Some time ago, my mom asked me: "Hey Eugénie, can you recommend plus size patterns for me, apart from Burda which I already know." Two colleagues had made the same request 15 days earlier... So, I searched for them and thought it would be a shame not to share the results of my research with the whole sewing community.
So, let’s start with an overview of my (non-exhaustive) selection of plus size patterns available with explanations in French.
Three small clarifications before starting:
- I haven’t tested these patterns myself because I am very small (1.53m) and slim (size 34/36); this selection is therefore based on available information and customer feedback I found regarding the plus size patterns from these brands. (although I have tested some models in my own size.)
- so the brands are absolutely not ranked by preference in my article
- I won’t comment on what is called "plus size," the debate is not here ;-)
01. Sophie Denys’s patterns
Sophie often says that "size is just a detail" and proves it by offering patterns from size 32 to 56 in three heights: 1.60m, 1.68m, and 1.76m.
Regarding measurements, the offered sizes allow sewing models for:
- a bust circumference between 76 and 134cm
- a waist circumference between 58 and 116cm
- a hip circumference between 82 and 140cm.
Currently, Sophie offers 6 patterns in her virtual shop:
- 4 blouses: Wendy, Kosima, Michaela, and Laurel
- 1 Carlota dress
- 1 Jonas shorts.
What I appreciate about the offered designs is that they are designed to suit different body shapes. Indeed, volumes distribute differently from one person to another as sizes increase, and Sophie took this into account when creating her designs; so that the wearer doesn’t look cramped in their clothes.
Sophie’s patterns are available in her online shop as PDF files, all priced at 11 euros.
Practical detail, seam allowances are included!
02. Small pattern
I have been following Margaux on social media for several years now. Margaux is the creator of the brand petit patron, but she also runs an online haberdashery Atelier Neko and a beginner sewing YouTube channel.
This pretty curvy brunette offers us plus-size patterns adapted to fuller body types.
Most patterns are available from size 34 to 56 with:
- a bust measurement between 84 and 144cm
- a waist measurement between 64 and 120cm
- a hip measurement between 88 and 144cm
Petit patron offers us to sew:
- an Andréa sweatshirt
- an Isidore vest that just came out and is really very pretty!
- an Anna night set
- a Paola panty
- a Marcus bra (up to 100 C because it is wire-free)
- an Oasis overall
- a maternity dress convertible into a classic dress called Charlotte
It should be noted that for most patterns, Margaux has made two gradings to best adapt the patterns to each curve. The patterns are available on the petit patron online site in PDF format at the price of 10.50 euros except for the Anna night duo at 11.50 euros.
03. Couturette
Sarah is a young woman full of ambition who offers us plus-size PDF patterns. Her goal is to serve those who love fashion but don’t fit into standard commercial sizes. She also offers her coupons system every month, with or without a surprise, an alternative to online haberdasheries and sewing box systems.
Couturette offers patterns from size 34 to 56 and bases its grading on size 48 to achieve a lot of comfort.
The patterns are sized for:
- a bust measurement between 87 and 141cm
- a waist measurement between 71 and 125cm
- a hip measurement between 99 and 153cm
More than 20 patterns are available on the brand's website. For my part, I fell for the models: Nina, Jana, and Aïda, which I find very feminine.
Two ordering systems are possible from the brand's website:
- PDF purchase downloadable in A0 or A4
- paper purchase sent free to your home
And if you're afraid to start, Sarah offers you the Nesma pattern as a free download, a pretty tee-shirt/tunic.
So why not get started!
04 P&M patterns
Creating for pleasure is the motto of Karine, the creator of P&M patterns. Initially, she created only for children and was called "Papillon et Mandarine," but today Karine offers us beautiful timeless patterns for women from size 34 to 52 corresponding to:
- a bust measurement between 80 and 122cm
- a waist measurement between 62 and 102cm
- a hip measurement between 86 and 128cm.
Note that from size 38, the height is calculated for 1.7m (1.57m for size 34 and 1.64m for size 36).
Currently, 12 women’s patterns are available, 7 of which go up to size 52.
All patterns are available at the price of 10.50 euros in PDF format. It is also possible to order them in printed format.
Important detail: seam allowances are included.
05. Deer and Doe
Deer and Doe is a brand I particularly like and to be honest, I’m a bit disappointed I couldn’t register (because registrations closed very quickly, given the number of applicants) to become a tester for the brand.
It’s just a postponement ;-)
I’m a fan of Belladone, Centaurée, Bruyère, Chardon, Luzerne, Cardamome, Opium... basically many models! And Deer and Doe made sure to offer their models from size 34 to 52.
The measurement chart is designed for:
- a bust measurement between 80 and 116cm
- a waist measurement between 60 and 96cm
- a hip measurement between 86 and 122cm.
All 35 patterns are available on the brand’s website.
The printed patterns stop at size 46 and the PDF patterns at size 52.
The paper patterns cost 14 euros and the PDFs 11 euros.
And for those who don’t know the brand and are afraid to try, you can download the Plantain t-shirt for free, also available up to size 52.
A great deal to get started and discover this brand.
I hope you enjoyed this first part, feel free to read the next one... to be continued...
