Successful fitting begins long before fabric is cut — it begins with accurate measuring and understanding ease. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to take high bust, full bust, waist, hip, and key vertical measurements using a standard tape measure. We’ll focus on proper tape placement, posture, and common errors that lead to starting with the wrong pattern size. Beyond measuring, we’ll examine wearing ease versus design ease and how to evaluate the amount of ease built into commercial patterns. You’ll learn how body shape influences how ease behaves and how your measurements help predict the types of pattern adjustments you may need. When you understand both your numbers and the pattern’s intended fit, you can choose size more strategically and approach fitting with far less guesswork. This workshop provides the essential foundation for body-first tissue fitting and smarter pattern sizing decisions from the very beginning.

Toni Ugueto is a Certified Palmer/Pletch Instructor.