How to Make a Shirt Pattern Bigger
Are you looking to create a shirt that fits perfectly, but the pattern you have doesn’t seem to match your larger body size? Don’t worry; you can easily make a shirt pattern bigger to accommodate your measurements. In this article, we will guide you through the process of resizing a shirt pattern to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.
1. Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials at hand. You will need the original shirt pattern, a ruler or measuring tape, a pair of scissors, and some tracing paper or a light-colored paper to create a new pattern.
2. Measure Your Body
Take accurate measurements of your body, particularly around the bust, waist, and hip areas. These measurements will help you determine how much you need to adjust the pattern. Write down your measurements for future reference.
3. Determine the Amount of Increase
Calculate the amount of increase you need for each measurement. For example, if your bust measurement is 40 inches and the pattern calls for a 36-inch bust, you need to increase the pattern by 4 inches. Repeat this calculation for all the necessary measurements.
4. Trace the Original Pattern
Lay the original shirt pattern on a flat surface and trace it onto the tracing paper or light-colored paper. Ensure that you trace all the necessary lines, notches, and markings.
5. Adjust the Pattern
Now, it’s time to make the adjustments. Starting from the center back of the pattern, draw a straight line from the waist to the hem. This line will represent the new center back line. Extend the side seams by the amount of increase you calculated earlier.
Next, draw a new bust line by measuring up from the waistline to the desired bust measurement. Adjust the shoulder seam and armhole to match the new bust line. Repeat this process for the waist and hip areas.
6. Mark the Notches and Markings
After making all the adjustments, go back and mark the notches and any other important markings on the new pattern. This will help you align the pattern pieces correctly when cutting and sewing.
7. Test the Pattern
Before cutting out the fabric, it’s essential to test the pattern. Cut out the pattern pieces and sew a mock-up shirt using lightweight, non-woven fabric. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments to the fit before cutting into your main fabric.
8. Cut and Sew Your Shirt
Once you are satisfied with the fit of the mock-up, proceed to cut out your shirt pattern from your main fabric. Follow the instructions on the pattern to sew your shirt together.
By following these steps, you can successfully make a shirt pattern bigger to fit your body size. Remember to take your time and double-check your measurements to ensure a perfect fit. Happy sewing!
