There is no size restriction on attractiveness. Since sewing is essentially the foundation of fashion, it may not come as a huge surprise that things in the patternmaking world aren’t always so different from those in the fashion industry, which is known to be somewhat restricted when making clothing accessible to everyone.

Dedicated, artistic people who are sick of being shut out of fashion, whether homemade or commercial, have long advocated for more inclusive sizing in sewing patterns. Thank goodness, though, things are improving. An increasing number of patternmakers are trying to increase their sizing ranges in response to the concerns raised by campaigns such as #SewLimited.

Understanding Plus-Size Sewing

Making clothes is only one aspect of sewing; other goals include empowerment and self-expression. It’s a way for plus-size individuals to overcome the difficulties of finding stylish, well-fitting clothing in a market that frequently fails to accommodate a wide range of body types.

Custom sewing can solve particular fit concerns, guaranteeing that your creations fall gracefully over your body. You can choose patterns that reflect your style, fabrics that speak to you, and designs that can be altered to fit your body’s unique contours. You can tailor your entire wardrobe to your style rather than just picking out whatever fits off the rack and wearing it at home.

Choose Looks That Are Ideal for Plus-Sized Clothing

Choose the clothes you want to make and look for styles that fit plus-sized clothing before you ever grab the fabric scissors. This does not imply that you must only wear loose-fitting, baggy apparel. Not at all! Many garment features are especially useful when sewing plus-size clothing because they fit various body types well.

More movement and an easier fit are offered by styles with cap sleeves, looser sleeves, or sleeves sewn to the neckline rather than set in an armhole. A-line clothing is a terrific fit for people with curves who would otherwise require a lot of tailoring because it frequently requires less fitting below the bust. Fitted clothing, including pencil skirts, can also help to soften a silhouette.

Select the Appropriate Pattern

Selecting patterns is a crucial step in the sewing process, much like selecting the appropriate style. With so many patterns at your disposal, weighing your options and sewing prowess is critical. Seek designs with points where the item of clothing can be adjusted to fit a plus-size wearer. For example, princess seams make it easy to adjust the garment in many awkward places along the torso, reducing the need to dart or adjust it in an awkward place.

Avoid scaling patterns as well. Along with increasing in width, many larger-sized clothes also increase in length. For example, if you select a pattern based on a plus-size bust size, you can discover that the garment no longer fits correctly because the torso length has increased.

Check the length measurements before purchasing to prevent this. Changing a pattern’s width to fit a bust is much simpler than changing a torso’s length. Plus-size patterns are now available from some pattern companies to lessen this issue.

Purchase a Dress Form

Dress forms can be helpful when drafting and making adjustments to a pattern or mock-up before sewing. An adjustable dress form allows plus-size sewers to see issues before they finish a garment and make adjustments as needed.

Clothes adjustments are occasionally necessary, even with meticulous measuring and pattern adjustment. This is much simpler to see on a dress form where seams can be adjusted, darts can be taken, and issues can be readily observed.

Plus-Size Stitching Patterns and Additional Essential Items

It takes careful knowledge of the available tools and materials to create plus-size clothing that fits perfectly and radiates style. Although specific materials won’t be required, you must ensure your supplies are appropriate for the projects you want to work on.

Details of a Sewing Machine Used to Make Plus-Size Clothes

The foundation of your sewing endeavors is your sewing machine. Select a sewing machine that can handle the large cloth that plus-size designs frequently require by looking for one with a powerful motor and a roomy work area. Furthermore, consider features that can improve your sewing experience and versatility, such as multiple stitch options and adjustable presser foot pressure.

Organizing Your Workstation for Sewing

Lastly, you’ll want a place to store your sewing supplies. Look for a sizable sewing table with integrated organizational features to store all of your supplies and ideas in one location. Assign a spot to store your fabrics, patterns, and leftover pieces of fabric.

Measurement Guidelines for Plus-Size Clothing

Measure at pivotal points:

• In the vicinity of your bust’s greatest point.
• Your natural waist is located below your ribs but above your belly button.
• The area of your buttocks and hips that is most full.
• Between your shoulders and across your back.
• Measured in length from shoulder to wrist tip.
• Circumference of the neck.
• It is known as your inseam, from the inside of your groin to the base of your ankle.
• Length of arms, legs, and shins measured.

Having these measurements on hand makes sewing simpler and quicker, even though you might not need them for every pattern—for example, you won’t need to know your inseam if you’re making a shirt. Before beginning any new project, double-check the measurements you have recorded.

Changing Your Stitching Patterns to Fit Plus-Size Garments

Standard sizing is used in many commercial patterns, which might not fit your body shape precisely. Thankfully, you can modify it to guarantee a comfortable and flattering fit. Your bust, waist, and hip measurements fall into different size categories compared to the size chart of your chosen pattern. When this occurs, select the size corresponding to your largest measurement and make any necessary adjustments. You might need to scale up your sewing pattern using math if you cannot locate your size.

Plus-size sewing can be fun and rewarding, and people of all shapes and sizes can make stylish, comfortable clothes with a little planning and thought. Ready to embrace the world of plus-size sewing and express your unique style through custom clothing? Join us at Carolyn Wilson Co. and discover how to create garments that celebrate your shape and showcase your creativity. Let’s start sewing stylishly today!