Burda Style For people who sew

Many of us are drawn to learn to sew because the clothes we find in stores just don't fit. It's therefore a rather cruel irony that most commercial patterns are produced in an even more limited range of sizes than store-bought clothing. Take heart, all you nymph-like and Boticelli-esque fashion lovers. If you've ever thought, "Wow, I'd love to make that. Too bad the pattern doesn't come in my size," there is a solution, and it's easier than you think! In fact, if you spread a multi-size pattern out in front of you and stare at it for a minute, it will probably become obvious how you alter the pattern size up or down. Just in case, here's an easy step-by-step tutorial on the process.

Technique Materials

Multi-size pattern, ruler or measuring tape, writing instrument

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  Apr 16, 2013, 04.11 PMby Charlotte Blakey

  Great, I was think of doing this to a pattern I printed off the net for a friend, she is a 16/18 but the pattern is only a 16 and I wanted the larger size as will be using the pattern to make maternity clothes. This is the first post I have found that explains a simple one size change, the pattern I have is a very simple one and now I know that this method should work ok. Many thanks.
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  Jan 19, 2013, 02.07 PMby Erika Johansson

  I have a question about the type of pattern in the photos. I’ve run across these before where the pieces are printed overlapping each other… how do you cut one out without messing up all of the others?

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    Mar 6, 2013, 07.06 AMby MojoHollz

    I have found the best way is to trace them. I like useing white tissue paper (like you would find with the wrapping paper). It is usually pretty cheep, you can buy it in bulk and in white is easy to see through (I esspecially like the cheep part!). Take the tissue paper and tape together as many pieces as you need, place it over the pattern and trace each piece seperatly. I usually only tape together enough for one pattern piece at a time, otherwise it would be rally awkward to handle. The tricky part is knowing one pattern piece from the other, sometimes they print them in different colors so it is easier to tell. You do have to be careful as the tissue paper can tear but for the most part is works well for me. I hope that helps! Happy Sewing!

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  Aug 25, 2009, 04.37 PMby auschick

  so helpful – thanks!!
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  Jul 9, 2009, 09.55 AMby allaboutart

  Thank you so much! I have fallen in love with some patterns which will need to be sized up for me, as they only come in smallll sizes. Thanks! I can’t wait to try this!
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  Nov 29, 2008, 10.17 AMby mistrymachine

  Hi Elainemay, Add me to the fans of this particular how to. Thanks so much for taking the time out to do this. It’s helped me out a great deal. Cheers, San
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  Jan 8, 2008, 01.34 AMby tania10

  The link to view the pattern is :http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns I tried to attach it as a link but couldn’t as it’s my first time posting a comment ever.
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  Jan 8, 2008, 01.00 AMby tania10

  Thank you. This is really helpful. I am a size 36 on top and a 44 on the hip section. Could you or anyone tell me how to merge the two sizes together? I am currently trying to alter a Burdastyle Janina pants pattern 8087. I am using the size 44 and want to taper the waist to a size 36. Help!! From Tania
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  Sep 4, 2007, 06.49 AMby lilo

  Nice and clear explanation! (surely better than mine ;) )
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  Sep 4, 2007, 04.14 AMby marmota-b

  Thank you so much for this! I’m fortunatelly size 38, so I usually don’t need this, but it’s always good to know!
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  Sep 2, 2007, 07.09 AMby wyn

  Thank you for taking the time to create this How to. I am a size 36 but oftentimes the waist is too large. I can modify your techique by going in at the waistline only.