The Best Tutorial: Sewing Gussets

"In sewing, a gusset is a triangular or rhomboidal piece of fabric inserted into a seam to add breadth or reduce stress from tight-fitting clothing. Gussets were used at the shoulders, underarms, and hems of traditional shirts and chemises made of rectangular lengths of linen to shape the garments to the body." (Quote taken directly from Wikipedia). This explanation is pretty good, but it gives the impression that the clothing must be tight-fitting, and that isn't the case. These days, a gusset is usually placed under the arm, and DOES provide extra reaching room for movement in clothing, and that's the important thing to remember.

I have a couple of patterns with gussets, so if  you've been holding back for fear of sewing this detail, fear no more.

The Portrait Blouse

Gussets aren't so difficult to sew. For success, follow these photo guidelines, step by tiny step:

DONE!!

Enjoy, and PLEASE let me know how this tutorial has helped you sew better gussets.

Have a great sewing day! Laura

Week 4: Making Pattern Changes for Style

Now that your pattern is perfectly fitted to your figure,  you've got a pattern template for anything your imagination can come up with. As long as you don't mess with the FITTING elements of the pattern and final measurements, you can play all day long and skip the trial and error with fit. The trial and error with design is another matter! For this first round, step cautiously while playing around with things like sleeve length, adding seams and neckline shapes, but do play, because this is the fun part!

I've created three videos to step you through the basics:
Bodice Front:



Bodice Back:




Sleeves:



Enjoy!