Have you ever fallen in love with a sewing pattern only to realize they don’t make it in a curvy size?
Unless you’ve nailed pattern drafting, maybe the thought of creating your own plus size pattern sends shivers of intimidation down your spine.
Finding Patterns
While being plus size is totally average in the US, not all designers include this demographic in their patterns.
You could spend ages scouring a pattern store, to no avail.
I thought I’d help those looking for plus size-sewing patterns so you can always find something suitable to sew.
Tunic
The 1461 tunic-sewing pattern from Simplicity is a sewing pattern suitable for those of all abilities.
Tunic
The simple tunic can be made with three quarter length sleeves; short sleeves or added trim variations. Make sure you get your perfect fit with separate patterns pieces for B, C and D with bust cup sizes C, D and DD. The largest size is US 22.
Suggested fabrics for most of this brand’s patterns are batiks, linen types, georgette or crepe back satin. You will need six 5/8” buttons for added detail around the neckline.
Vintage Dress
Think 1940’s rockabilly milkshake shack with this gorgeous 8051 dress-sewing pattern from Simplicity.
Vintage Dress
This plus size sewing pattern is suitable for a confident beginner, due to the precision in the pattern. The sizes range from AA (10-12-14-16-18), BB (20W-28W).
The sweetheart neckline, the skirt that will fall past your hips, and the thick straps that cross over at the back, will transport you back to another era.
I recommend using cotton types of materials, although you could use chintz, lightweight denim or stain. I love this dress in bright bold colors – think polka dots and pop art prints!
Woven Joggers
These tapered, pocketed bottoms are a wise pick for the gal that cherishes chic and comfort equally.
Woven Joggers
Tell me there’s nothing better than having a totally cozy day doing your favorite at-home activities.
You can wear this custom pattern from Tierras Woven Joggers out and about on errands, or to and from the gym. These tapered, pocketed bottoms are a wise pick for the gal that cherishes chic and comfort equally.
These are definitely a beginner sewing project, with easy to follow instructions on their deep and functional side pockets and elastic and drawstring waist. Sizes range from US 00 – 20.
Amazing Fit Dresses
An all rounder style dress that you can wear to work, celebrations and the beach
Amazing Fit Dresses
This is an all rounder style dress that you can wear to work, celebrations and the beach – and you’ll probably want to with the perfect fit. The sleeves will bring a softness to a broad chest or shoulders.
This pattern is suitable for an advanced beginner, and I recommend fabrics such as cottons, chambray, lawn and quilting.
Make sure you get your perfect size by using the individual pattern pieces for B, C, D and cup sizes C, D or DD with this plus size sewing pattern. Size range is AA (10-12-14-16-18), BB (20W-28W), and make sure to check the size chart for finished garment measurements.
Tops, Trouser and Shorts
You get a bang for your buck with this six-piece plus size sewing pattern with a separate top and a bottom half
Tops, Trouser and Shorts
You get a bang for your buck with this six-piece plus size sewing pattern with a separate top and a bottom half. You can choose from different neck patterns, such as notched, V-neck and round with matching trousers.
If you live somewhere warmer like me, you can make shorts with sleeveless tops. The pants and shorts have a simple to sew elastic waist and full pockets.
This sewing pattern is suitable for beginners with easy sew instructions to follow, and I recommend cotton fabrics, lawn and chambray fabrics. The size range is FF (18W-20W- 22W-24W) GG (26W-28W-30W-32W).
Dress and Top
This sweet dress or top features a cut-out scoop neckline, pockets and shirring in the back for a comfortable fit.
Dress and Top
Choose from two lengths (dress or top), scoop or cut out neckline and sleeves of cap sleeves to create a number of different styles. No zippers of closures are needed, making this a comfortable sewing project for a confident beginner or intermediate sewist.
I recommend woven fabric such as light to medium weight cotton, chambray or rayon challis. This pattern has inclusive sizing from FF (18W-20W- 22W-24W) GG (26W-28W-30W-32W).
Jumpsuit
This gorgeous Jumpsuit features a wide leg pant and contrast bodice with a Peter Pan collar
Jumpsuit
This gorgeous Mimi G Style Jumpsuit by Simplicity features a wide leg pant and contrast bodice with a Peter Pan collar. You can find a helpful sew along tutorial, making this sewing pattern great for an advanced beginner project.
This gorgeous Mimi G Style Jumpsuit by Simplicity features a wide leg pant and contrast bodice with a Peter Pan collar. You can find a helpful sew along tutorial, making this sewing pattern great for an advanced beginner project.
I recommend fabrics such as challis, crepe, crepe back satin and linen types of fabrics.
This flattering pattern will compliment those with large bust cup sizes and wider hips. Size range is from AA (10-12-14-16-18) to BB (20W-28W). Make sure to check the bust sizes on the size chart for perfect measurements.
Swimsuit
This modern swimsuit sewing pattern has two cleverly color-blocked variations that you’ll love.
Swimsuit
This modern swimsuit sewing pattern has two cleverly color-blocked variations: a one-piece swimsuit with a contrast waistband or a high-waisted bikini with piping detail.
Both suits feature supportive straps, and an optional underwired foam swim bra in your perfect size; and boning so that you’re comfortable lounging by the pool or playing volleyball on your favorite beach.
Mix prints and colors for a swimsuit that celebrates your creativity! You can even get a free expansion pack if you’d rather make a tankini version on the swimming cozzie.
Corset
Simplicity label does it again with more gorgeous plus size patterns. This is a two in one sewing pattern that offers you a choice of two corset styles, both with lace up backs.
The pattern includes separate measurements for bust cup sizes C, D and DD to make sure you get the right fit for your body.
You will need two large hooks and eyes for securing the corset at the back, and various lengths of steel bones. I recommend fabrics such as chiffon, georgette, cottons or linens.
Tunic
This is a classic and simple plus size tunic for everyday life, as well as lazy days in the house, or beach holidays.
Tunic
This is a classic and simple plus size tunic which you can sew for everyday life, as well as lazy days in the house, or beach holidays.
You can lengthen the tunic as much as you like and use the enclosed belt patterns pieces to conjure up a pretty summer dress: just add the side seams in length.
This is a basic sewing pattern, great for larger sizes which range from US 12 – US 24. It is also available as PDF patterns to print at home or a print at a copy shop.
The Claire Tunic can be sewn from woven fabrics such as soft cotton, light denim or silk and viscose.
Leggings
If you struggle to find sports leggings in your size, or have some amazing stretch fabric to use, these sports leggings sewing patterns will tick every box.
Leggings
These knit-leggings are available in inclusive sizing up to 5XAA (size range XS-S-M-L-XL) BB (1X-5X). This size range is available in most of Simplicity’s new releases.
Special features include contrasting twisted tabs at the ankle, stirrup detail, convenient side pockets and super flattering rear curved seam.
Skill level for these patterns is intermediate I’d say, purely because stretch knits can take a while to get used to. You could also use spandex blends or a two-way stretch fabric.
Molly Tee
This stylish shirt can be worn as a fitted t-shirt to smart casual events, or family fun times.
Molly Tee
Molly Tee patterns are destined to be a wardrobe staple and features a stylish boat neck, forward shoulder seams and can be used as a base layer under jumpers or outer garments. It can be worn as a fitted t-shirt to smart casual events, or family fun times.
It has enough length in the body so that it won’t come untucked (no cold kidneys!)
There are short sleeve, long sleeve and thumb cuff option patterns so this could be a great shout if you want to use it during freezing temperatures. I recommend using jersey, knits or scuba for these patterns, and it’s leveled at a confident beginner.
April Dress
This April dress will definitely increase your skill set and keep your sewing life interesting with all of the detail.
April Dress
It’s an A-line dress pattern designed for woven fabrics. The patterns feature a wavy design which goes all around the body, which would look stunning in an understated linen or bright color block scheme.
The patterns come in two different options: a flat view, so you can choose your hip silhouette. It also comes with the option to change a rounded tie belt which echoes the curves of the dress design.
I recommend this for a confident beginner, and my fabric choices for this are linens and cottons. The designs have inclusive sizing of US 0 – US 24.
Chi-Town Chinos
Designed based on the classic, relaxed pants silhouette commonly referred to as chinos.
Chi-Town Chinos
This is one of Alina Design’s new patterns and the Chi-Town Chinos has been designed based on the classic, relaxed pants silhouette commonly referred to as chinos.
The pattern is a mid-rise, easy fitting and straight through the hip and leg. The waistband is faced, maintaining a clean finish.
With four different sizes and options for the back pockets, shorts or skirt sewing patterns and options to lengthen or shorten both, the designs which sit above the hip are handmade summer wardrobe staples.
There are two free expansion packs if you want to make knee length shorts or full length pants too. This pattern is for a confident beginner – advanced sewist due to sew many pieces (excuse the pun..).
Schnittchen Luciana Dress
I adore this Luciana Dress sewing pattern by Schnittchen. The dress has a fitted waistline above the hip and wide pleated skirt.
The V-neck can be bound with a neckline band or simple bias tape. Luciana comes in two lengths and you can sew it either sleeveless or with a ¾ cuff sleeves. Sizes are from US 2 all the way to US 14.
Sewing Pattern Luciana Dress is a sort of complex to sew, so I advise this pattern for intermediate – advanced sewers. I suggest fabrics of cottons, chambray, law, quilting, rayon and viscose for your designs so it flows nicely over the hip.
What is considered a plus size pattern?
A plus size pattern is a pattern that has at least one measurement over 53” which could be bust, hip or waist. You can now find quite a few free plus size sewing patterns online in an inclusive size range for your body.
There are even dress forms in larger sizes. They can help you test out your plus size patterns.
TIP
When looking for new sewing patterns, check the measurements rather than the size label even with cup sizes, as they can be broad and inconsistent across brands.
What is the best plus size-sewing pattern for beginners?
In my experience the best plus size-sewing pattern for beginners is something with style but relatively simple such as trousers. You could also try to make something for your friends’ babies, if you want something smaller.
The Tierras Woven Joggers are a really good starting point for someone who wants to give women’s apparel clothing a try for the first time.
The simple straight pattern cutting out and straight sewing means the most complicated part would be attaching the pockets – because they are deep, it’s not so fiddly.
Sizing
The sizes of this pattern encompass every body shape.
The drawstring or elastic waistband around the hip don’t rely on complicated sewing techniques! It’s also available as PDF patterns so you can start sewing from the moment you purchase it.
Of course, always check the instructions and measurements on all sewing patterns to make sure your garment sizes will line up with the body that’ll be wearing it.
TIP
If you are a beginner and want to get into sewing large size designs with support, you could search for local classes in your area.
Conclusion
So there are my 15 favorite plus size sewing patterns around today. Sewing doesn’t have to be complicated and plus size patterns shouldn’t be hard to find.
Do you have favorite plus size patterns? Maybe you know of any other great companies that provide plus size sewing patterns? Drop me a line in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out my other articles too!
