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From: MaryW
Date: 08-17-2005, 12:13 PM (1 of 10)
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Who sews for the petite figure? I have daughter who is petite (very small) but very tall so it doesn't really work well for her. My SIL will be here next week and she wears girls clothing. She can't find anything to fit. Even the petite sizes swallow her up. What are your experiences with sewing for the petite figure? Which patterns work best?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Zabelle
Date: 08-18-2005, 03:55 AM (2 of 10)
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Hello Mary, I am a petite (5 feet 1") and I have a small clothing size as well. I remember I had a hard time finding clothes that fit when I was in the US, because the sizing is different than in France. Maybe it is the same in Canada? There are special ways of adapting the pattern so it fits, but I'm sure you know how to do that! I'm altering my patterns constantly. It is fussy for a beginner but then it is so rewarding to have a dress that fits perfectly!  I also alter existing dresses: most often I add darts lengthwise to the back and the front. Darts are a great pattern alteration as well. I've realized that everytime a dress pattern doesn't have darts (or not enough), I will end up adding them because the dress doesn't fit so well. There's also an Italian magazine (Modellina) which I've recently discovered; it is great because the sizes are different (Italian ladies are usually smaller in both ways :bluewink . I don't know if you can find it easily in Nova Scotia?  The most widespread sewing magazine in France is Burda and they have a special issue twice a year for petites. Very useful. (they also do that for plus-sizes and come up with beautiful designs for them as well). Clothes that fit a petite well: my all-time favourite is the A-line dress just above the knee. That brings a slender figure out. Think Audrey Hepburn  Or A-line or wrap-around skirts just above the knee, with a fitted top. Also, the oriental-inspired tops and dresses (cheongsams). English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette |
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004 Total posts: 98 
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From: ColleenNY
Date: 08-18-2005, 09:23 AM (3 of 10)
| I am a petite. I use Burda patterns or I look for patterns that say "Petitable" in the description. |
User: ColleenNY
Member since: 08-16-2005 Total posts: 5 |
From: Longblades
Date: 08-18-2005, 01:42 PM (4 of 10)
| Doesn't petite just mean short? So a size ten Misses and and a size ten petite have the same bust, waist and hip measurements but a shorter back waist length and sleeves, etc., in the petite? Mary, can you tell us how tall your daughter is and what her measurements are? Understand if she doesn't want you blabbing that stuff over the internet. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: Dede
Date: 08-18-2005, 11:08 PM (5 of 10)
| I'm 5ft nothing and used to buy size 2 which didn't always fit very well. My answer is muslin, muslin, muslin. I am now a few sizes bigger but still have to do muslins. |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-19-2005, 05:17 PM (6 of 10)
I've graduated from ladies petites to women's petites in my old age.. I am 5 feet even now, according to my Dr.. I guess I have shrunk that 3/4 inch that I always stretched to an even inch.. I even have to hem w petites in pants when I buy RTW..I fit myself better in dresses, but I can usually find a top to fit after being hemmed that is.. I even have to re-hem T-shirts. I have to cut off 4 inches and then re-hem.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: auzzi
Date: 08-29-2005, 05:19 AM (7 of 10)
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My 6-foot-tall daughter takes a Misses Petite that requires the arm and leg length to be adjusted. "Petite" does not mean short and skinny. It refers to a short torso [body]. In general most "Petites" are short and in proportion, except when they are tall [short torso with long legs and/or arms]. "Petite" does not exclusively refer to slender people since overweight person can have a short torso that is in proportion. Women with short legs and a "normal" torso usually wear a Misses or Women's sizing, with only the pants/skirts hemmed appropriately. Shortening the skirt length of a "Petite" will not work because their proportion is different. These "standards" are based on figures collated over sixty years ago. Our body shapes etc have changed significantly since then. Pattern sizing is a roulette game these days - use the actual measurements to fit clothing - not the numbers used to describe clothing. <<< PATTERN DESCRIPTORS > > > YOUNG JUNIOR/TEEN patterns are designed for the developing pre-teen and teen figure, about 5'1" to 5'3" without shoes. High bust position, short waist length. JUNIOR patterns are designed for a well-proportioned figure, about 5'2" to 5'5" without shoes. High bust position, short waist length than a Miss. JUNIOR PETITE patterns are designed for a well-proportioned figure about 5'1" without shoes. Average bust position on a small torso and a shorter waist length than the Junior. MISSES' patterns are designed for a well-proportioned figure and well-developed about 5'5" to 5'6" without shoes. Average bust position, average waist length. Bodices are designed for a B c size. MISS PETITE patterns are designed for the shorter miss figure, about 5'2" to 5'4" without shoes. Average bust position on a small torso with short waist length and slightly larger waist than the Miss. WOMEN'S patterns are designed for the larger, more fully mature figure, about 5'5" to 5'6" without shoes. Average bust position, average waist length. Women's Petite: under 5'4" (1.63 m) tall. Average bust position, short waist length. HALF-SIZE patterns are for a fully developed but shorter figure about 5'2" to 5'3" tall with narrower shoulders than the Miss Petite and with a waist larger in proportion to bust than Womens. Low bust position, short waist length. Marketing forces split the Half Size range into "petites" and"women's petites". |
User: auzzi
Member since: 10-28-2003 Total posts: 56 |
From: Zabelle
Date: 08-29-2005, 05:25 AM (8 of 10)
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"Petite" does not mean short and skinny. It refers to a short torso [body]. In general most "Petites" are short and in proportion, except when they are tall [short torso with long legs and/or arms]. "Petite" does not exclusively refer to slender people since overweight person can have a short torso that is in proportion. I totally agree, but Mary was asking about sewing for petite and slim figures... 
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette |
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004 Total posts: 98
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From: mamadus
Date: 08-29-2005, 01:44 PM (9 of 10)
Libby... sounds like you and I could shop in the same stores and for the same patterns... I have a really hard time finding clothing that fits.... long ago I wore a junior petite, then graduated to misses petite, now its women's petite... will it never end??   even with petite sizes I find that many rtw doesn't fit and many patterns (even petitables) require more alterations than my sewing skills permit... I am high waisted, with short arms and legs, but am long from the waist to the crotch... not at all conducive to the present rtw or pattern criteria... Since I'm sure my figure is not unique, I sure wish one of these companies would take the time to redo some of their pattern standards to accomodate those of us in my situation...just my 2 cents... MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-29-2005, 05:39 PM (10 of 10)
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Mamadus, For the Short waisted womens petite, there is a store that is a goldmine for RTW in casual shirts , knit or otherwise.. Bon Worth.. You probably have one where you live.. Inexpensive prices, (not Cheap--Cheap=junk).. I shop there for shirts, and I really get some good bargains.. Most of their shirts come in petites as well as regular.. I can buy a nice knit tee and wear it with no alterations.. They seem to cater to colors I love also.. I also wear petites in pants.. Usually I even have to cut 1 to 1 1/2 inch off even the petite pants, but at Bon Worth, I can wear the X-L petite and its perfect.. Tees from there, I wear L-petite, not X-L petite..Check it out sometime.. I love their tees because they have beautiful appliques on them.. When I shop there, it gives me more time to sew for the Grands, or get on with learning quilting in my old age.. I'm really having fun..! !
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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