A simple, easy-to-follow, step by step guide on how to shorten a sewing pattern piece to fit your body. Most sewing patterns are drafted for someone around 5'5" so you may need to shorten your patterns if you are smaller than this. If your sewing patterns don't already come with a guide line to shorten at, you can use this guide as reference to draw your own line!
Step 1
Step 2
Overlap the pattern pieces by the desired amount and tape in position. Make sure to line up the grainline and centre front / centre back line. The front/back bodice pieces should be reduced by the same amount ensuring the side seams line up. NOTE: As you bring the bottom half up on the front bodice piece, this also brings the bust dart point up. You will need to lower the bust dart point back down by the same amount. For example, if you shorten the pattern by 2.5cm (1”) you will need to lower the dart point by 2.5cm (1”).
Step 3
Redraw the seams in a straight line, trimming any excess paper or adding paper if needed.
