Fitting a Toile- An Essential Couture Skill

A toile is an essential part of the couture process. The fabrics being used are expensive and there would be no room for error. Making a toile allows you the opportunity to fit and plan the garment before you make it. It would save you damaging the final garment through unpicking.

Furthermore, fitting your toile will mean less time fitting your final garment. The markings on a toile need to be clear and can be marked with pencil or carbon paper. Marking on the waist, hip, bust and centre front and back will help you line up the garment when you are fitting. When taking in excess from the front or back, you must remember to check the side seams are still in the correct position. They can easily be pulled too far forwards or backwards. One way to stop side seams from travelling is to pin them in place, if something is being worn underneath that you can pin to. After the fitting, mark any corrections with coloured pencils. Then the toile can be altered and re-fitted until you are happy to make the final garment.