Plus Size Sewing Patterns: A Complete Guide
Finding the right size in a sewing pattern can be frustrating when you wear plus sizes. This guide covers which brands offer extended sizing, how to take accurate measurements, and how to understand ease so your finished garment fits beautifully.
Which Pattern Brands Offer Plus Sizes?
Plus-size availability varies significantly by brand. Here is what each major brand currently offers:
Sizes up to 32 in Women's Plus. One of the best-stocked brands for extended sizing, with dedicated plus-size pattern lines.
Sizes up to 32 in Women's Plus. Strong selection across casual, formal, and costume categories.
Sizes up to 32 in Women's Plus. Particularly good for tailored jackets and structured garments.
Sizes up to 22 in standard sizing. Vogue has a more limited plus-size range compared to other brands.
Uses EU sizing up to 60 (approximately US 32). Burda Style magazine regularly features plus-size patterns.
Limited extended sizing. Check individual patterns as coverage varies by style.
Standard sizing only in most lines. Limited plus-size coverage.
How to Measure for Plus-Size Patterns
Accurate measurements are especially important in plus-size sewing because standard patterns assume a specific body proportion. Taking your measurements correctly ensures you choose the right size and know where adjustments may be needed.
- ·Bust: Measure around the fullest part of the bust, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
- ·Waist: Measure at your natural waist — the narrowest point of your torso, usually above the navel.
- ·Hips: Measure around the fullest part of the hips, typically 7–9 inches below the natural waist.
- ·High bust: For patterns with a separate high-bust measurement, take this just under the armpits across the back and above the bust.
Understanding Ease in Plus-Size Patterns
Ease is the difference between your body measurements and the finished garment measurements. Patterns add ease so you can move and breathe comfortably.
Wearing ease
2–4 inches at bust for comfortable movement in a fitted top.
Design ease
Additional ease for style — a loose blouse may have 6+ inches.
Fitted styles
Less ease (1–2 inches) — check pattern envelope for ease guide.
Stretch fabrics
Patterns for knits often have negative ease — the fabric stretches to fit.
Tips for Sewing Plus-Size Patterns
- 1.Choose your size based on bust measurement for tops, hip for bottoms, and larger of the two for dresses.
- 2.If your bust and hip measurements fall in different sizes, grade between them — our grading guide explains how.
- 3.Make a muslin (test garment) before cutting your fashion fabric for fitted styles.
- 4.Buy ¼–½ yard extra to account for adjustments.
- 5.Check the finished garment measurements printed on the pattern pieces, not just the envelope size chart.