being teased about how “uncool” sewing was, she says. Sew Over It now has two ultrahip London locations and a worldwide following. Sew Over It currently has 10 patterns available for every staple of the wardrobe, from a simple shift dress to blouses and slim skirts. Lisa and her team make a living teaching sewing and sharing the passion that we all share to this generation and the next.
I have personally sewn Sew Over It’s dress patterns and can attest to their simplicity and ease! Sew Over It has created detailed sewalongs on their website, the next best thing to taking her class in London.
My personal favorite is the 1940s tea dress, based on her interpretation of 1940s design, with a flattering midrift panel detail and v-neck.
The 1950s inspired Betty Dress, featuring a fitted bodice and full, swingy circle skirt:
And their latest, the Cowl Neck Dress (or top!) sewing pattern, which was designed to help a beginner learn to sew with jersey:
The classically designed Pussy Bow Blouse, great for showcasing drapey fabric:
Thank you for reading and make sure to get yourself into the drawing, it will run for 2 days. Remember you will win FOUR amazing PDF patterns from from Sew Over It.
Good Luck!
Smaller on top than the bottom, so always have to take in the top allowing for more room below my waist
These patterns look great, will add the shop to my London list of places to visit.
Shortening the skirt length on dresses as I’m only 5’2″
Take in the shoulders.
I’ll become a great fan of the site since I found the designs really amazing: love all of them!
I usually need to add some length to the bodice/top of the pattern.
I usually have to grade between 2-4 sizes from my bust to my hips.
I have to increase the circumference of the upper arm in almost any garment that has a fitted sleeve.
I *always* have to do a full bust adjustment
I usually have to shorten the bodice – I’m really short-waisted!
Lengthening legs, and grading from waist to hip, as they’re two different sizes. Still learning how to do both well!
I pretty much always have to adjust for my forward shoulders, my small bust and my … prominent behind.
I am queen of hemming!!
I have to make adjustments for a short and narrow upper chest/ shoulder.
Changing skirt length, either way…
I always gave to shorten the bodice and widen at the hips to fit a dress or top pattern.
I have to bring in the waste just a teeny bit. Sometimes I shorten skirts…
I’m working on making the arm holes smaller on tank tops.
Hmmm. That’s tricky as it just depends on how the pattern is built. Colette patterns fit me well in the bust, but are sometimes too big in the shoulder, and some patterns need a touch more torso length. Overall, I’d say that I nearly always add length as I like my skirts and dresses to be knee-length.
These Sew Over It patterns are adorable!
lengthening the bodice and with (sweat) pants / leggings making the waist smaller in comparison to the hips.
Also, the bodices! Being classically pear shaped almost makes this alteration a given!!
I usually have to grade the entire pattern up a size or two. I can sometimes get away with only doing an FBA and grade the waist up.
Oh, and I just graded the 40s Tea Dress up 2 sizes and cut it out on Sunday, so I’m really excited to sew it up. And I hope I win because I really want that Cowl Neck Dress! And all the others too. 😉
always an FBA and usually changing where the dart points
I often have to grade up a size from top to bottom. And I love these patterns!!
Having a small waist, but ample derrière, I always use a double set of darts in the back of fitted skirts & dresses. If I’m being lazy & just want “good enough”, I will cut the hips a size larger than the waist & use the darts to fit. This isn’t always the best answer for every situation, since I only really need the additional fabric in the back & not in the front.
I need to do full bust adjustments.
Shortening the skirt..
or widthen the waist..
When sewing dresses or tops, I usually have to grade between sizes, smaller at the top and larger for the waist and hips.
Rounded back adjustments and sometimes an FBA… don’t even get me started on trouser fitting :/
Always adjusting shoulder seams for my sloping shoulders.
I usually have to take in the waist because of a larger bust and big bottom.
I make 2 FBA’s – full bust and full belly adjustments. Also the ‘just under a reasonable 5’ adjustment.
I usually need to lengthen the bodice and take in the waist.
I do an FBA and also sometimes need to make adjustments to the neckline if it is too wide or too low.
I don’t think I’m particularly short but I almost always have to shorten dress patterns x
I often have to add length to bodices and tops for myself.
SHorten the waist!
I always need to add length….
Narrow shoulder, short waist
I always have to do a forward shoulder adjustment.
I generally have to lengthen the sleeves.
I often need to make a full seat adjustment. 🙂
All tops and dresses require an FBA.
Grading between sizes.
I usually have to grade between sizes for my bust, waist, and hips.
An SBA and shortening the length. Thanks for the giveaway!
I am broad in the shoulders but smaller in other areas. When I correct for that I seem to have gaping in the neck. I still struggle with getting necklines to fit properly. I’m pretty new to making alterations on patterns so I hope to improve in this area.
I usually have to shorten skirts and dresses
I’m 5’11” –> adding length
I usually have to shorten the bodice and the skirt. Going to London tomorrow for a few days. I’m hoping I can find the studio!
I usually have to shorten everything I make!
Definitely a small bust adjustment!
Since my body has changed since the last time I made garments for myself, I don’t know what adjustments I will have to make.
Oh, deffinitely a FBA.
Narrow shoulder/forward shoulder adjustment.
My waist And hips are a few sizes apart!
I have to shorten the bodice.
Small bust adjustment!
FBA! I need to learn how to do a sway back adjustment, too.
Full bicep adjustment…
Little bit bigger waist than the pattern because I need smaller for the bust, argh, thank you, [email protected]
I always have to adjust the bust measurements
Adjust for a D bust, shorten the skirt 2″, shorten the sleeve 1-2″, and grade between smaller size at arm/neckline to larger size at bust and waist.
I’m still a novice, so I don’t quite know yet, but I expect to become an expert in grading between sizes! I’d love to be pointed to any US sites that might stock the Sew Over It patterns.
Definitely shortening the overall length. Sometimes I may need a FBA, but I don’t really know to do one!
such great patterns as always. Thank you for sharing all of these new-to-me designers with us.
I have to adjust to my hips and booty. My largest curves
I usually have to adjust length as I’m barely 5ft tall.
I usually have to lengthen the crotch. I have a high belly button and waist.
I always have to take in the waist quite a bit; my waist to hip ratio is about .6 so it’s always long zippers and extreme darts for me. 🙂
Always shorten….5’2″!
shorten sleeves and length.
I almost always have to lengthen the bodice, since I have a long torso, as well as lengthen the sleeves. I usually also have to shorten skirt and pant lengths since I am short and have short legs.
Shortening the length.
SBA and shorten the length!
SBA and forward shoulders 🙂
I have to shorten the length of my skirts because I’m only 5’3″ (on a good day) 🙂
Sara, I am loving all the Dress Up Party patterns, Sew Over It is AB-FAB!! Just like the clothes I used to wear as a teenager in the late 50s and 60s. Oh for my figure back then. Will be trying some as I don’t think they are too young for me. Keep up the dress and bag patterns, they make my day. Nanette down under in Oz
I have to do a FBA and a narrow shoulder adjustment. Or grading from a bigger bust to one size down on waist and hips. Or both!
I always have to adjust trouser and skirt patterns for my hips
I am beginner in clothes making, so I avoid making complicated modifications. Sometimes I don’t make some parts that are difficult for me (like hidden pockets).
Small bust adjustment is something I need on fitted garments, as well as grading pattern one size larger for hips.
I have a AA bust, so SBA
I also have a full seat to a FSA (full seat adjustment)
FBA (usually), forward shoulder (if I’m not lazy), lengthen torso, sway back
Normally I need to adjust my bust.
I usually have to take an inch out of the back of every dress. Thanks for the chance to win. I just bought the Ultimate trouser pattern, and their other designs look amazing!
Length! I’m tall. And lowering shirt pockets, they hit me too high.
I don’t have any experience sewing clothing for myself, so I don’t know what adjustments I would need! When I do start sewing for myself, I will definitely have to start with muslins.
Length, I’m short!! These are lovely patterns 🙂
These look like amazing patterns. I am short-waisted and have to adjust everything to shorten the bodice.
Full bust adjustment. Every time
The Betty is amazing! I pretty much always have to shorten and do a small bust adjustment.
I have to adjust the sleeves or back because I must be broader shouldered than most in my size.
I haven’t made enough ‘pattern’ garments to have done any! I’m sure the answer would be to increase the bust and make the torso shorter though.
I’m always having to do an FBA… those dang girls always messing with my patterns!!
I haven’t sewn myself a garment yet, but I think I’ll need to do a FBA if I want the top to fit well.
the Length since I am not tall.
I usually have to grade my waist down a size or do a FBA.
The waist – I don’t have one:)
I’m usually between sizes when making a dress. It’s rare that I don’t have to grade sizes in the hips/waist area.
I’m 5’1 so I have to shorten the length on every pattern that I have ever made.
Darts. If there are darts, I always have to go back and forth, altering until it is in the right place. The fifties pointy breast isn’t really in right now, either … These patterns are really great, I can’t wait to make one up for myself!
I’ve only sewn one pattern – the Belladonne from Deer and Doe – since “growing into” my adult figure. For that I had to lower the bust darts and lengthen the skirt. When modifying pre-made clothing, I often have to take in the back of pants waistband, and often grade in a bit on the waist of shirts to accommodate the curves.
These days it’s the bust that needs adjustment….not the same since breastfeeding!
I usually have to shorten the hem.
I usually have to make a few fit alterations due to my sloping/forward/narrow shoulders, round back and hollow chest combo, but most times a wedge from the front armscye, front neckline and back neckline solves everything 🙂
I have to do a small bust adjustment (AA cup!), usually lengthen the bodice by about 1cm, and widen the shoulders by 1cm. Oh, and add about 10-15cm to the length of dresses or trousers and 6cm to sleeves, coz I’m tall. 😉
My “hourglass figure” is a bit thick in the middle so I usually have to grade up at the waistline.
I don’t know yet, not enough experience.
I usually have to alter for narrow shoulders for both me and my daughter.
I add length to most dresses and skirts. Personal preference. 🙂
DarT placement in the chest area is generally an issue for me.