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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: suzan
Date: 11-20-2005, 12:36 AM (1 of 18)
Can anyone help me out with this? I have a pattern that I really like but it is 2 sizes too small. I need a size 16 and it is a size 12. I figure if I add 3/4 inches to the side seams and center front that will be ok to enlarge there (?) but what about the shoulders and armholes? Neckline? Would I just add the same amount there as well? I know the best would be to buy the proper size but I am not in a country where we can just go out and buy a pattern. I don't think I have ever seen them here. :whacky: Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks.

Suzan
User: suzan
Member since: 03-05-2002
Total posts: 22
From: Kitty3
Date: 11-20-2005, 08:44 AM (2 of 18)
I like Nancy Zieman's book Fitting Finesse. She has a great method on enlarging patterns.
Kitty3
User: Kitty3
Member since: 08-13-2005
Total posts: 17
From: paroper
Date: 11-21-2005, 08:55 AM (3 of 18)
No, the amounts at the top of the shoulders, at the points of the arm holes, going into the arm holes, etc are much different. Those areas will be a fraction of the amount you will add to the rest of the garment. There are some structural changes at the top and there is a feathering out effect at the bottom. If you have a three size pattern, pref. one that has the 12, 14 ,16, 18 sizes, you might be able to take the measurments from those.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: paroper
Date: 11-21-2005, 08:56 AM (4 of 18)
Adding some inches to the hips, bust or waist would be a different procedure from changing dress sizes. Also, the sizing is not typically added at the center front or back. Neckline changes are taken care of at the shoulders.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: MaryW
Date: 11-21-2005, 08:57 AM (5 of 18)
There may be some help for you here. Kathleen really knows her fitting.
http://www.sew-whats-new.com/petite-plus/index.shtml
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: debsews
Date: 11-21-2005, 09:32 AM (6 of 18)
Thanks Mary, I've added this to my favorites. I've only tried to make a couple of things for myself and always end up with the rest of the garment too big trying to get the bust line right. When I try again I can use this to try and refit the pattern. I love this forum! So many helpful things you don't even ask about!
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005
Total posts: 254
From: suzan
Date: 11-22-2005, 12:21 AM (7 of 18)
Thanks everyone. I am going to give this a try. I guess I will just count it as a learning experience this time around.
User: suzan
Member since: 03-05-2002
Total posts: 22
From: paroper
Date: 11-22-2005, 08:37 AM (8 of 18)
Although you may need a larger pattern for this project, it sounds like you need to look into a guide for making full bust adjustments. The patterns can be altered nicely. It allows fo the shoulders and the body of the dress to be a smaller size but allows you to adjust the pattern to fit your bust. Most patterns are made for a B cup which is nice for some people, but Dolly Parton would never find a proper fit in am "average" size pattern without a full bust adjustment, and many other women would be in the same boat.

The beauty of the current way patterns are marketed now is that it also allows you to make one size in the top, another in the bottom and something else in between without a lot of major alterations.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: LauraM62
Date: 11-28-2005, 08:11 AM (9 of 18)
Palmer/Pletsch has a great book on fitting called 'Fit For Real People (http://www.palmerpletsch.com/store/)'. Although it doesn't go directly into the grading of the pattern it does go into depth of the fitting of a pattern, alterations, including wonderful detail of the full bust adjustment. :bluesmile
LauraM
SW Indiana

If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003
Total posts: 246
From: Charlaine Caden
Date: 03-01-2006, 09:30 PM (10 of 18)
Hi i'm new to this message bord. I have an adult son that is incountent. and is forced to where nappies 24/7. He came to me and asked me if i could make him a number of onesies for hime so that he can be alittle more active at work. and not fear his nappies showing. Since this happened to him he has been very depressed because From what I can guess is that he is teased baddly because of them. AT least the army let him stay in. so can anyone help.
User: Charlaine Caden
Member since: 03-01-2006
Total posts: 4
From: paroper
Date: 03-02-2006, 02:12 AM (11 of 18)
Oh, what a difficult thing to live with! It is sad enough if it is the result of an accident or medical condition, but if it happens to be the result of military service, those guys need to be ashamed of themselves!!!!

Have you considered using a tall man's t-shirt? The tall men's shirts are a whole lot longer, but the same size around so that you might not need to have a fastener in the lower region which I think would make them a lot more comfortable. My 6'4 husband's t kept coming out of his pants until I bought him the tall t's and they work great. They are reasonable at Penney's and I imagine that they can be purchased at some of the big/tall catalogs and Sears.

They might be long enough your wouldn't need to add fabric if you wanted them to snap, but if you did, you might be able to use the crotch area of a pair of pj's or boxer shorts to adapt something that could added to the bottom of the t's and snapped in the crotch. I think the snap/gripper tape is about one of the best things since sliced bread!
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Charlaine Caden
Date: 03-04-2006, 02:25 AM (12 of 18)
We tried that but it only works if he wears disposable nappies. But he is like me and old fashend and would rather wear cloth nappies with the plastic panties. He know where to buy the nappies and I have looked but they don't carry the shirts in the colour he is required to wear and they are not dieable.
User: Charlaine Caden
Member since: 03-01-2006
Total posts: 4
From: Sancin
Date: 03-04-2006, 03:34 AM (13 of 18)
How big a man is your son? If you could find a woman's shirt that buttons in the bottom (forget the name) perhaps you could take a pattern from that. As these shirts haven't been around for awhile as women are now exposing their middles, perhaps you could find one at consignment or goodwill shop. If any shirt you find isn't long enough you could cut it up and add something in the middle. Or what about using leotards for a pattern or even wearing leotards? I believe you can get men's. I feel for your son. It is so frustrating to have clothes that are uncomfortable.

Doesn't the army have outfitters?

Good luck and let us know how you make out. I think this is probably not an uncommon problem.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005
Total posts: 895
From: Charlaine Caden
Date: 03-09-2006, 04:47 PM (14 of 18)
he is 6' tell. he tried to get help from the army but they just gave him a larger allowence for clothing. as for the woman version of the peise i have not found any i had been looking. all i find is in the naughty section and their not something i can use for patern really. i have found some online but thier either too much money to buy or they done in kids paterns. i dont know what to do. makeing his wedding dress was easier. ( yes on a bet he wore the gown she the tux) he's a nut and i love him
User: Charlaine Caden
Member since: 03-01-2006
Total posts: 4
From: paroper
Date: 03-09-2006, 05:27 PM (15 of 18)
Given the situation, it is great that he has a good sense of humor.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Charlaine Caden
Date: 03-12-2006, 07:49 AM (16 of 18)
Yes that i do admit he does have one of. But I will admit it could be said that he is more of a woman than I. He is a good man and a strong man But he has a love of dresses and lord help me he has more than i do and ontop of that looks better in them then I ever could. I love him to death.
User: Charlaine Caden
Member since: 03-01-2006
Total posts: 4
From: cat42
Date: 03-27-2006, 01:03 PM (17 of 18)
Threads magazine had a great article on pattern grading, that you might want to consult (June/July 2002, pp 66-70). If you only need to go up one size, you can often do that with a bust enlargement (The Palmer-Pletsch book 'Fit for Real People' has excellent instructions for this!) and adding a bit at the sideseam for the waist and hips. But going up 2 or more sizes is more tricky. Do not add at the center back/center front, as that can ruin the neckline and also fit at the bust and hip. Best to find out WHERE you need the additional width, then slash the pattern at that point and spread. This is where pattern grading guidelines become very helpful. You might also benefit from buying a basic dress pattern (or fitting shell) that includes 3 sizes in one pattern (like 10-12-14 or 14-16-18). This will allow you to visualize how patterns are modified as they go up one or two sizes. You can then apply this to your small-size pattern.
User: cat42
Member since: 03-27-2006
Total posts: 2
From: Carol in ME
Date: 05-01-2006, 07:44 AM (18 of 18)
Kwik Sew makes a pattern for men's bodysuit - 3029.

I'm not clear on what you want....A bodysuit, or a shirt with bodysuit bottom so his garment is covered.
User: Carol in ME
Member since: 01-27-2003
Total posts: 105
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