CAN I LEARN TO FIT ONLINE?
BY GUEST BLOGGER, TAMMY PONTSLER, PALMER/PLETSCH CERTIFIED SEWING INSTRUCTOR
In January 2024, Palmer/Pletsch launched its online Zoom seminars and workshops from my studio in Grand Rapids, Mich., where I also teach hands-on classes. Since then, we have had some wonderful seminars and a successful 2-Day Fit Workshop. As we meet with students, we get asked many questions about learning to tissue-fit online. Some of the most common questions we receive: “How does it work? Can you really fit yourself online?” So we decided to write a blog post about learning to fit online. Read our answers below and enjoy an interview with one of our first online students, Carmen Salomé.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
All the information you need to prepare for your online tissue-fitting workshop is on the Palmer/Pletsch website. When you select the online workshop you are interested in, you will see a link to a Bring List. This list includes all the supplies you need for the workshop in addition to all the technology requirements. Here is an example of the technology and equipment you will need for an online workshop.
GET FREE HELP WITH THE TECHNOLOGY BEFORE CLASS
Approximately two weeks before the workshop, you will receive an email from me scheduling a pre-workshop Zoom meeting to make sure that all of your equipment is set up and there is lighting for clear visibility. Being able to see you clearly is the key to a successful workshop. I will help with joining several devices into Zoom to create several views of your body, tackle any technology concerns, and give recommendations for your setup.
At this meeting, I will also confirm your garment size so you can begin the pattern preparation needed for the start of the workshop. You will be sent a video on how to prepare your pattern, with clear instructions as well as a learning online FAQ sheet to help with any additional questions you may have.
once the workshop starts
DAY ONE
Once the workshop starts, I discuss and demonstrate each step of the tissue-fitting process through presentations and videos. Once a step is explained, you are given time to complete the task and then are invited to be seen on camera. The beauty of tissue-fitting is that “what you see is what you get.” So all the fitting challenges we see in person are also clearly seen on camera. As fitting issues are identified, the solutions are referenced in The Palmer/Pletsch Complete Guide to Fitting and demonstrated by video. Students then can alter their patterns and try the tissue on again. It is this process of following the Palmer/Pletsch fitting order—trying on the tissue, altering the tissue, trying it on again, and repeating until the desired fit is achieved—that creates the great results that Palmer/Pletsch students have enjoyed for so many years!
Tissue-fitting is typically completed on the first day.
NOTE: We use Palmer/Pletsch Perfect Pattern Paper in our tissue fitting.
DAY TWO
The second day brings fabric fitting. Once the tissue has been fitted, you will cut out the garment in fabric and pin it together. Sometimes we will have you baste the garment instead of pinning because there is no instructor with you to quickly move pins for an adjustment.
Following the Palmer/Pletsch fitting order, we go through the steps again in fabric and fine-tune the fit. We end the workshop celebrating all the success we were able to achieve and address any challenges. After the class you can finish your custom-fitted blouse and make another in a different fabric for another experience.
YES, YOU CAN!
Having equipment that provides clear visibility for you and me is key. As you set up your equipment, you will want a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror. I will demonstrate how to see the back of your body without distorting too much. As you have your individual fittings, I will clearly describe where to make the alterations and how much.
Sometimes you will need to assist with actual measurements, but my eye is pretty accurate over the camera. Your main job will be to listen and look. Then using The Palmer/Pletsch Complete Guide to Fitting as a reference, you will alter the patterns as needed.
The fitting order and process are the same regardless of fitting yourself alone or working with others in person. Being guided through the process online and helping you train your eye for what to look for will empower you to replicate your new skills on your own once the workshop is over. Because you will be the “hands” of the instructor and the second pair of eyes, you will begin to learn common alterations you need. Seeing and doing for yourself is so helpful in the learning process. When the workshop is over, you can use what you learned on additional garments and continue the fitting journey. Maybe make the same shirt in a different fabric. As we always say, fitting is often more art than science. The decisions you make are based on the knowledge you are gaining. Use the Order of Tissue-Fitting handout you receive with the class as a guide.
Chatting with Student Carmen Salomé
Meet Carmen Salomé
Carmen Salomé learned to sew in her high school textiles class over 40 years ago, but did not pick it up again until July 2017. Since then, Carmen has been sewing for herself and shares her sewing makes on Instagram and her YouTube channel (Carmen Salomé). She is also a “fabric-ista” for Fabric Mart this year. Carmen lives in beautiful southwest Florida with her handsome husband and their pitbull, Dolly.
OUR INTERVIEW
Tammie: Which Palmer/Pletsch online workshops have you attended?
Carmen: I attended the Intro to Tissue-Fitting seminar and the 2-Day Fashion Fit the Upper Body workshop. The Intro to Tissue-Fitting seminar was a great first step. It was a great way to pick up on your chemistry, teaching and communication style. I also got a chance to hear a lot of the terms that you would be using later.
Tammie: Once you enrolled in the 2-Day workshop, what was your process to prepare for the workshop?
Carmen: The description and supply list were very, very helpful. I purchased the pattern on sale at JoAnn’s rather than on the Palmer/Pletsch site, and that’s a tip that I would probably give someone. I knew we were going to do this by Zoom. My computer has the biggest screen, but it’s not in my sewing room. So I had to make sure that my sewing space was arranged in such a way that it would make for a very good classroom, with good lighting and the proper technology. I ended up using an iPad and cellphone, which was really just fine. I made sure that my devices were charged, my chargers were nearby, and that I was close to a plug because you have six hours in the classroom. I made sure the software was uploaded and worked on my device. Having the Palmer/Pletsch book is very helpful if you’re going to take this class.
Tammie: Describe your experience during the 2-Day workshop.
Carmen: My experience was great! Before the workshop, any fitting I had learned was on my own, trial and error. This was a real class. Having an experienced teacher was extremely valuable to me—having you available to explain and answer any questions that came up right then and there. I took notes to make sure I didn’t miss anything. The technical piece of the workshop went great. I think that having that first initial meeting with you to go over the setup was very helpful. I would say, even if you’re a person who thinks that you’re not technical, give this a try because the teacher is extremely tech-savvy. You really walked me through that. You’re very, very patient, and I appreciate that quality. Overall, my experience was great. I want to keep learning and perfecting the process. I really would recommend it! If you can’t get someone to fit you personally, really, online is the next best thing.
Tammie: Were there any challenges?
Carmen: Keeping up with preparing the pattern and cutting the fabric was challenging and something we discussed at the end of the workshop. The idea of having the pattern prep before the workshop was a great suggestion.
Tammie: Have you tissue-fit anything else since you attended the workshop?
Carmen: I did try two other tops with similar results. One top, which was my last make, is a vest that I made with some Fabric Mart fabric. I used what I learned in the class. I was able to move a dart, and pinch less here and more there. It’s awesome!
Tammie: Do you have any recommendations or advice for someone who would like to take an online fitting course?
Carmen: Yes, I would say…
• Make sure that you at least have basic garment construction [experience]. If you are a total beginner, you might be a little lost.
• Make sure you have basic tech experience, but don’t let that scare you if you don’t. The instructor is so savvy and so patient with you and helps you through that.
• Make sure your workspace is prepared for a class. Just because it says Zoom doesn’t mean you can sit in your office. You should be in your sewing room because you’re going to want to grab another measuring tape, or a piece of chalk, or something.
• I thought it would be helpful to have a second full-length mirror or a large hand mirror. I did end up buying a large hand mirror after that class, and I have used it. I found it very helpful.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions because you’re not holding anything up. Someone else is going to need that information also.
Tammie: Any last comments about your experience?
Carmen: I did like the fact that the class is small. It gives you time to work on your project after you’ve been fitted by the instructor, but you’re still able to listen. You can still learn from someone else’s fitting situation.
FROM PATI PALMER
An online class is attractive to many because you don’t have to spend time and money traveling. The time and effort put in by the instructor and Palmer/Pletsch are comparable to in-person classes. We’ve lowered the price a little because we don’t serve you lunch online! In addition, we limit the class to six students whether it is online or in-person. This ensures a quality experience and learning by watching others as well. We have developed the Palmer/Pletsch Tissue-Fitting Method over more than 40 years of hands-on fitting. I have designed fitting patterns for Vogue, McCall’s, and now Butterick since 1975. Tammie, your online instructor, will be taking over my Butterick patterns in 2025. She is very talented. You will love being in her classes.
A little more about your online instructor, Tammie Pontsler
Adding to over 20 years of teaching experience, Tammie has taught sewing and fitting online to hundreds of students since 2020, when the pandemic required educators to get creative to teach their students. With a moment’s notice, Tammie turned her design studio into a production studio and quickly learned how to run Zoom meetings, light a workspace for video, achieve clear sound, create and edit videos, and clearly demonstrate a very hands-on skill without the luxury of being in person with students. Through trial and error and feedback from students, Tammie has evolved into an effective online instructor. You can read more about Tammie and the workshops she offers on her website.
Video production in Tammie’s studio requires a computer, microphone, various lights, and webcams.
She uses PowerPoint presentations with both slides and videos to make teaching clear with lots of close-ups.
She also uses mini pattern pieces to teach the 3-hour hands-on alteration classes in which you learn by doing.
Of course, teaching online may seem isolated, but Tammie includes a comfortable space for her cat. And for Tammie and all of you, there is great comradery in taking an online class.
FIND ALL THIS AT PALMER/PLETSCH:
Check out Palmer/Pletsch on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. We are doing a lot more posts now!
Full tummy adjustment s are found for skirts and pants, but I cannot find any for blouses. The fullest part of my abdomen is 3 1/2 inches from the waist. When I complete a blouse, there is an inverted V at the bottom. In other words, there is insufficient fabric covering my abdomen causing this look. Do you address this in your blouse patterns?ara
Marlene,
Your tummy needs more length at the center front to nothing at the side. If you are full busted and do an FBA, that usually takes care of the issues you are talking about because you get more length at the CF and more width for the bust which carries down over the tummy.
If you are not full busted, then try adding what you need at the bottom of the CF to nothing at the side seam.
If you also need more width, you can either add to the side front to nothing at armhole or to the CF to nothing at the neck, but place the new front edge on the straight of grain so buttonholes will be stable and not on the bias. I hope this helps. Pati