I’ve been sewing for years, but now I’m having trouble — sewing for my plus-sized daughter. I use off-the-rack patterns. She’s 10 and sizes out at approx. a children’s 18 1/2. I’ve adjusted the paper patterns using the usual cut and/or fold techniques and the results are less than stellar. Her shoulders are just too narrow — or her body is just too wide — for the pattern. She’s quite tall for her age, so I’ve experimented with petite adult sizes, but since she has no bust or waist these have not been successful either. I’ve been to the mall to try ready-to-wear for some ideas, but unfortunately we’re having no luck there either. The funny thing is she’s definitely overweight, but I wouldn’t call her awfully fat if you know what I mean. She has a big stomach and a big rear end. You’d think skirts and tops would be a snap to alter and sew but I’ve recently turned out a spate of not-too-attractive garments. School starts too soon — any help out there?
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Replies
Have you considered pattern making software, where you input the person's measurements and custom design the pattern (hopefully) to fit? Wild Ginger has software for women (Pattern Master Boutique), for men (Tailor Made) and for children (Child's Play). You might want to email them with the exact message you posted here and ask their opinion. They seem to be very responsive. It's an investment, though, so you would probably want to look into it very carefully. Possibly, your daughter would outgrow the children's software (Child's Play) quickly and you wouldn't get much use from it.
http://www.wildginger.com
I came across this site a few months ago although I can't exactly remember how since I wasn't looking for plus sized children's information. http://plussizechildren.com/ Maybe you will find some helpful ideas there.
THANK YOU for this site! I think it's going to save us so much agony!!!!! Gretchen
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