Intro

For sewers who just want to enlarge a multi-sized pattern by a couple of sizes without using grading techniques. Also suitable for beginners.

The Lydia top is used as an example for this how-to.

Difficulty: Easy but can be tedious, especially for designs with lots of pattern pieces and darts, e.g: jackets.

Technique Materials

Marker pen, tracing paper, ruler or set square

12 Comments Sign in to add a post

  • Greenman_large

    Oct 18, 2011, 07.16 PMby woodentops

    Hey please can we have the pdf file on how to enlarge a sewing pattern please Burdastyle many thanks

  • Missing

    May 4, 2011, 12.45 PMby denise2003

    Unfortunately, the PDF file is damaged and I can’t download it. Can we get it fixed?

  • Gag_large

    Apr 21, 2010, 01.26 AMby greyredroses

    I just totally went against my better judgment in using this super easy quick size up method, and instead spent hours slicing-and-spreading the Talea 9301 coat pattern from here. Now, I don’t know what I’m going to get as a result of my total PHAILING at math. I wish I had of stumbled across this sooner :(

  • Anna_2011_large

    Feb 15, 2010, 06.53 AMby ladidoh

    I have just had a go at this – worked perfectly and heaps easier than other grading methods I have tried before.

    A few other tips to share, gleaned from previous grading nightmares :)

    I spread my pattern pieces out on a self-healing cutting board (like the one quilters use) and placed the tracing paper over the top. By doing this I was able to keep the pattern pieces flat when grading (nothing worse than paper shifting half way through a trace) and I could also transfer all of the markings on the pattern easily.

    I also used a french curve to ensure that the curved edges on the pattern were replicated accurately.

  • A4e10c5bcb5fb388059341674db68c4cb826af2e_large

    Feb 4, 2009, 09.16 AMby ed2122

    this is so great. I just found a pattern I love but it’s 2 sizes too small. I’m guessing the same principles would work for a skirt?? If you have any tips on a skirt vs. a top, I’d love to know!

  • 857b772520bf73b30a134a0971ca9e1481f714e8_large

    Sep 10, 2008, 01.08 PMby magicsnjor

    thanks, this is great, I used this on one of the Jackets on here and got it to fit perfectly, thanks again.

  • 24d754c2fe3ba3ad00b1febee60fd9c6f9661d7e_large

    Apr 22, 2008, 12.24 PMby hans1247

    I am so grateful for this “how to”!

  • Missing

    Apr 10, 2008, 01.50 AMby stephanie-l

    Hey, this is great! I had been doing a similar thing on a skirt to enlarge but wasn’t sure if it was a good thing to do, not having any formal dressmaking training. But the garment fitted well, so it must work! Great illustrations and text!

  • Af8b32e4792bd3138816ebc2432e50ed41f30478_large

    Apr 9, 2008, 03.22 AMby officebusybody

    I’m really glad you all found it helpful. I’ve used this to enlarge patterns by up to 3 sizes, and didn’t have problems with scaling.

    I think the most efficient way of doing this is to start with the bodice, then the sleeves. The facings should be done last because they’re actually made from the bodice. If you’re enlarging a shirt, then the collar and cuffs should be done last (and don’t forget to re-space the buttonholes).

  • 905375db3a26886b5459f9b30fae8d47596ce19a_large

    Apr 7, 2008, 08.24 AMby bella6167

    Thank you for the illustrations! Great job!

  • Securedownload-6_2_large

    Apr 6, 2008, 12.04 PMby antigone

    Thank you so very much. This is very helpful. Until now I was gazing doubtfully at the patterns that don’t come in my size. Thanks.

  • 730d638158c26447c24930a5e398b4110fc0d510_large

    Apr 6, 2008, 06.08 AMby ememtee

    Thanks so much. This How To was exactly what I needed.

    • This is a question
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