Sewing 101: Pattern Size and Body Measurements Part 2: What Pattern Size are You? One of the reasons that people sew is to get a garment that fits perfectly. People are not necessarily created equal – they come in all shapes, heights and sizes. Like ready-to-wear clothes, sewing patterns come several different sizes to fit all of these different bodies. Patterns can come in numbered (10-12-14, etc.) or lettered (S-M-L, etc.) sizes, just like at retail. Pattern sizes are not the same as retail clothing sizes Ever try on similar skirts from two different brands, both marked with the same size, only to find that they fit differently? Patterns have consistent, standardized sizing from pattern brand to pattern brand. Since you can’t try a pattern on, getting the correct size is the #1 priority. Body Measurements Getting the correct body measurements is key, so it’s important to take your body measurements carefully. When taking your body measurements, wear the undergarments you normally wear for the most accurate results.
Letter to the Big Four Designers (Hot Patterns)Drafters (Style Arc)Passionate Teachers (Cake, Sewaholic)Downloads (Lekala)Software (PMB, Bernina My Label)Sewing Celebrity Books (Gertie) Before I get to my point, let me, your customer, tell you a little bit about myself. I learned to sew in public school, which is another way of saying I am an American Baby Boomer. Prior to June 2012, sewing was not something I discussed with anyone outside the online sewing community. I never belonged to the American Sewing Guild, for example. Since July 2012, sewing is often the first thing family, friends and co-workers bring up in conversation. Did you know that you lost sales over the last few decades? Here is a very common conversation, if you are me. Person: Hey Robin, did you make your top? Me: Really? Person: Yes, but I am no good at it. Me: What do you mean that you are no good at sewing? Person: Nothing ever fits. Me: Sewing is to fitting as driving is to auto repair.
Sewing Pattern Vocabulary Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe via email so you don't miss a post. Hey y’all – today I want to go over a few parts of sewing patterns. Sometimes when you’ve been sewing for a while, you forget that words like “armscye” and “rise” as they’re used in sewing aren’t common knowledge, so today I’m going to break down the basic parts of bodices, pants and sleeve patterns – a sewing pattern vocabulary, if you will. Let’s start with the bodice – below is a basic bodice block. Bodice pattern piece – basically a top for a dress or shirtArmscye – the curve on the bodice pieces that goes around the arm.Shoulder seamDart – part of the fabric that is sewn together to help flat fabric mirror the three dimensional curves of the body.NecklineWaistline Sleeve PatternSleeve cap – the edge that gets sewn into the armscye; also all of the sleeve above the biceps lineSleeve cap height – this is taller for more fitted sleeves and shorter for looser sleevesUnderarm seamsHem
A Few Threads Loose: A Compendium of Lingerie Patterns Lingerie sewing patterns are hard to find. Good lingerie sewing patterns are harder still to get your hands on. Some of the most common web searches that lead people to A Few Threads Loose are "vintage bra pattern", "1940's lingerie" and "vintage lingerie pattern." Here are nearly all of the great lingerie patterns that I know about. You might want to check out "Underwear and Lingerie" a 102 page lingerie sewing manual that covers everything from bra straps to gussets with illustrated how-to's.
E SEW LUTTERLOH WITH ME: The Lutterloh System Symbols Page Revisited The Lutterloh Patterns have always used a symbols page to mark their sewing instructions and pattern pieces. We get lots of questions from users of these patterns that I hope to explain here. Here is a photo of a symbols page from a 2014 supplement of Lutterloh patterns. The most recent addition to the chart is the bottom symbol that looks like an outline of a dress form which indicates these patterns are for very slim figures. You might wonder, how slim are we talking about? The XXL system, which is a completely different system with it's own unique measuring scale, should only be used by those with a bust or hip measurement of at least 130cm. Just remember that both design ease and wearing ease are built into all the Lutterloh Patterns. Now I'd like to address some of the FAQs that are posted as comments to our blog. The photo above shows both a one piece and two piece sleeve. Before you cut them apart you'll also want to mark the grain-line to get them the same for both pieces.
Independent Sewing Patterns for the Plus-Sized Sewist - The Finished Garment The Big List of Plus Size Independent Pattern Designers Am I plus-sized? I don’t know. So I’ve put together a list of sewing patterns companies that make things a bit bigger (plus-size, curvy, full-figured?) This list was last updated on August 3, 2014. Women Men For each company, I’ve listed the largest size they carry (in their own sizing terms, which vary quite a bit) and the largest bust/chest size in inches, since it is a measurement that is universally listed. Since the average bust measurement is 40″, according to Size USA, I’m listing everything above. Women Independent pattern companies bust 41″-43″ Independent pattern companies that go up to size EUR 46, US size 20, bust 41″-43″. Independent pattern companies bust 43″-45″ Independent pattern companies that go up to size EUR 48, US size 22, bust 43″-45″. C’est Dimanche – Maximum size: 44 bust 43.5″Blousette Rose – Maximum size: 48 bust 43.5″Das Milchmonster – Maximum size: 48 bust ??? Independent pattern companies bust 46-48″ Men Related
Professional lingerie patterns and sewing supplies — Make Bra Today I’m experimenting how a georgette fabric works as a bra and brief material. A primary reason why I picked up this particular fabric from the fabric store were these beautiful roses. A lot of them in different sizes and shapes, bringing a real challenge to the design. Freedom to choose the most beautiful ones. I love this part of the process. The Georgette Fabric Let’s examine the fabric a little more detail. Preparing the Cup Cover Georgette fabric is easily fraying and therefore it is wise to minimize the amount/length of seams if possible. Decorating the Briefs It’s difficult to use a non stretch fabric as a brief material because garment must be so highly elastic. The Result The rose gardener’s bra and brief set looks rather pretty, feels great when wearing, but what happens when the set will be washed the first time?
Truly Victorian Sewing School Lazy picnics in the park, long walks on the beach or balmy evenings out with friends: there’s nowhere this breezily stylish summer frock won’t take you! For this fantastic free pattern, we’ve teamed up the lovely lasses from Pattern Runway, a new boutique pattern company with all kinds of stylish downloadable sewing patterns. Wear this little number with flats, with hats, with sunnies and with headscarves – dress it up or down for any occasion and enjoy sporting this seasonal staple all summer long. We made ours in a light, breathable cotton from The Fabric Store, but it also works well in lived-in linen or beautiful, draped silk – play around with different pattern options like stripes, polka dots, printed or plain. Download the instructions here. Download the pattern here. If you’re feeling a bit dotty about the change of season, you’ll love this gorgeous kimono-style robe – perfect for sunny spring mornings spent relaxing around the house. Download the instructions here.
Independent Pattern Companies In Threads Issue 163, Oct/Nov 2012 we interviewed independent pattern designers about what it takes to launch a pattern line. Listed here are independent pattern lines for contemporary garment patterns for adults and children, as well as historical and reproduction vintage garment patterns, and craft, home décor, toy, and other patterns. Some of these independent pattern companies offer only printed patterns, some offer both printed and PDF electronic patterns, and some offer only electronic patterns. If you notice any independent pattern company currently in operation that is missing from this list, please let us know! Please Note: Not all pattern companies listed have a web presence. CONTEMPORARY FASHION, ACESSORY, and OTHER APPAREL PATTERNS (adult and children) Akasha Clothing Company All Dunn Designs Amy Butler Design Angela Wolf Patterns Anna Maria Horner Artsy Crafty Babe Bali Collection Birch Street Clothing Patterns Barb Originals Bettsy Kingston Patterns Brensan Studios Brown Paper Patterns