Sewing for Plus Sizes : Creating Clothes That Fit and Flatter

by DECKERT, BARBARA

• ISBN13: 9781561585519
• ISBN10: 1561585513
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2002-03-01
• Publisher: Taunton

Summary

This is the larger woman's essential guide to garment construction. Designed to meet the needs of the basic sewer, Sewing for Plus Sizes guides the reader through such important steps as selecting designs, colors and fabrics that will enhance plus-size figures.

Author Biography

During her more than 30 years of sewing experience, Barbara Deckert has personally worn every pattern size from 12 to 32. A member of the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers, she has developed methods to quickly and fearlessly adjust patterns to fit the unique bodies of women of all shapes and sizes. The author of Sewing 911 Deckert has been a frequent contributor to Threads and Sew News magazines

Table of Contents

Introduction	vi
sewing is the solution	2	(8)
You are what you wear	4	(1)
Why you can't find clothes that fit	5	(2)
Good fit makes you feel great!	7	(1)
Sewing: The smart and satisfying solution	8	(1)
Fashion figures for plus sizes	9	(1)
let's give them something to look at!	10	(16)
What to expect when you sew your own clothes	12	(1)
The components of design	13	(5)
Analyzing proportion and line in pattern designs	18	(6)
About your underwear	24	(1)
Listen to your compliments	25	(1)
tools for plus-sized sewing	26	(14)
Furniture	28	(1)
Sewing machines	29	(1)
Measuring and drafting tools	30	(2)
Cutting tools	32	(1)
Marking tools	33	(1)
Pressing tools	34	(1)
Hand tools	35	(1)
Dress forms for plus sizes	36	(4)
choosing fabric for plus-sized designs	40	(12)
Fibers	42	(6)
Making your fabric choice	48	(1)
Underlinings, linings, and interfacings for plus-sized designs	49	(2)
The quest for quality	51	(1)
adjusting the pattern to fit your body size	52	(26)
Standardized sizing is a misnomer	54	(2)
Your body isn't ideal, it's real: sizing up	56	(16)
Understanding ease	72	(3)
A note on pants	75	(2)
Safety first	77	(1)
adjusting the pattern to fit your figure variations	78	(12)
Bust adjustments	80	(7)
Rounded upper back	87	(1)
Large upper arms	87	(1)
Large buttocks	88	(1)
Large or hanging belly	88	(1)
Large neck	88	(1)
Large legs	89	(1)
Swayback	89	(1)
Hyperextended calves	89	(1)
design modifications for plus sizes	90	(32)
Waistbands	90	(12)
Adding pleats to pants	102	(3)
Reinforced seams	105	(1)
Shoulder pads	106	(5)
Closure placement	111	(2)
Button placement	113	(1)
The magic of gussets	113	(4)
Slits and vents	117	(2)
Adapting basic patterns to make other garments	119	(3)
a basted fitting: the only way to get it right!	122	(18)
Basting the garment for a fitting	124	(2)
Fitting from the waist up	126	(8)
Fitting from the waist down	134	(5)
After the fitting	139	(1)
appendix a: fashion figures for plus-sized designs	140	(2)
appendix b: how to find, select, and work with a custom clothier	142	(5)
further reading	147	(2)
resources	149	(4)
index	153