Many people who sew for their BJDs (Ball Jointed Dolls) often wonder how to properly size up and down sewing patterns. While it is possible to find some commercial patterns that are the perfect size for your doll, it is much more common to need to make some adjustments to store-bought patterns. This can be a simple process of enlarging or reducing the pattern piece, or it may require a bit more alteration. Luckily, there are some easy steps you can follow to get the perfect fit for your BJDs!
In order to size up or down a sewing pattern for a BJD, you will need to take the following measurements:
-Bust
-Waist
-Hips
Once you have these measurements, you can then use a sizing chart to determine which size pattern you need.
How do you resize doll Patterns?
This can be done by splitting the pattern down the middle and separating the two sides by the amount you need to make it wider. Once you’ve done this, take tracing paper and trace over to make a new pattern piece. Be sure to also add some onto each back piece.
To grade a pattern, you will first need to determine how many sizes you need to go up or down. On the pattern, draw a straight, guiding line to connect the “corner points.” Measure the amount between sizes along each line. Plot the next size (or next two sizes) using the measurements.
How do I enlarge a sewing pattern by 200 %
When you are working with a pattern, it is important to be precise in your measurements. You will need to take the measurement from the pattern and multiply it by the percentage that is needed. For example, if the pattern says to enlarge by 200%, then you will need to multiply the starting size by 2. If the pattern says to enlarge by 150%, then you will need to multiply the starting size by 1.5.
To grade between sizes, you’ll need to draw a line between the notches at the different points on the pattern. Make sure you make the same changes on all your pieces and that the seams still line up after grading.
How do you upsize vintage patterns?
There are a few different ways that you can go about resizing a pattern, but the easiest way is to find the difference between your measurements and the measurements of the pattern, and then distributing that difference evenly across the pattern. This will ensure that your pattern is the right size for you.
When choosing patterns to wear, it is best to avoid large patterns. These can often make you look bigger instead of smaller. Instead, opt for smaller patterns or solid colors. This will help you to achieve a more flattering look.
How much does it cost to lengthen a sewing pattern?
The dress should be 1 to 15 inches (25-4 cm) longer than the pattern piece to account for the seam allowance at the shoulder and the hem.
Ready to wear sizes and sewing pattern sizes are not the same systems, so never assume your sewing pattern size is the same as the ready to wear size you’re used to buying. Measure your self with the tape measure sitting firmly around your body at the Bust, Waist and Hips.
Can you mix sewing pattern sizes
If you’re not happy with the fit of a store-bought garment, don’t despair! You can easily adjust the pattern to make it work for you. With a little know-how, you can let out or take in seams, adjust the waistline, and even alter the length of a garment. It’s easy to customize a pattern to get a perfect fit, and the results will be worth it.
This is the simplest explanation of pattern grading- if you cut a pattern apart and then move all the pieces slightly away from each other, you’ll be able to enlarge the pattern by hand and you make a sewing pattern bigger. This is known as slash and spread grading, and it looks like the diagram below.
How do I scale a pattern to print?
We can scale the pattern So i have my pattern opened in adobe reader or adobe acrobat if you have the pro version. select the print option on the file menu. in the print dialog box that comes up, make sure the options button in the lower left corner is selected. in the print dialog options box that comes up, select “scale to fit” under the page handling heading. then put 100% in the box next to it and hit ok. your pattern will print out at 100%.
Printing a PDF pattern at home is pretty much like printing any document. Open the PDF, making sure you are opening the correct one if your purchase came with multiple files. After you choose File>Print and your print dialogue box opens, set the print scale at 100%. Do not check “Scale to Fit”.
What are 2 basic pattern grading methods
There are two ways for grading patterns, which includes the manual and automatic method. Computer software, such as CAD, automates the grading process. It makes the entire process much easier than the manual method and saves time. On the other hand, cut and spread and pattern shifting are basic manual methods.
Hi there,
I completely understand where you’re coming from. You want everything to be a certain way and you have a lot of control over your to-do list. But sometimes, certain tasks need to be delegated in order to free up your time. Pattern grading is a perfect example of this. It’s a relatively easy project that can bestandardized and doesn’t require a lot of personalization. Plus, it doesn’t need much supervision. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider passing this project off to someone else.
How is pattern grading done?
Pattern grading is the process of turning a sample size (sometimes referred as base size) into an additional smaller or larger sizes. Pattern grading is done using a size specification sheet. Grading does not create a new shape, it increases or decreases the size of the original shape of the garment.
Please keep in mind that the average human body changes shape every 7 years. This is why vintage clothing sizes and measurements are often different from modern sizes and measurements. For example, a size 14 from the 1940s will likely have different measurements than a modern size 14.
How does vintage sizing work
Dresses from the 1980s and 1990s are often one to two sizes larger than modern sizes, so you’ll likely need to size up four sizes to find a good fit. However, because these dresses are often figure-hugging, you may still find that they fit like a glove even in a larger size.
This is a great guide for anyone who loves vintage patterns but finds them to be too small. By following the tips in this tutorial, you can resize any pattern to better fit your body. So don’t be discouraged if that cute 1950s dress is a little out of your size range – with a little bit of work, you can make it work for you.
Conclusion
There’s no one definitive answer to this question, as it will depend on the specific BJD you’re working with and the pattern you’re using. However, some general tips on how to size up or down a sewing pattern for a BJD might include:
-Using a dress form or pattern block that’s closest to the BJD’s size and proportions
-Measuring the BJD’s key dimensions (bust, waist, hips, etc.) and using those numbers to adjust the pattern
-Making a muslin or toile of the pattern to test fit on the BJD before cutting into your good fabric
One way to size up or down a sewing pattern for a BJD is to use a graph paper. Place the graph paper over the pattern and trace the pattern. For every inch that you want to make the pattern larger, move over one square on the graph paper and trace the pattern. For every inch that you want to make the pattern smaller, move back one square on the graph paper and trace the pattern.
