Top Down Center Out: A Lecture and Demo on How to Fit Pants with Ruth Collins

Learn how to make adjustments to a commercial pants pattern to provide a customized fit using a body-neutral approach. 

Fitting a pair of pants doesn’t have to be hard.

Guest educator Ruth Collins will give an in-person lecture and demo on her top-down center-out method of pattern adjustment. This method works for all body shapes, sizes and genders.

Attendees will come away with a better understanding of how to implement top-down center-out fitting across various styles of pants and trousers. 

This event is a lecture and active learning demonstration only, not a hands-on workshop. However, if you wish to submit a photo or bring a pants toile for fitting assessment, there will be an opportunity to participate. This aspect is time-dependent and will be first-come first-serve.

CULTURE OF CONSENT:

The fitting process can be hands-on and may require partial undressing for those wishing to participate in the demo (this aspect is opt-in only). By signing up for this workshop, you agree to our ground rules of using body-neutral language and asking for consent before touching others or offering feedback on fit. We will dedicate some time at the beginning of class to discussing expectations and group norms in more detail. 

LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY:

This lecture meets on one day, in person, on Saturday May 4th from 3pm-6pm.

The Spokes & Stitches studio is located in Firehouse Arts Germantown, at 5231 Germantown Avenue, B06, Philadelphia, PA 19144 (United States).

Unfortunately, the studio is on the basement level of the building, down a flight of stairs, and not wheelchair accessible.

There is plenty of free street parking along Germantown Avenue, and the 23 SEPTA bus stops right in front of the building at the corner of Germantown and Bringhurst. There is also a bike rack in front of Tipsy Cafe, next door. We are a half-mile walk from the Wister stop on SEPTA regional rail.

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?

No.

However, if you wish to receive fitting feedback, and are willing to be included in the demo, please let us know in advance by sending an email to hello@spokesandstitches.com and ithacamaven@gmail.com. Photos can be submitted anytime or on the day.

REFUND POLICY

Registrations are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to a friend. Please email hello@spokesandstitches.com with the name and contact info of the person who will be attending in your place, with at least 24 hours notice.

DO I NEED SEWING EXPERIENCE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS?

It is recommended that you have basic sewing skills and a basic understanding of sewing patterns before taking this class, even if you have never made pants before.