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Patterns for Plus Size Children
by Sarah Doyle
Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing
that fit THEIR "larger than average" measurements. Sadly, neither ready
made clothing nor commercial patterns address the real issue of
children's measurements.
After interviewing countless dozens of mothers, grandmothers, and sewing
professionals who are trying to get clothing and patterns to fit plus
size children properly, the stories all echo each other and the
disappointment is the same for all.
The same frustration was repeated to me by a friend who has a 9 year old
daughter with a 36" chest, 34" tummy and 38" hips. The pattern size that
came closest to the chest, tummy and hip measurement was a 16 Plus,
which didn't fit anywhere else!
We all know that an extra chubby 9 year old would not be as tall as a 16
year old, nor have arms or shoulders the size of a 16 year old.
Sarah J Doyle, a pattern maker, author and instructor for over 30 years
is introducing a line of clothing patterns for plus size children, PSC
Patterns, that will be designed and made from REAL measurements of REAL
plus size and overweight children.
If you would like to have your plus size child or grandchild's
measurements included in the pattern sizing in order that the patterns
will fit the child for size as well as for age, we'd like to invite you
to complete and return the "measurement chart" at
http://PlusSizeChildren.com/measure.htm. Statistics have indicated
that nearly nine million American children are categorized as
"overweight". Overweight children want "trendy" clothes that fit
properly and will also flatter their figure and we want to do what we
can to help.
Something to think about when buying a pattern and fabric for clothing
for a plus size child is what the "appearance" of the finished garment
will look like. For example:
Dresses with several rows of elastic sewn at the waistline will appear
to thicken the waist and shorten the height, while semi-fitted dresses
with vertical line designs and A-line skirts will give a thinner and
taller appearance.
Solid colors and vertical lines will heighten the body, while
contrasting colors in tops and skirts, as well as big bold prints will
shorten it.
Waists seem to expand with wide or conspicuous belts or buckles.
Hips will seem to increase in girth with tight or full skirts. The
A-lines or princess style skirts will create a more slimming appearance.
About the author:
Sarah J. Doyle is author of over 25 sewing, craft and how-to books, as
well as author of online pattern making, sewing and craft classes. Visit
http://SewWithSarah.com for information on books, classes,
newsletters and the latest hints and tips and
http://SarahJDoyle.com
for additional free articles.
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