How to Resize Vintage Sewing Patterns
Embarking on a project to sew with vintage patterns can be an exciting endeavor, as it allows you to create garments with a timeless charm. However, vintage patterns often come in limited sizes, which can be a challenge for modern sewists. Resizing vintage sewing patterns is an essential skill to ensure a perfect fit for your unique body measurements. In this article, we will explore various methods on how to resize vintage sewing patterns to make your sewing experience both enjoyable and successful.
1. Gather the Necessary Tools
Before diving into resizing your vintage sewing pattern, it’s important to gather the necessary tools. You will need a ruler, a pair of scissors, a pen or pencil, a calculator, and possibly a ruler with a sliding edge for making precise measurements. If you plan to adjust the pattern pieces, consider using pattern weights to hold them in place while cutting.
2. Measure Your Body
To resize a vintage sewing pattern, you first need to measure your body. Use a soft measuring tape to take precise measurements of your bust, waist, hip, shoulder, and other relevant areas. Write these measurements down for future reference.
3. Analyze the Pattern
Carefully examine the vintage pattern and identify the size that closely matches your measurements. Vintage patterns may use different sizing systems, so it’s important to understand the pattern’s size chart and grading. This will help you determine how much resizing is needed.
4. Adjust the Pattern Pieces
There are several methods to resize vintage sewing patterns, including:
– Grading: This involves adding or subtracting uniform increments to the pattern pieces. To do this, you can use a ruler and draw lines between the original size and the desired size, ensuring that the pattern pieces maintain their original proportions.
– Scaling: This method involves changing the size of the entire pattern. To scale a pattern, you can use a calculator to determine the percentage of increase or decrease needed and apply it to the pattern pieces. Be sure to maintain the pattern’s proportions while scaling.
– Adding or Subtracting Widths: If you need to adjust the width of the pattern pieces, you can draw lines between the original size and the desired size, making sure to maintain the pattern’s original shape.
5. Transfer the Adjustments to the Pattern
Once you have made the necessary adjustments to the pattern pieces, transfer these changes to the actual pattern. This can be done by cutting out the pattern pieces from the adjusted pattern and then pasting them onto the original pattern with a temporary adhesive, such as washi tape.
6. Test the Pattern
Before cutting into your fabric, it’s crucial to test the resized pattern on paper or a muslin to ensure the fit is accurate. This will help you identify any additional adjustments that may be needed before proceeding with the final garment.
7. Cut and Sew
Once you are satisfied with the resized pattern, cut out the pieces from your chosen fabric and follow the sewing instructions provided with the vintage pattern. Enjoy the process of creating a unique, one-of-a-kind garment that captures the essence of the past.
