Understanding Sewing Patterns

For the crafty plus sized gal, sewing your own clothes can be a great way to get things in the styles, colors, and patterns that may not be available in store bought clothes.  You also get the options to size the clothes to your specific body shapes.  Choosing your favorite fabrics, details, and trims will allow you to make clothing that really shows your personality and is completely unique to you! Patterns are necessary to learn how to put clothing together and they have come quite a long way.  Many designers now offer patterns and some vintage patterns can create an interesting look.  I have found that pattern sizing varies greatly and they all tend to run very large.  This is a great thing for us plus sized gals!  Here are some tips when looking at patterns.

-  You don't necessarily need to look for plus sized even if you are plus sized, many patterns will contain larger sizes but are not marked as plus sized.

-  Know your measurements, but remember patterns run big.  Patterns can be adjusted in areas so you only need a very basic idea of what size you are.  If the measurements are close to your own measurements then that is probably the size for you because you can expand or reduce the pattern.  

   The Anda Dress pattern from burdastyle.com, a very loose fitting style that can be adjusted.

-  Measure the pattern as soon as you open it!  Many patterns include several sizes, don't assume you are the one that you selected based on the numbers.  Measure the pattern to see how big the garment actually will be and choose your size based on these measurements.

-  Take your fabric into consideration.  Knits provide a lot stretch meaning you can get in and out of them easier.  You may be able to make the overall garment a little smaller because of this.  

-  Vintage patterns run SUPER BIG.  And they can offer very cute retro looks so be sure to read the measurements, get your basic size and go from there. 

 

A vintage style pattern with a dress and jacket.  This marked as a size 20 with a 40 inch bust.  However, it measures closer to 48 inches at the bust.

The DIY movement is huge right now and making your own clothes is very rewarding.  Give it a try and see how you do.  

Check out the great patterns on www.burdastyle.com or the great vintage patterns at www.etsy.com.