Everyone looks great in clothes that fit, no matter what your size. If ready-to-wear doesn't do it for you, let Barbara Deckert teach you how to sew for your plus-size body with Sewing for Plus Sizes. She will guide you through the process of selecting designs, fabrics, and colors that flatter plus- and super-size figures. In addition, you'll get great techniques for sizing up any pattern (even those fancy designer ones!), special concerns for plus-size sewers, and lots of hints and advice make this the most useful sewing book you'll ever own.
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9781561585519
Media Type: Paperback
Publisher: Taunton Press - Incorporated
Publication Date: 03-15-2002
Pages: 160
Product Dimensions: 8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.33(d)
About the Author
Deckert, who designs and makes plus-size fashions, is a frequent contributor to Sew News, Threads, BBW, Radiance, and PACC News. She is a charter member of the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers and has over 30 years of sewing experience.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
vi
Chapter 1
Sewing is the solution
2
You are what you wear
4
Why you can't find clothes that fit
5
Good fit makes you feel great!
7
Sewing: The smart and satisfying solution
8
Fashion figures for plus sizes
9
Chapter 2
Let's give them something to look at!
10
What to expect when you sew your own clothes
12
The components of design
13
Analyzing proportion and line in pattern designs
18
About your underwear
24
Listen to your compliments
25
Chapter 3
Tools for plus-sized sewing
26
Furniture
28
Sewing machines
29
Measuring and drafting tools
30
Cutting tools
32
Marking tools
33
Pressing tools
34
Hand tools
35
Dress forms for plus sizes
36
Chapter 4
Choosing fabric for plus-sized designs
40
Fibers
42
Making your fabric choice
48
Underlinings, linings, and interfacings for plus-sized designs
49
The quest for quality
51
Chapter 5
Adjusting the pattern to fit your body size
52
Standardized sizing is a misnomer
54
Your body isn't ideal, it's real: sizing up
56
Understanding ease
72
A note on pants
75
Safety first
77
Chapter 6
Adjusting the pattern to fit your figure variations
78
Bust adjustments
80
Rounded upper back
87
Large upper arms
87
Large buttocks
88
Large or hanging belly
88
Large neck
88
Large legs
89
Swayback
89
Hyperextended calves
89
Chapter 7
Design modifications for plus sizes
90
Waistbands
90
Adding pleats to pants
102
Reinforced seams
105
Shoulder pads
106
Closure placement
111
Button placement
113
The magic of gussets
113
Slits and vents
117
Adapting basic patterns to make other garments
119
Chapter 8
A basted fitting: the only way to get it right!
122
Basting the garment for a fitting
124
Fitting from the waist up
126
Fitting from the waist down
134
After the fitting
139
Appendix A
Fashion figures for plus-sized designs
140
Appendix B
How to find, select, and work with a custom clothier