{"id":3616,"date":"2023-03-20T07:45:26","date_gmt":"2023-03-20T06:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sewingfaq.com\/?p=3616"},"modified":"2023-03-20T07:45:26","modified_gmt":"2023-03-20T06:45:26","slug":"how-to-make-sewing-patterns-smaller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sewingfaq.com\/how-to-make-sewing-patterns-smaller\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make sewing patterns smaller?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A lot of people think that they need to be a certain size in order to make their clothes look good. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, all you need to do is alter the sewing pattern slightly in order to make the clothing item look better on your body. If you’re not sure how to do this, don’t worry. This guide will show you how to make sewing patterns smaller so that your clothes will fit you perfectly.<\/p>\n

The process of making a sewing pattern smaller is called grading. To grade a sewing pattern, you will need to make a series of measurements and then use a math equation to adjust the pattern pieces.<\/p>\n

How do I resize a printed pattern? <\/h2>\n

When you are enlarging a pattern, you will need to measure the pattern and then multiply that measurement by the desired percentage. For example, if the pattern says to enlarge by 200%, you will need to multiply the starting size by 2. If the pattern says to enlarge by 150%, you will need to multiply the starting size by 1.5.<\/p>\n

If not written on the pattern, the hip and waist are often marked by notches. Then take a hip curve and draw a line from the notch at the waist to the notch at the hip. This will give you the basic shape of the skirt.<\/p>\n

How do you resize vintage sewing patterns <\/h3>\n
\"How
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There are a few different ways that you can resize a pattern, but I find the easiest way is to write down each set of measurements and then find the difference between each one by subtracting the vintage size from my size. I will then split up that difference, distributing it to resize my pattern. This ensures that the pattern will fit me perfectly and that I won’t have any issues with it being too big or too small.<\/p>\n

If you want to make the pattern smaller, you can do so by selecting Pages and putting in the pattern sheet pages (for this pattern it’s page 3-4, but check your pattern before printing) and then go to Custom Scale and change it to a smaller %.<\/p>\n

Can patterns be altered? <\/h2>\n

A pattern can be altered in three ways: by folding out excess fullness to make an area smaller, by slashing and spreading to increase dimensions, or by slashing and overlapping to decrease dimensions.<\/p>\n

In order to edit the pattern, with the artwork selected, click either the Fill color or Stroke color in the Properties panel (whichever you applied the pattern to), and with the swatches showing, double-click the pattern swatch to enter Pattern Editing mode.<\/p>\n

How do you blend between pattern sizes? <\/h2>\n
\"How
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To find your waistline, use a soft measuring tape and wrap it around your natural waist, which is typically the smallest part of your torso. Once you’ve found your waistline, find your hip line by wrapping the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. To determine which size to choose, use your hip curve to blend smoothly between sizes.<\/p>\n

If you need to grade between sizes on a commercial pattern, simply draw a line between the notches at the different points on the pattern where you need different sizes. Make sure you make the same changes on all your pieces and that the seams still line up after grading.<\/p>\n

Are sewing patterns true to size <\/h3>\n

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. You need these measurements to select the correct size pattern. Don’t select a size based on the bust measurement only.<\/p>\n

Please keep in mind that the human body changes on average every 7 years. This is why vintage pattern sizes and measurements are not the same as modern pattern sizes and measurements. For example, a 1940s size 14 pattern will not have the same measurements as a modern size 14 pattern.