9 Best Plus Size Sewing Patterns

While looking for and finding cute plus-size clothing can be extremely difficult and seem impossible at times. The best plus-size sewing patterns are what fit you. This is because of the problem that most stores don’t even have any idea how to create and design clothing for plus-size women. I believe in the saying “look good, feel good”, and that starts with your outfit. Clothing should make you feel comfortable in your own skin. As a plus-size woman, it is much more difficult to find clothes to do this.

Instead of settling for the clothes offered at your local mall, use our list of the 9 best plus-size sewing patterns.

These 9 options are ones that you absolutely cannot go wrong with. From dresses that will show off your curves to everyday tops and skirts that work for a night out or a night in.

These patterns are perfect for letting you rock trends with style and will help boost your confidence. Make custom-made clothing with these best plus-size sewing patterns.

Top 9 Best Plus Size Sewing Patterns

1. Simplicity 2634

[amazon box=”B004N3AX3Y” description=” ” rating=”5.0″]

With Simplicity 2634, you get many choices. With 6 looks included, you are bound to find one that you love. For beginners, there is an instruction booklet included that is written in both English and Spanish. And like many of the patterns on this page, this is also designed and developed in the USA.

Sizes: 18w-20w-22w-24w

Sample Customer Review… Love it, good patterns and easy to follow.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

2. Simplicity 8177

[amazon box=”B01H867YQG” description=” ” rating=”4.7″]

This pattern includes instructions for four different patterns to create your own pants, vest, or jacket. The top is sized for stretch knits only. For this piece, jersey and two-way stretch are the suggested fabrics. Regarding the coat or vest, the suggested fabrics are crepe, faille, Gabardine, Linen, boucle, brocade, lightweight denim, sateen, and Ponte.

Sizes: 20W-22W-24W-26W-28W

Sample Customer Review… I bought this for the coat with sleeves, but now I am thinking of trying the vest. Everything came so neatly and cleanly.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

3. Simplicity 1446

[amazon box=”B00J8PP1TI” description=” ” rating=”4.6″]

This sewing pattern includes sewing templates, instructions, and sizing guides for 2 t-shirts, a tank top, a pair of pants, and a pair of shorts. This is one of the best plus-size patterns because it includes tons of variety. In addition, this sewing pattern is perfect for beginners. This pattern packet includes simple templates perfect for many occasions.

Sizes: 18W, 20W, 22W, and 24W.

Sample Customer Review… This pattern isn’t meant for PJs, but it works. So far, I’ve made two pairs of PJ shorts, and I’ve paired them with tank tops. I left the pockets off to make it even easier. I had no idea patterns had increased in price like this!!! The pattern is marked $17.95, but I got it on Amazon for $12. If you can’t read English, the instructions are also in Spanish. With so many patterns and the info in the envelope, I can’t fit it all back in; it all went in a Ziploc bag. Back when I used to sew with patterns, you had to know your size, and only one size came in a pattern package. This has four sizes in it, I believe, which was nice because I never seem to fit on size charts for clothes, so I had no idea what size to use for the shorts, so I cut it out for the biggest size and went from there. The measurements are pretty much correct on the envelope, but I figure it’s better to start big, and if you need to take it up, you can.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

4. Simplicity 1183

[amazon box=”B00TB4JB0Q” description=” ” rating=”4.6″]

The simplicity 1183 sewing pattern includes instructions for 2 different corsets that can be stylized and personalized in many different ways, making it one of the best plus size sewing patterns to buy. The corsets included can be customized and are made with lace-up backs. The pattern includes separate pattern pieces for B, C, D, and DD cup sizes for plus sizes. Ribbon closures are featured which help with fit. English and Spanish instructions are included and the design was made in the USA.

Sizing: 20W-28W

Sample Customer Review… Everything came on time, and the product was as described in the description.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

5. Simplicity 8051

[amazon box=”B018F415RO” description=” ” rating=”4.6″]

The 8051 by Simplicity Includes sewing templates, instructions, and sizing guides for not 1 but 2 dresses. This certain sewing pattern can be worn in many ways. The 2 dresses included a sweetheart neckline with straps that cross in the back or a round neckline with a partial opening on the back. Instructions are included.

Sizes: 20W, 22W, 24W, 26W, and 28W.

Sample Customer Review… I absolutely love the dress that came from this pattern. It looks exactly as depicted and fits accurately. It was in perfect shape when it arrived on time.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

6. Simplicity 2230

[amazon box=”B004RCNMDO” description=” ” rating=”4.6″]

The simplicity 2230 sewing pattern includes not only 1 look but 5. With 5 choices, it’s hard to go wrong. It is available in many sizes and instructions are written in English and Spanish. As well, it is designed and manufactured in the USA

Sizes: 20w-28w

Sample Customer Review… I like most of the patterns that I have from the Khaliah Ali Collection. The different views look roomy and comfortable.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

7. Simplicity 8096

[amazon box=”B01BOKHSTU” description=” ” rating=”4.5″]

The plus size dress from simplicity includes many features. Features include sewing templates, sizing guides, and easy instructions for dresses with length and strap variations. The sewing pattern can be made to fit women’s plus sizes. This dress is great for creating a vintage-inspired plus-size dress. Crepe, lightweight denim, linen types, and sateen are the recommended fabrics. Instructions in English, Spanish, and French are included.

Sizes: 18W, 20W, 22W, and 24W.

Sample Customer Review… Absolutely perfect! Easy to follow instructions and measurement guide.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

8. Simplicity 8258

[amazon box=”B01LZBOKI1″ description=” ” rating=”4.5″]

Sizes: 20W-28W

The Simplicity 8258 comes with sewing templates, sizing guidelines, and easy-to-follow instructions to ensure that you can make the best clothes to add to your wardrobe. It includes three plus-size sheath dresses that vary in style. Featuring a center front seam, flare shape, three sleeve options, and a custom fit, this is the perfect sewing pattern for people looking to learn more about sewing and create a new, fashionable clothing item.

Sample Customer Review… The pattern looked great!
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

9. Simplicity 2917

[amazon box=”B004KI2TVQ” description=” ” rating=”4.7″]

Sizes: 20W-28W

For customers looking for a pattern that accentuates a summer design and includes lightweight clothing options, the Simplicity 2917 is the right choice for you. With fabrics such as linen blends, satin, and jersey, the simplicity 2917 allows you to design clothing for a texture that conforms to your likings and makes for a clean look. In addition to the many options within the Simplicity 2917, it also features a skirt sewing pattern and blouse allowing you to design more fitted dresses.

Sample Customer Review…The pattern itself is lovely. Although I’ll admit, I managed to get it wrong, and I had no idea what was going on in the boob area, the pattern was easy enough, and I erred by making it four sizes too big, so following the pattern to cut it down again, managed to salvage a little of my pride.
In other words, all problems I had stemmed completely from user failure and not because of the pattern. 😉 The pattern is lovely, the cut works very well on hourglass-shaped women, and I think the hands of a competent seamstress would make amazingly cute dresses.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

Buying Guide: Things to Consider Before Purchasing Plus-Size Sewing Patters

While being plus size is completely normal in the U.S. and many other countries, designers don’t tend to cater to the plus-size community, sadly. Creating plus-size clothing allows for making plus-size women feel confident. Patterns specifically designed for you, but what if you want to try something new? A guide can be really helpful! I have created a list of criteria to help you when looking for plus-size patterns.

Look for patterns that are at least one body part measurement over 50″
Pay attention to measurements rather than the size label. The measurement is what actually counts! It is much more important than the size.
Patterns are separated out into different sections. Patterns that are available in print or PDF, and those just available in PDF, many people have a strong preference for one or the other.
Bust size is how they are ordered
Only select patterns go up to a certain size in some cases.

One of the most difficult tasks for plus-size women is finding cute clothing. Most stores and designers have no idea how or have no interest in designing clothes for plus-size women. As I’ve said, feeling good in your own skin and feeling confident is one of the biggest keys to success. These previous 9 sewing patterns are just a few of many. But, hopefully, they are enough to give you the creativity to create the pieces you have dreamed of.

With the capability of creating your own clothing through sewing, there should be no reason for plus-size women to settle with clothing that makes them feel any less than their best selves.

Getting the Perfect Fit

Sizing can be very confusing. Especially for a plus-size person. Let’s start with the differences between straight size and plus sizing. In straight sizes, similarly to plus size sizing, pieces are fitted to sample size and then all of the sizes are either enlarged or shrank to find the size.

So, for example, a size M would be slightly enlarged to then find the size L. However much is added in size to go from an M to an L, will have the same amount taken away to go from an M to an S. If a half-inch is added to go size M to size L, then a half-inch will be taken away from a size M to a size S. The problem is, not everyone’s body is the same style. A half-inch between sizes may work for some, may not work for others.

Something that needs to be taken into account is the body styles differing between women. When you take proportions into account: the extra fabric will be required in specific places to allow for a snug, perfect fit. For example, a certain garment may need 3 more inches in a certain area and 2 fewer inches in another, not everyone’s bodies are made the same.

For plus sizes, the difference between sizes is not the same as it is for straight clothing. Instead, as the sizes get larger, the differences between the sizes get larger, as well. Something that plus size does well is taking into account curves.

Because of this, you will notice a difference in fit. In plus size, there is usually a bit more room to move in the armhole, but the sleeve isn’t very long. As bodies get larger, they do not get any taller or get longer limbs. It’s not necessarily considered when a brand sizes up from straight size to plus size, so there is a discrepancy.

Plus size clothing is labeled 0X, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, and 5X. As for numerical sizes, they are labeled as 14W, 16W, 18W, etc. The W stands for Women’s, or another way to say plus size. These “W” sizes are completely fitted specifically for plus-size ladies. Unlike sizes such as 14 and 16 in the same brand were made to be for a straight-size fit user.

At stores like Target and Old Navy, you could test sizes in both sections to understand the differences in fit. This way, if you are ordering online you know which section to go with!

Conclusion

Finding the right size that fits you can be one of the most stressful experiences when it comes to shopping. For plus sizes, it can be that much more annoying. The first step to overcoming this is knowing exactly how to find what size you wear. This can be much easier said than done, though. It is nice to have an understanding of how it works. Having an understanding of how sizing works, especially in both straight and plus sizes, it will make your shopping experience much more enjoyable.

These 9 plus-size sewing patterns should give you the drive to begin to make your own plus-size clothing! These will help you get on track to make the perfect pieces that fit your body and only your body. These will leave you feeling more confident than ever and feeling beautiful in your own skin.

The reason that the majority of plus-size women have trouble finding clothing that they like is that there is just a flat-out shortage of the amount of plus-size clothing out there. With the discrepancies between sizes and women struggling to find clothing that fits their curves like a glove, it creates a large number of women that will straight up not find what they are looking for.

Being able to know how sizing works and knowing how to sew is the key for these plus-size women. Being able to create your own clothing takes away from the stress of finding something that doesn’t exist. You will be able to create whatever you want in any size and in any color. You can make a blouse, a dress, a skirt, or whatever you have been dreaming of without going through the hurdles of making something fit, that really doesn’t. Having the ability to create your own clothing will be one of the most powerful things for plus women to get them on track to be their most confident selves.

If you do not quite know how to sew yet, it is no worry. There are plenty of sewing machines on the market that caters directly to beginners and even include directional DVDs. There are so many blogs on the internet about which sewing machines are best for what, you will easily be able to find the machine that you need.

They will include information on the pros and cons of each machine, the features included, and personal opinions on machines. Getting the right machine is the hardest part, but with the help of these blogs and resources online, you will find the machine you need and be on your way to making clothing in no time. Once you have gotten the machine you like, you will be able to learn exactly how to make clothing like the 9 previously mentioned in this article. Start sewing the best plus-size sewing patterns on your own and be happy while boosting your confidence!

Written by Matthew Zuppardi and Zachary Fauconier

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