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P4P University – Intended Fit vs. Preferred Fit

November 16, 2020


One of the huge benefits to making your own clothing is having finished garments that fit just the way you like! Sometimes it takes a little trial and error, adjustments, or blending of sizes to find the perfect fit for you, and other times the pattern is designed exactly the way you like it. Today we are going to dig into the intended fit of a pattern versus your fit preferences (which sometimes differ from the intended fit).

Intended Fit

First, let’s talk about what intended fit means. The intended fit is how the pattern is designed, by the pattern designer, to fit your body. It is based on sizing using your current measurements, the use of fabrics suggested in the pattern, and using the given seam allowances. These factors all play a role in obtaining the intended fit of a given pattern.

A great way to see the intended fit of a pattern across all sizes, would be to view the listing photos on the website as well as the album in the P4P Facebook Group. Both of these options show photos of the garments made by the pattern testers. All testers are required to make the patterns as designed, for their measurements, without any modifications.

Preferred Fit

When it comes to preferred fit, it is pretty much exactly how it sounds: how you like your clothes to fit. Maybe you like your sleeves extra long or for your shirts to always hit right at your hip bone. It could be that you don’t like high necklines or you would like the skirts of your dresses to be extra full. For me, I am more comfortable in clothing that fit a bit loose around my stomach.

The Slim Fit Raglan is the perfect example for my intended fit vs. preferred fit comparison. The SFR is one of my most made patterns because I just adore the shape and style. It is intended to be semi-fitted and allows a wide range of fabric choices. You can see how the pattern is intended to fit me in the photo on the left (purple sleeves). I made the pattern based on my measurements, in my correct size, and followed the pattern exactly. It’s a super cute and comfy but is a little more fitted around my waist than I prefer.

If you are making a pattern for the first time, I always recommend making a muslin (or a practice version) before cutting into your favorite fabrics. If you make the pattern as intended, you are then able to decide if you would like to make adjustments and where. For my SFR, I decided to grade to the next size up from the bust down. This allowed me to keep all of my favorite things about the pattern but also provide a fit that I really felt good in.

Some things to remember when striving for that perfect fit:

  • Am I measuring myself correctly? P4P University has a great post, if you need some help.
  • Is my pattern printed correctly? Always double check that 2″ square.
  • Am I using the right kind of fabric for this particular pattern? The patterns always list recommended fabrics and you can also check out the tester photos to see how those fabric types look with the pattern. If you are using fabrics types that are outside of the suggested ones, you may need to make other adjustments to get the intended fit.
  • Lastly, am I using the proper seam allowance? You won’t believe what a difference, 1/4″ all around makes if you miss this one.

I hope this helps you determine how a pattern is intended to fit and encourages you to make them your own and feel great in everything you make!

 

 

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#p4pRaglanWeek Winner

September 29, 2016

Well, ya’ll ROCKED IT during #p4pRaglanWeek! From the all littles looking adorable in their new Jolly Rogers to you stylish ladies in your gorgeous Relaxed and Slim Fit Raglans– you gals (and maybe a few gentlemen?) knocked it out of the park this week. But compliments aside, it’s now time to get down to business and announce the winner. This was not easy to pick just one, so we had to include some of our favorites first…

Most Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice aka Fall is Here: Elisabeth Breckly

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Best Real-Life Models: Amanda Hinson

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Most Enthusiasm: Britina Gilkey

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Best Use of Blog Hacks: Brenna Rassmann

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Annnnnnnnnnnnd now, drumroll please! The winner of #p4pRaglanWeek is…

Most Ohhh’s and Ahhh’s: Tasha Gray

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Girl- you nailed #p4pRaglanweek! You were the clear winner not only on Facebook with your insane amount of “likes”, but more importantly, in the eyes of your little girl… Just look at the smile as she’s looking up at you! Congrats on being our winner for Raglan Week. Thank you to everyone who entered. It was so great to see your creations. And just because Raglan Week is over, it doesn’t mean you have to stop sharing- we love seeing what you come up with. So keep posting those raglans!

~Erinn

Filed Under: Announcement, Contest/Giveaway 1 Comment

NEW Pattern Release :: The Women’s Slim Fit Raglan

January 12, 2016

Hooray!  It’s a Patterns for Pirates release day!
The Slimfit Raglan is exactly what everyone has been begging for.  It is a super quick sew, has a feminine fit and super flattering on all body types.  It is a classic look with trendy and modern options to choose from.
listing pictures 1
And like all P4P patterns, it is PACKED full of options!  Includes sleeve options of short, 3/4 hemmed or banded, long hemmed or banded, so you can wear this year round. Has both shirt length (hits at mid-booty) and tunic length (hitting below booty–perfect to wear with leggings) so you can pair with all kinds of bottoms perfectly. Both lengths have a hemmed or banded option. Also includes a curved hem option.

This raglan also fits with our Raglan Add On Pack and combined can give you endless options!

Here’s a handful of photos from our AMAZING testers.  If you want to see more (and to learn what size, options and fabric they used) head over to the Patterns for Pirates Facebook Group!











The Slimfit Raglan is on sale through the end of the week and also comes with the option to bundle it with the Add-On pack.  Can’t wait to see what you make!  Don’t forget to share it in the P4P Facebook group with us!

Filed Under: Pattern Release 3 Comments

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