Sew beautiful clothes that actually fit with our plus size PDF sewing patterns. Our collection includes dress patterns, top patterns, pants patterns, and more designed for curvy bodies in extended sizes. Each instant download pattern features detailed instructions with color photos, plus options for customizing fit, adjusting for different body proportions, and creating flattering styles. Create clothes that fit your unique body - customize bust, waist, hip proportions, adjust for full bust or wide shoulders, and make garments that celebrate your curves. Whether you need everyday basics, work wardrobe staples, or special occasion pieces, find patterns for every skill level in sizes that work for you. Download your pattern and start sewing for your body today.
Finding plus size clothes that fit properly is one of the most frustrating shopping experiences. Store-bought options are expensive, limited in style, poorly fitted for individual proportions, and often unflattering or frumpy. When you sew your own plus size clothes, you create garments that fit your unique body perfectly, customize proportions for your specific measurements, choose styles that flatter your shape, and build a wardrobe you actually love wearing. From everyday basics to special occasion pieces, sew clothes that celebrate your curves and make you feel confident and beautiful.
Store options are limited: Plus size sections offer fraction of styles available in straight sizes. Trends reach plus sizes late or not at all. Quality and style options severely restricted. Fit is always wrong: Plus size isn't just scaled-up straight sizes - bodies have different proportions. Store clothes don't account for individual differences in bust, waist, hip ratios. One person's size 18 is completely different from another's. Expensive for poor quality: Plus size clothes cost more ($50-150+ per item) despite often using more affordable fabrics and construction than straight sizes. The "fat tax" is real. Unflattering designs: Many plus size store clothes hide bodies rather than flatter them - shapeless tents, boring styles, limited colors. When you sew plus size clothes: You get perfect fit for YOUR unique proportions and measurements, styles you actually want to wear in colors you love, quality fabrics and construction you choose, flattering designs that celebrate your body, and complete wardrobe for fraction of store-bought costs.
Size ranges vary by pattern: Some patterns include extended sizes in main size range. Others offer separate plus size expansion. Check each pattern's size range before purchasing. Measurements matter more than size numbers: Take accurate bust, waist, hip, and height measurements. Choose size based on measurements, not store size you wear. Pattern size 18 might be store size 14 or 22 - numbers don't correlate directly. Multi-size patterns are gold: Patterns with multiple sizes printed allow grading between sizes for different body proportions - larger bust, smaller waist, curvy hips. Fit for largest measurement: Generally choose size for largest body measurement, then adjust smaller areas. Easier to take in than let out. Individual proportions: Plus size bodies vary tremendously - apple shapes, pear shapes, hourglass figures, athletic builds. Patterns provide starting point for customizing to YOUR body. Plus size doesn't mean one body type: Some plus size sewists have full busts, others don't. Some carry weight in hips, others in belly. Patterns must accommodate all variations.
Critical measurements: Full bust (around fullest part with bra), high bust (under arms above bust), natural waist (narrowest point), full hip (around fullest part), back waist length (base of neck to natural waist), and height. Additional helpful measurements: Shoulder width, arm length, upper arm circumference, thigh circumference, inseam, and rise (waist to crotch sitting). Measuring tips: Wear comfortable non-restrictive underwear and bra you'll wear with clothes. Don't pull tape tight - measure comfortably snug. Have someone help for back measurements. Remeasure periodically as bodies change. Understanding your proportions: Calculate bust-waist-hip ratios to understand your shape. This guides pattern selection and adjustments. Common plus size fit issues: Full bust adjustment (FBA) most common need. Broad back adjustments. Lengthening or shortening torso. Adjusting shoulder width. Adding hip room while maintaining waist. These adjustments become second nature with practice.
Dresses that flatter: Wrap dresses adjust to body beautifully. A-line and fit-and-flare celebrate curves without clinging. Empire waist elongates. Shift dresses with structure work for apple shapes. Tops that work: Princess seams provide shape and structure. Peplum creates waist definition. Tunics with side slits prevent pulling. Wrap tops adjust to bust. Avoid shapeless sacks that hide body. Pants that fit: Wide-leg pants balance proportions beautifully. Straight-leg creates long lines. Elastic or drawstring waists provide comfort without bulk. Avoid tight ankles that create imbalance. Skirts for every body: A-line most universally flattering. Full skirts celebrate curves. Pencil skirts with proper fit incredibly sexy. Avoid overly gathered waists that add bulk. Outerwear solutions: Structured jackets with princess seams create shape. Open cardigans elongate. Avoid too-short lengths that cut body awkwardly. The key: Choose styles with structure and shape - not shapeless or overly clingy. Celebrate your body, don't hide it.
Fabrics with structure: Fabrics with body hold shape without clinging - ponte knit, scuba knit, structured wovens, denim with recovery. Avoid clingy jersey that shows every line. Appropriate drape: Fabrics should skim body, not cling or stand away stiffly. Test drape before buying - how does it fall and move? Knit fabrics advantages: Stretch accommodates curves and movement. Recovery means fabric returns to shape. Choose quality knits with good structure - not cheap thin knits. Woven fabrics work beautifully: Cotton lawn, rayon challis, linen blends, quality chambray, or structured cotton all create beautiful garments with proper fit. Pattern and color freedom: Wear whatever colors and patterns you love. The myth that plus size should wear only dark solids is nonsense. Florals, stripes, bold colors - all beautiful when garment fits well. Quality over quantity: Invest in good fabric - makes dramatic difference in how garment looks and feels. Better to make fewer items in quality fabric than many in cheap fabric. Fabric yardage: Plus size garments need more fabric - factor into budget. Typically need 1-2 yards more than straight size patterns depending on size and style.
Full Bust Adjustment (FBA): Most common adjustment for plus size with larger cup sizes. Adds bust room without increasing overall garment size. Essential skill to learn - transforms fit dramatically. Broad back adjustment: Adds width across upper back and shoulders. Common for plus size bodies. Prevents pulling and gaping at front. Lengthening/shortening torso: Plus size doesn't mean tall - many need to shorten patterns. Others need lengthening. Waist placement critical for fit. Hip adjustments: Adding hip room while maintaining waist fit. Some need full hip adjustment (FHA) similar to FBA. Shoulder adjustments: Narrow or broad shoulders require adjustment for proper fit. Affects how entire garment hangs. Sleeve adjustments: Upper arm circumference often needs adjusting. Length adjustments for arm proportions. Learning curve: These adjustments seem intimidating initially but become routine with practice. Make muslins (test garments) to perfect fit before cutting good fabric. Resources help: Many plus size sewing blogs and resources explain adjustments specifically for curvy bodies.
Muslins are essential: Test garments made in cheap fabric allow perfecting fit before cutting expensive fashion fabric. Especially important for plus size where fit adjustments are common. Use similar fabric type: If making knit garment, make muslin in cheap knit. If woven, use cheap woven. Fabric behavior affects fit. What to check: Overall fit and comfort, ease of movement, length proportions, dart placement, shoulder fit, sleeve fit, hem length, and where adjustments needed. Mark adjustments: Pin or mark needed changes directly on muslin while wearing. Note measurements and adjustments for pattern. Transfer to pattern: Make permanent adjustments to pattern based on muslin. Creates custom-fit pattern you can use repeatedly. When to skip muslins: Once you've fit a pattern well and know your adjustments, can make same style again without muslin. Similar styles from same pattern company often need same adjustments. Investment worth it: Yes, muslins take time. But they prevent wasting expensive fabric on garments that don't fit. Plus size sewists especially benefit from muslins.
Start with basics: Well-fitted basics provide wardrobe foundation - simple tops, comfortable pants, versatile skirts. These get most wear and provide best return on sewing time. Perfect one pattern at a time: Fit one top pattern perfectly, make it in multiple fabrics and colors. Move to next pattern. Building fitted pattern library more valuable than making many ill-fitting garments. Coordinate pieces: Make separates that work together - tops coordinate with bottoms, layers work with dresses. Creates versatile wardrobe from fewer pieces. Seasonal planning: Make appropriate items for current season - more likely to wear immediately. Plan ahead for next season. Quality over quantity: Better to have 10 beautifully fitted, well-made pieces you love than 30 mediocre items you don't wear. Special occasion pieces: Once basics covered, add special pieces - party dresses, work suits, or statement pieces that bring joy. The freedom: Plus size sewing means wearing exactly what you want in styles stores don't offer. Create wardrobe that expresses YOUR style.
Store-bought plus size costs: Quality plus size clothes cost $50-150+ per item. Complete wardrobe refresh costs thousands. Handmade costs: Plus size garments need more fabric but materials still cost $15-40 per item depending on fabric choice and complexity. Dramatic savings: Make 5-10 garments for cost of 1-2 store-bought items. Build complete wardrobe affordably. Quality comparison: Handmade garments often higher quality than store-bought - better fabrics, superior construction, perfect fit. Cost per wear: Well-fitted handmade clothes get worn constantly - low cost per wear. Store clothes that don't fit properly sit unworn. Pattern investment: Patterns cost $8-15 typically but create multiple garments over time. Once fitted, make repeatedly in different fabrics. Skill investment: Learning to sew plus size clothes provides lifetime skill - never dependent on limited store options again. Intangible value: Confidence and joy from wearing clothes that fit beautifully - priceless. Freedom to wear styles you love rather than settling for available options.
You're not alone: Large community of plus size sewists online - blogs, Instagram, Facebook groups, forums. Shared experiences: Others understand fit challenges and frustrations. Share solutions, adjustments, and encouragement. Fit help available: Experienced plus size sewists help troubleshoot fit issues. Post photos, get advice on adjustments needed. Pattern reviews: Other plus size sewists review patterns - helps choose patterns likely to work for your body. Body positivity: Plus size sewing community celebrates all bodies and promotes body positivity. Supportive environment focused on fit, not size. Inspiration: See beautiful garments others have made - proves what's possible and inspires your own sewing. Resources: Many plus size sewing blogs offer tutorials specifically for adjustments and techniques useful for curvy bodies.
Plus size sewing is fundamentally about taking back power over your wardrobe and your body image. No more settling: Don't accept limited options, poor fit, or frumpy styles. Create exactly what you want. Your body deserves beautiful clothes: Not "flattering" clothes that hide your body. Beautiful clothes that celebrate it. Express your style: Wear colors, patterns, and styles you love - not what stores decide plus size "should" wear. Perfect fit feels different: When clothes actually fit your body, you feel different - confident, comfortable, powerful. Reclaim "flattering": Flattering means what makes YOU feel good, not what fashion rules dictate. Body acceptance: Sewing for your current body (not waiting until you're different size) promotes body acceptance and self-love. The process matters: Taking your own measurements, making adjustments for YOUR body, creating clothes that honor your shape - all parts of valuing yourself. Control and choice: You choose everything - style, fabric, color, fit. No more being at mercy of what stores decide to make available. This empowerment extends beyond wardrobe into broader life confidence.
Take accurate measurements regularly - bodies change and so should garments. Choose patterns with multiple sizes for grading between sizes. Learn Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) - game-changer for fit. Make muslins for new styles or patterns - prevents wasting good fabric. Choose fabrics with appropriate structure and drape for your body. Don't believe "rules" about what plus size should wear - wear what you love. Start with simple patterns to build confidence before tackling complex projects. Join plus size sewing community for support and advice. Keep detailed notes about adjustments for each pattern - creates personal fit library. Press as you sew - makes dramatic difference in professional appearance. Invest in quality fabrics - makes you feel special and garments look better. Take progress photos - celebrate your creations and skill development. Be patient with fitting process - perfect fit takes time but worth it. Make clothes for your current body, not aspirational future body. Wear your handmade clothes with pride - you created something beautiful. For plus size sewing tutorials and fit guidance, visit our sewing blog for comprehensive support.
Is plus size sewing harder than straight size sewing?
Not harder, just different. Require more fabric and often need fit adjustments like FBA. But techniques are same, and results are incredibly rewarding. Many find plus size sewing easier because you can't rely on store-bought patterns fitting - forces learning proper fitting from start.
What size range is considered plus size in patterns?
Varies by pattern company. Generally sizes 16-18+ or based on bust measurements over 42-44". Check each pattern's size chart - some patterns include extended sizes in main range.
Do I need to know advanced sewing to make plus size clothes?
No! Beginners can absolutely sew plus size clothes. Start with simple styles and learn fitting adjustments as you go. Many resources available to help.
How much more fabric do plus size patterns need?
Typically 1-2 yards more than straight sizes depending on size and style. Check yardage charts on patterns. Factor this into fabric budget.
What's a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA)?
Technique that adds bust room to patterns without increasing overall size. Essential for larger cup sizes. Seems complex initially but becomes straightforward with practice. Many tutorials available online.
Should I make muslins for every pattern?
For new patterns or styles, yes. Once you know your adjustments in a particular pattern or pattern company, can often skip muslins for similar styles. Muslins save expensive fabric and ensure good fit.
Where can I find plus size sewing community?
Instagram hashtags (#plussizesewing, #curvysewing), Facebook groups dedicated to plus size sewing, plus size sewing blogs, and pattern company communities. Welcoming, supportive community exists!
