A couple of months ago, I was approached by Bootstrap Fashion to try their custom-fit sewing patterns. Unlike with other pattern companies, you don’t have the option of choosing regular sizes when buying their patterns. Instead, you put your own detailed measurements, and Bootstrap Fashion will prepare a pattern customized just for your body!
Isn’t this a great idea? I always have to make petite adjustments when using sewing patterns. Other people always need tall adjustment, short waist, full bust adjustment, and other things. With this system, you don’t have to worry about all of these adjustments!
Bootstrap fashion order pageOf course it is always better to make a muslin first. But for the sake of trying out this system, I made this dress without muslin or making any adjustments at all. This is pattern #41689 Knit Classic Princess Seams Dress With Cap Sleeves.
For every measurements, there is a helpful drawing to show where to take the measurements. Later you can save this measurements to use on other patterns. You also have the option of using standard retail measurements.
If you need further fitting adjustments, you can do so by clicking the next tab. There are options for bust adjustment, waist length, upper arm fullness, and so on.
The patterns can be ordered in several options of output, in PDF to be printed and in CAD format if you’d like to alter the pattern in drawing program. Pattern price is very reasonable, USD2.99 for each pattern with additional USD0.5 if you’d like to add seam allowance.
Each pattern is ready within 30 minutes after the order, and it comes with written instructions. The instructions are however not very detailed. But this dress is very simple so detailed instructions are not quite necessary.
The fit is spot-on on my body! The dress fits exactly like the drawing in the pattern page. I’m quite happy with this result! I think this should be the future of all sewing patterns, where people can order customized sewing patterns for all body shapes.
Pattern is Knit Classic Princess Seams Dress With Cap Sleeves from Bootstrap Fashion, custom fit size
Disclosure: Bootstrap fashion has sent me credit store to use in their pattern store. However, the views and opinions expressed are purely my own.
16 Comments
I love the dress. It looks fabulous.
1) Bootstrap Fashion definitely sounds like something I’d be interested in checking out. 2) That dress is FANTASTIC! You can really see how well it fits and is constructed. Well done!
Fabulous dress – it fits you perfectly! What kind of fabric did you use? I see that the pattern calls for 4-way stretch knits, but they don’t seem to specify a stretch percentage.
I agree that most pattern don’t have detailed fabric information, some patterns even don’t have any fabric suggestions! This dress is made with medium weight double knit jersey. I’d say it has about 80% stretch factor.
Thanks for the info! I’m definitely interested in trying out this pattern and this company.
This morning I opened my feed reader and saw your pictures with the dress. The first thought that came to my mind was: this dress fits the body like a glove! Spot on :D Then I asked myself, who the blogger was. Yeah, of course it had to be someone with great skills and talent :P
Novita, I want to ask a question about bootstrap. Do you know the drafting system they use? I mean what school is behind it (American, Russian, Italian).
Thank you Ana!
I believe BootstrapFashion is in partnership with Leko Soft, who is the creator of Lekala Sewing Patterns. That is why most of the patterns in Bootstrap can also be found in Lekala. In addition, Bootstrap also have their original patterns and indie patterns. I’m not sure about the drafting system, however Leko Soft is based in Moscow – so probably Russian….
Thanks for the information, Novita!
Dear Ana, I am intruiged! What is the difference between these approaches? Tried to google it, but without result …
Not sure what you’re asking
I think Iris meant what’s the difference between American, Russian, and Italian drafting system since you asked about what system that Bootstrap use.. Is there any specific differences? I wonder about that myself…
Hm… This is such a difficult question! Truth be told, never did a in depth research. Just had a pick on a widen known book for pattern drafting: Pattern Making or something. And some Russian drafting books. Every school is different. That’s for sure. Even Russian school has several drafting methods not just one. As I said, I did not do a research – hope someone will one day. I was just interested in bootstrap’s method, since I think it is a very good one :) That is judging by the dress you made.
Thank you, Novita, for clarifying. This is exactly what I ment :-)
From the information out there Lekala and Bootstrap are both partners with Leko Soft from Russia and both companies resell Leko patterns. I had some really great experience with bootstrap as well. The dress fits you like a glove.
This is great! I’ve been curious to try out their patterns, nice to know you had a good experience.
That is so cool! Thanks for sharing!