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making a pattern smaller
blessedtosew Intermediate AL USA Member since 4/16/08 Posts: 868	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/12/12 10:08 AM I used to have trouble sewing jackets for myself until I figured out I was making a size too large. I have this really pretty jacket pattern, but I cut the pattern back when I was making too large a size. Is there anyway to size down a pattern that is already cut out?
SunnyAlta Intermediate Member since 7/11/10 Posts: 261	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/12/12 12:41 PM I'd look at a similar multi-size pattern, if yours is not, & compare the difference between sizes in each area of the pattern. Just because one area has a 3/8" increase or decrease doesn't mean another area will. (Keep in mind any fit adjustments you already made to the pattern.)
Tom P   Intermediate NY USA Member since 3/16/07 Posts: 888	Login to reply to this post In reply to blessedtosew Like this post Date: 1/12/12 12:51 PM A lot of time multi-size patterns have the smaller sizes completely within the larger sizes. So, you can just cut the back again using the smaller pattern size. Some multi-size patterns aren't laid out this way, so I don't know if it'll work for you or not. You can totally grade down a pattern, but you need to do it with the paper version before you do it to the fabric. Essentially, you draw maybe 3 lines parallel to the grain line, then fold out some width on each. Say the next size down is 2in. smaller in the chest, you take out 1/2in. in width from the back (plus 1in. total for the front, and 1/2in will come out from the "other" side of the back). You'd do something like 1/8in on the CB seam, 1/4in on a line through the shoulder seam, and 1/8in on or near the side seam. You'd also need to fold out a horizontal line about 1/4in. through the armscye. Then, you've distorted the back armscye and neckline a little bit, so you probably want to true those lines. Now, all this may be overkill to just drop down one size. At the very least, you would probably want to take some width out at the CB. You would also need to take something out at the bottom hem to match front to back. And to match front to back a the armscye. For a vintage pattern, it'd probably be worth some effort. If you can get another copy of the pattern, that'd obviously be the easiest (and probably best) way to go. Unless you can just cut your pattern on the smaller line.
Claverie Intermediate NC USA Member since 12/23/10 Posts: 33	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/8/12 8:43 PM I have the same question, but have noticed no answer here yet that works for my situation. I bought a vintage pattern (one size only, of course) that is 2 sizes too big. I really would like to make the pattern but need some hints on how to size down. I thought there was a site out there somewhere explaining how to do this ... not even sure how to search for it as there is a lot out there on alterations (too much to read). Here's someone's blog about the dress. http://loweryourpresserfoot.blogspot.com/2008/05/vintage-butterick-3738-dress.html I have it in a size 12, but I fit a pretty perfect size 8.... wondering how much larger the pattern will be considering vintage sizing. Thoughts, any one?
Claverie Intermediate NC USA Member since 12/23/10 Posts: 33	Login to reply to this post In reply to Claverie Like this post Date: 2/8/12 9:07 PM Replying to my own topic, go figure ;) If anyone is reading... here are some helpful links. This question was far bigger than I expected. The last link should be very helpful ... if you like to read. :| http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4368/making-sense-of-pattern-grading/page/all http://sensibility.com/tips/how-to-resize-a-pattern/ http://www.sovintagepatterns.com/resizing_vintage_patterns.html
blessedtosew Intermediate AL USA Member since 4/16/08 Posts: 868	Login to reply to this post In reply to Claverie Like this post Date: 2/9/12 8:09 AM Quote: Claverie Replying to my own topic, go figure ;) If anyone is reading... here are some helpful links. This question was far bigger than I expected. The last link should be very helpful ... if you like to read. :| http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4368/making-sense-of-pattern-grading/page/all http://sensibility.com/tips/how-to-resize-a-pattern/ http://www.sovintagepatterns.com/resizing_vintage_patterns.html Thank you for those links. I will check them out.

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