The Straight Stitch is a podcast for sewists who want something interesting and educational to listen to while they work!

Episode 125—Fit Happens: Taking the Fear Out of Garment Sewing

Episode 125—Fit Happens: Taking the Fear Out of Garment Sewing

Fit Happens: Taking the Fear Out of Garment Sewing
Janet Szabo

A flattering, well-fitting garment begins long before you sit down at the sewing machine. It starts with understanding your body, your personal style, and what you want your clothing to do for you. In this episode, we take our first forays into garment fitting. We’ll discuss how to identify the figure features you’d like to highlight or minimize, the importance of accurate body measurements, and the benefits of choosing patterns that are good candidates for your shape and fitting experience. Fitting doesn’t have to be complicated or scary—it means learning how to make the pattern work for you. If you’re ready to move beyond sewing a standard size and begin creating clothes that feel comfortable, flattering, and uniquely yours, this episode will help you take that first step.

SHOW NOTES

Teach the World to Sew Day

Simplicity 8909

Burda 5614

Janet’s Favorite Fitting Books

Fitopedia by Saremy Duffy

Jan Minott’s Fitting Guides, available from the Sewing and Design School in Tacoma, WA

Sandra Betzina’s Fast Fit

Any of the Palmer-Pletsch books

Janet’s Favorite Indie Pattern Companies

Seamwork

Cashmerette

Sinclair Patterns

Grainline Studio

StyleArc

Locking tape measure for self-measuring from Wawak

*****

Janet Szabo’s website
Big Sky Knitting Designs website—Purchase digital copies of Janet’s knitting patterns and order copies of her books.
The ‘Suck It Up, Buttercup’ Blog—Janet’s commentary on life in Montana

I will be teaching at Quilting Mayhem in Snohomish, Washington on September 3 and 4, 2026! Check out their class listings and sign up today!

Episode 134—Finding Your Quilting True North

Episode 134—Finding Your Quilting True North