Can any sewing pattern be altered for a plus-size woman, or are there limitations?
by 
Former ABer
ANSWERS: 3
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In theory, yes any pattern could be altered for a plus size woman. But practically, some patterns don't work as well as others, and there are things to keep in mind. Patterns with a lot of darts and seams are more difficult, take an A line skirt, one would have to alter each panel and keep them symetrical. Some styles just don't flatter the fuller figure - even if you make them bigger. And when you're altering a style, remember some things change more than others. For example, you might need to widen a blouse many inches, but the distance between the waist and the top of the shoulder may only need to change a few inches.
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I would say yes to both parts. Any pattern can be altered, and there are limitations. As usual, About.com (search "altering patterns") is a great place to start, with tips and links. My favorite way is to take a pattern off something I already have that I like, and make it look like the pattern I have chosen.
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It can help to use a larger pattern as a template and then refine using the chosen one for detail. Just remember the points made by previous answers re suitability and amount of altering.
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