Whether you need to lengthen or shorten a garment, these DIY instructions will teach you how to alter a pattern.

A hollow above the bust or a figure with a lot of curves needs a princess seam from shoulder to hem to give you the flexibility you need for a smooth fit.

Our video tutorial shows you how to alter your sewing patterns to suit you, from lengthening and shortening a dress or trousers, to adapting a neckline, to adding a peplum to a skirt.

If you want to change the pattern permanently, go ahead and cut up the pattern, but, if you want the pattern wider for only one skirt, make a copy of the pattern and keep the original intact.