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As a curvy gal, I know all too well how hard it can be to find clothes that fit and don’t just look like I’m wearing a bag. The truth is that women come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, and it’s hard for the big clothing brands to make a garment that would look flattering on anyone. A surefire way to get clothes you love is, of course, to make them yourself! But when you’re sewing for plus-sized women, there are certain things that must be done to ensure the proper fit. Of course, you can buy plus-sized patterns and be done with it, but those are so much less common than standard-sized patterns and have so much less variety! I’ve rounded up all the tips and tricks you need to know if you’re sewing plus-sized clothing, from adapting patterns to adjusting pre-existing garments. Scroll down to read all about it!
Plus-Size Sewing: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re curvy, the way you approach a sewing project might be slightly different, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Check out these 5 Tips for Sewing for Curves by Jenny from Cashmerette!
Your size in a store is not an accurate reflection of you OR of the clothes that would fit you, when you really get into it. Read all about vanity sizing and what to do about it!
Being plus-size doesn’t mean you can’t use standard sewing patterns – it just means they require some adjusting. Learn how to grade a pattern using this easy 4-step method!
My problem with clothes is that if they fit in one area of the body, they don’t fit the others. This technique can help you adjust an item of clothing to make room where you need it!
Often, whether a pattern flatters or not all comes down to the waistline. Learn all about the different types of waistlines and then sew yourself some clothes!
Once you’re confident in your abilities, check out these 18 Figure-Flattering Patterns for Plus Sizes!
What’s your favorite thing to wear that flatters your figure?
Seams and Scissors
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Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to create a great article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.
I just wanted to mention that putting a needle through the thread on a spool weaken the spot where you stuck it in. Do that over and over and you end up with super weak thread. Please replace the pic! Maybe a pin cushion is in order!
Diana – blah blah blah. It is a lovely decorative picture for a blog. Take it for what it is.
Right?!!
Thank you
Yes I would really LOVE to win this BEAUTIFUL SEWING MACHINE, because you see I quilt by hand and I have arithritis of the spine and it is getting very bad, as the years go on, and I need something to be able to help me with my bigger projects, such as being able to sew them together easier, , that I can iron them smoother as well when I am finished, and something that has a really good light on it too.
Hello all, I just came across this website, and wanted to add a couple of notes. I am a pattern maker and grader and have worked on Missy, Petite and Plus sizing with different companies for over 40 years. Each company starts with their ideal customer in mind, and creates an entire persona, career, family, hobbies even what car she drives, etc. This “persona” is the inspiration for the designers to develop apropiate garments, lingerie, outerwear and jewelry for her age, career and social status needs, etc. this is good because it helps to maintain focus on a chosen segment of the population, but also bad because of the same reason, it narrows their customer base. Based on this ideal person, the search for the model/s begins and this is probably the hardest part, to find the right person with the ideal/desired body shape, in a couple of companies had to use 2 separate models, one for tops and dresses and a separate model for bottoms. Missy and petite grading for alpha sizing is between 2” and 3”, for plus is 4” to 5”, a much bigger grade size jump.
As the body gets bigger, the body shape differences are magnified and companies tend to go middle of the road to fit most bodies. So if you are like me with a larger bust, short legs and a short front rise, there are compromises and alterations to be done to most garments.
I hope this helps to clarify why garments cannot fit every body shape especially for Plus sizing.