I pinned a garment on a client but was not able to complete the job.  Another person prepared and sewed the garments.  I had discussed what needed to be done however not everyone works the same way.

For those of you who have my book, you will know what I mean when I say that I measure where my pins are.  I always say, "where I pin is where I sew", and I mean that literally.  I take down the measurements like a carpenter.

In Victorian times, the standard way to alter a garment is to turn the garment inside out and rub a chalk or pencil over the pin on the inside.  When the garment is ready to be sewn, they sew over the chalk or pencil mark.  This old fashioned method fitting clothes is not accurate.  It will be close, and if close is what you want fine.  But if accurate is what you want, consider my method.

Let me explain why this will not always work.  Notice that I say “not always” work.  If the seam is in the center and the pins are in the exact position either side of the seam, then it will work, but how many people pin with the seam in the center?  Not everyone.

Try the exercise yourself.  Take a garment that needs to be taken in both sides.  Pin a garment with the seam just a little off center.  Turn the garment inside out and chalk the pins.  Before you take your pins out, use my technique for writing down your measurements.  Now take your pins out.  Place the seam flat and sew down the chalk mark.  In all likelihood you have made the garment too tight on one side and not tight enough on the opposite side.  The garment will not be even both sides.

How often do you hear that people have taken a garment to an alteration shop and it was taken in too much or not enough?  That is because the above scenario has happened.

If you want to give your customers 100% accuracy, use the technique in my book “Clothing Alteration Secrets Revealed 3rd Edition”.

Happy altering
Judith Turner