Who says you can’t be plus-size and fashionable? Learn how to make stylish clothes that fit and flatter your body. Barbara Deckert draws on years of custom dressmaking and her own experience as a large woman. She teaches this class with honesty, warmth and humor. As you work along with Barbara, you’ll pick up dozens of techniques and design tips about pattern adjustment, fitting and construction. Her techniques apply to any garment, for any size person, male or female. But this class focuses on the unique figure variations and clothing needs of the plus-size woman. It’s about time!
Important Pattern Information: The sewing pattern on which this class is based — Vogue 8815 — is not included with your purchase and may be out of print — check with online retailers. This class is rich in essential sewing techniques, so if the pattern is out of print, we encourage you to look for an alternative pattern with similar style details. You might also be able to find the original pattern through a private reseller.
Class Sessions
Introduction
12:48
Meet Barbara and go over what you'll learn in this class.
Design Rules & Considerations
39:22
Learn about design principles such as proportion, line, color, texture and fabric pattern and how they affect the finished look of your garment.
Working with Dressforms
38:26
Take standardized measurements and measure figure variations. Learn to make a dress form.
Taking Measurements
24:42
Prepare for measuring and learn measuring tips. Discover the concept of ease and how to select a pattern size.
Adjusting for Width
34:12
Calculate and mark width adjustments for tops, pants and other garments.
Adjusting for Length
30:36
Learn to calculate for both increasing and decreasing length alterations.
Adjusting the Bust
43:32
Understand darts and learn to mark and make bust adjustments.
Figure Variations
28:06
Learn to make adjustments for figure variations including a rounded upper back, large upper arms, and a rounded backside.
Basted Garment
43:27
Learn the importance of basted fitting. Join your garment pieces together using basting stitches.
Fitting & Finishing Your Garment
52:00
Put on the garment and check the fit. Make adjustments to your pattern pieces, then learn to make permanent adjustments.
Design Variations
31:25
Discover ways to design garments for everyday scenarios, including work, social occasions and play.
Your Instructor
Barbara Deckert
Barbara Deckert wrote the book Sewing for Plus Sizes to help her well-padded friends create the beautiful, fashionable,and properly fitted clothes they deserve. Barbara learned fine sewing techniques more than 45 years ago from a professional custom dressmaker. For 25 years, she has created custom bridal, evening and career wear at Barbara Deckert Couture in Elkridge, Md.
Bonus Material
Instructions, Tips and Techniques, & Supplies and Resources
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
Can I purchase a class to keep in my collection?
Yes, we do have a Shop where you can purchase classes to keep. Our Shop items are located under the Shop Tab.
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
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First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
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Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Craftsy. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
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Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
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How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Craftsy contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact Craftsy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftsy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-888-891-7203 . Customer Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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