Inclusive Sizing - Sewing Patterns

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First, some context: I started sewing because I have been super frustrated with the available options for plus size clothing. I don’t fit the “ideal body shape” for plus size brands, and frankly I’m fucking tired of cold shoulders, three-quarter sleeves, oversized floral tunics, and infantilizing Disney fandom.

I started sewing and then quickly realized that most patterns don’t come in my size, either. I started to learn pattern drafting by necessity, but also I’ve found some brands that either already have a larger size range, or are expanding their offerings. I’m writing this down so that the next time someone asks me where I find patterns, I can just link them here. Also as I try more pattern companies, I can add them to the list.

I will add the size range for each company with chest / waist / hip in inches as it’s available. Feel free to sub out “chest” with “bust” if your brain needs that to make sense of it. Most of these companies have metric on their website if you aren’t in the States and would like that info.

Extended sizes: at minimum 50” waist and/or 60” chest/hip (preferably both!)

  • Friday Pattern Company - SR: c 32-60 / w 24-53 / h 34-63 (Note they are expanding their size range, but have a link directly to the extended size patterns.)

  • Patterns for Pirates - SR: c30-60 / w 23-57 / h 34-64 Mostly patterns for knit fabrics, but the patterns usually have lots of options and they’re increasing their size range. That said - some of the older patterns only go up to a 3x so you’ll want to double check that. Individual patterns have size chart that includes high chest and bicep, so you can get a good idea if a pattern will fit you.

  • Cashmerette - SR c 40-60 / w 32-52 / h 42-62 Cashmerette is focused on larger bust sizes, and their sizing page includes high chest and bicep, so I’ll link it.

  • 100 Acts of Sewing - SR c 32-53 / w 26-54 / h 36-64 100 Acts of Sewing is so far the most beginner-sewist friendly, and the most apple-shape-friendly generally. When I self-draft I tend to start with one of the patterns from the Act of Sewing book.

Other Resources

Muna and Broad - SR: c 40-61/ h 41.5-71.5 - I haven’t sewn any of their patterns yet but I wanted to call them out specifically because if you are above their size range, they will grade their patterns up for you.

There are a lot of resources out there, with varying levels of accuracy and detail. The one that seems to be the go-to place is the Curvy Pattern Database. Ostensibly you can put your measurements in and filter for patterns, but I’ve not had much luck with the filters myself. There are no links, but the data might help you restrict your searches as you’re looking.

I’ve found some free size-inclusive patterns on Mood Sewciety. My camp shirt pattern is their Carya which I’ve modified to better fit myself. A word of caution that you get what you pay for, but there’s enough wheat in the chaff that I’ve found it worthwhile.

Also I want to mention Punk Frockers - because it’s a fun podcast, but also because they don’t discuss or promote patterns that don’t offer extended sizes. When they have pattern sponsors, they only accept sponsors who have sizes that meet my criteria above.