Replies

1. 
   lou19 | Feb 27, 2011 03:27pm | #1

   You need to find a fabric similiar in weight to your fashion fabric.

2. 
   decoratrice | Feb 28, 2011 06:48pm | #2

   I agree with the previous reply--choose a cheaper fabric that you don't hate, similar in weight and drape to your fashion fabric.  Then try out the pattern.  In the best case, you will see the simple adjustments that need to be made, and have a bonus garment.  Some of my favorite garments are my "wearable muslins".  For something that needs careful fitting, like a jacket or slacks, you really will need someone to help with marking and pinning.  Kenneth King has done articles on fitting muslins in the last few issues of  Threads that are marvels of clarity and logic.  Good luck!

3. 
   lauriehodges | Mar 02, 2016 03:13pm | #3

   Old bed sheets or bed sheets from a thrift shop make good inexpensive "muslin" for blouses or other items using lightweight fabric. It also drapes similar to rayon chablis.  

4. 
   carolfresia | Mar 21, 2016 05:28pm | #4

   Hi, NJean,

   You can fit a muslin on yourself! It's a little more tedious than having someone else pin for you, but you can do it.

   A cellphone camera is a really helpful tool, along with a full-length mirror. Shoot pictures of yourself, front and back, to get an idea of the muslin's fit. Assess where you think you need to take in or let out, and either stick a pin in or mark with a marker, provisionally. Take off the garment, pin it more carefully and accurately, try it on, and repeat. You'll get closer each time, and while this will take a few ons and offs of the garment, you'll gain a better understanding of the fit you're aiming for. When you're close to the fit you like, baste the adjustments, and check the fit. At this point, you might want to go into the "wearable muslin" phase, using an inexpensive fabric similar to your "good" fabric, to see how the garment works when completed.

   Once you've successfully fitted a garment, you can use that pattern over and over again--and make style and design changes to it without having to do a lot more fitting.

   For a very detailed class on this process, consider Sarah Veblen's "Create a Master Skirt Pattern" and "Create a Master Bodice Pattern" videos (TauntonStore.com). I love Sarah's approach to this: You need to invest some time in fitting the master pattern, but after that, all your work can be focused on design and creativity!

   Carol Fresia, Threads Technical Editor.