Resizing a Sewing Pattern up or down

Here's an easy and accurate way to make a commercial pattern larger or smaller. I recommend these two rulers for all your pattern drafting:
C-Thru Ruler - US: amzn.to/3tfqdSS Canada: amzn.to/3TwBAk8
Hip curve - US: amzn.to/41BMkQp Canada: amzn.to/41GVx9V
MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
My Wiss scissors - US: amzn.to/48fkFXl Canada: amzn.to/41PJsiZ
C-Thru Ruler - US: amzn.to/3tfqdSS Canada: amzn.to/3TwBAk8
6x24” Olfa Ruler - US: amzn.to/3GEwV8f Canada: amzn.to/486Mm4V
Hip curve - US: amzn.to/41BMkQp Canada: amzn.to/41GVx9V
Erasable Frixion Markers - US: amzn.to/3tfjVCS Canada: amzn.to/3RVq68K
Sharp Tracing Wheel - US: amzn.to/3tfPr3s Canada: amzn.to/41DLF0z
Loop Turner - US: amzn.to/3RH6HIw Canada: amzn.to/483Z30q
Tailor’s Ham - US: amzn.to/3RGEXDG Canada: amzn.to/485SPNN
My cordless iron - similar: US: amzn.to/48kprDb Canada: amzn.to/4aus5rJ
Music: Sunshine on Sand by Unicorn Heads from the KZbin Audio Library

[@janeroberts4200]

I learned to sew in 4-H in 1960. I sewed my clothes till I was in my 50’s and couldn’t get away without adjusting patterns. That process always confused me. This video has taught me what I needed to know. I only discovered your channel several weeks ago but have learned so much already. Thank you.

[@CatherineSews]

Awesome to hear, Jane! I'm so glad you found my channel!

[@stankotammy]

I haven't made any clothing since my college years and now that I'm close to retirement age I dusted off my sewing machine and decided to make a simple blouse, I found to my dismay that the patterns are not for my 64 year old figure! I found your video and it has given me confidence that I can adjust the pattern easily! Thank you!

[@rofuschetto6904]

Same here! It was a nightmare sewing for over 50 years!! I have seen videos on very well know experts! Never could get this exactly right until now! This is so comprehensible, EASY, and genius!!! Thank you, Catherine!! (Thats my daughters' exact name!)

[@tonileggate]

Like Jane Roberts I learned to sew 'back in the day'; 1950's for me! The more modern methods you are showing us are so helpful and, in particular, this video as I bought a real vintage pattern that will definitely need re-sizing upwards, I feel so confident that I can achieve the necessary changes now. Thank you for all your hard work Catherine.... I have been binge watching since I found you earlier this week!

[@CatherineSews]

Toni, your comment popped up just as I'm in the 12th hour of editing my next video. Your timing is perfect to help motivate me to keep grinding away at it!! Thanks so much for finding my channel, binge watching and leaving a sweet comment to make my effort SO worthwhile.

[@lorioverman1668]

This is so helpful. I have some 50’s patterns that I bought at an auction now I know how to make them my size. I just love your tutorials. Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

So glad it was helpful!

[@justmoosethings]

I just bought a sewing pattern and realized I needed to size up one size. You made this process very simple.

[@Fiiscreativemoods]

Its 2024 & only watching this video now. This totally saved me. I have patterns that i need to aejust to plus size and was looking for a short cut, this is perfect.

[@melmarmcn777]

This is pretty much the method that I follow, although I really like how you utilize your hip curve ruler. Learn something new every day. Thanks for the great tutorial❤️

[@rofuschetto6904]

Good thing I saved this video!! I can’t tell you have valuable this video will be when you need it. Just subscribe because Catherine has so much to offer! I needed it today!! Save it, PLEASE.!! Thanks again, CATHERINE!!!

[@valerieellison2483]

I bought a pattern for a dress before I knew to measure myself for it. It was too small. This video helped me learn how to make it bigger. Now I just have to sew it!

[@MsGorobin]

Very helpful. Catherine, you content is always relevant and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing!💞👌🏻

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for watching, CL! So glad you like my YT work!

[@JasonMoodie]

Always love your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@CatherineSews]

Hey there! Nice to hear from you! Thanks for watching.

[@debwatkins7495]

Thankyou so much for this. Another video I watched was so confusing. Now I can easily do what I need to do so I can get sewing. You’ve made my day. 🥳

[@CatherineSews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elaine58100]

This is amazing! Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge, you explain and make it easy to do. I have a vintage pattern that is just in one size which I would like to make smaller. Did you say you have a video on how to do this?

[@nicoletrost5162]

Catherine, I really appreciate your videos. I’ve just taking up sewing and I’m almost 50 with a changing body. I did one year of home economics in year 8 and done nothing since. I’ve watched a ton of videos and purchased many books. Out of all the research I’ve done, yours have been the most informative. I’ve never seen this done and I actually understand how to properly use a curve ruler. Much appreciation from this Aussie girl.

[@katy2310]

Love this video! I always learn something new. Can't wait for the pattern grading video. PS. I like using examination table paper from Amazon instead of pattern paper! You get so much and it's translucent which is great for pattern tracing.

[@CatherineSews]

So glad you like that one! Thanks for watching. And great tip about the examination paper from Amazon. Thanks!!

[@thorpsewinglessons5913]

Thank you for showing how to alter the size of multiple patterns,brilliant.✝️🇬🇧💐🧵

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Oh that’s not as hard as I thought it would be. Thanks for showing us this

[@marydiamond3322]

Im glad I made the pants out of muslin first! way to small. Your instructions are very clear. I'll attempt making the pattern bigger tomorrow. I love a challenge,

[@Striking_SC]

Thank you so much for the wrapping paper suggestion! I found the inch wide cutting guide on them to be helpful as well.

[@NewsfromtheGrove]

I too have learned so much from you! Thank you! You made pattern sizing so much more understandable! And I love upcycling!!

[@michellemabelle100]

This is super helpful, thank you!

[@hb7282]

Thank you! This makes it possible for me to make my mother if the bride dress for my daughter’s wedding! She picked out a dress for me to purchase online and, boy do colors shift online, it arrived as more green than turquoise, so I’m breaking out the sewing machine 💪

[@atekandi6715]

That's really great. Just a suggestion though, what about darts and other markings inside the garment?

[@caseymedrano8227]

Thank you. I have been trying to find a video to explain the difference in size lines and how measure.🤯💖

[@kurtkyre]

I'm just learning to sew and I need to resize a borrowed pattern that I can't draw on. I figured the best way was to trace the original as close as I could and then do the upsizing on the traced copies. Wish me luck!😁

[@leighannsmith2315]

get some paper thats see through so you can place it over the original and trace it that way! i personally do that to keep my originals nice. they even sell tracing paper with dots at inch increments to keep your tracing straight :)

[@patriciameikle449]

Great video. Very clear instructions and demonstration. Thank you!

[@msaiben]

Thank you very much for this tutorial, well explained and helped me to have medium size for xxl xl l pattern The pattern was discontinued and it’s too expensive to buy from Etsy Thank you

[@CatherineSews]

Glad it helped! I'm so happy that you were able to follow along and get your pattern down to a medium!

[@marys6859]

Thank you so much I just made a toil of a pattern that came out way too small so I needed this!

[@RogerPack]

Thank you! thank you! thank you! My only regret is that I didn't see this a year ago.The pattern my daughter wanted for a Halloween costume didn't come in her size. I graded it the traditional way, but what a pain. This would have been much easier. This year I'll be adjusting the size of another older pattern, and I'm so excited to have this method. Thank you so much!

[@daniellaamit6912]

You opened up a magic door for me ! Thank you !

[@glorywipfli247]

Fabulous tutorial. So clear. You make it seem easy! Thank you.

[@mrgarner4796]

I learned 'old school' but now using the new patterns I need help with the various sizes of my body to the sizes of the patterns. Some of my patterns are smaller sizes (as I used to be) so it has been a great journey with you through this video on how to make the adjustments. Thank you.

[@ВикторияЯнчик]

Catherine, I’m so thankful for this video 🙏🏻 I have an xxs (or even smaller) size and it’s never ending story - to find the pattern which uses such a small measurements. So this video is the GOLD for me 🙏🏻

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

This will be so helpful, starting this afternoon with a 'top' pattern, Simplicity 8529 grading from size 14 to 16. I'm so pleased I will do it properly rather than just adding a little bit at the sides. Thank you for all your professional tips. Happy Christmas!🎅

[@CatherineSews]

I'm so happy to hear that you're using this video to have success with your sewing project! Yay you!!

[@lfuentes4098]

Now I need to go see if my vary-form ruler has those markings. 😂 I haven’t pulled it out in a bit. I started using the clear one since I liked being able to see what I was doing underneath.

[@SharonMasciana]

Thank you for showing how to use that curved ruler to increase patterns - I don't need to throw away a pattern I bought now. And I plan to search Amazon for the ruler too!!

[@lyndac7401]

Thank you, this is just what i was looking for …. you make it look easy/simple and excited to use these techniques I need to get a curved ruler!!! Lol

[@Toriegarcia89]

Thank you so much for this video. This video beautifully explains how to get this done. It looks a little intimidating but i think i can get it once i mess with it. But watch this video has calmed my nerves on trying to size my patterns up.

[@marygersetich8709]

Thanks for sharing this information! I think it will come in handy.

[@olivebobo6885]

Thank you that was very informative and very helpful

[@roshandachark7820]

That is awesome! I agree it is looks easy, but will take some time. Thank you for sharing this. I need to go up a size on a pattern and I really do not want to have to purchase another pattern. I am going to watch your "real" old school pattern grading video next

[@fionasmith9396]

Thank you so much, I have a pattern that is 3 sizes to big ,now I can make it ,You are so good at explaining how 😊

[@RomeoWico-j1s]

Thank you for this tutorial.

[@ahnnhi8433]

Exactly the instructions i was looking for, thank you!

[@variniaharris1949]

Thank you for this info.This will help me enlarge a pattern I just got

[@davidmarsh959]

very clever lady thanks for sharing xxx debbie uk xxxxx

[@GOdeg-kn2mc]

Thank you for this very informative video. I love your videos and this one especially, it has taught me so much.

[@kellisalazar4800]

This was so helpful and easy to follow.

[@carolclemmons4894]

This is a great video, thank you!

[@missemily3264]

If you see this 2 yrs later... thank you, This is so useful. I have changed sizes since i bought the pattern I want to use. (Thanks covid ) This should also help if i want to make a personalized block because I range between sizes, right? So I can trace the block to fit a 47b, (22iah) 47w (22) 45h (20) . I have a bunch of patterns inherited from Mom. What happens if I were to use this method but go from a 16 to a 20 (+4)? With adjustments greater than +-2 sizes, is that when we need to do things like full bust adjustments and other fitting techniques?

[@MD-fj1ij]

Hi Catherine. This was a great video. I learned a lot, so thank you very much. I have a question, if thats ok. Im new to sewing, so im confused: do you go based of the "body measurements" or the "finished garment measurements"? Or, it would be the same, and it doesnt matter? Thanks for your help!!

[@CatherineSews]

This is such an important question that I did a whole video on it! Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4DZenmhnLGob5Isi=eT8WhbBzPbvBazdj

[@theresadasilva6235]

Huge thank you. ❤️ this is going to be so helpful

[@leila1700]

Thanks for the video.

[@lesliesteinhauser2595]

Thank you for the video. I learned a lot.

[@cosmicbrambleclawv2]

Question from a novice: Is it possible to scale more than a single size if you only have the one pattern? For example I just bought a pattern sized for 38-40-42 and I personally need 36 in the waist (I bought bigger just to be safe, since its a vintage pattern and wasnt much more expensive than the smaller, and because my chest measurments and waist measures dont necessarily align with the paper 😂) so thats no problem with your method since I could just scale down to 37 or 36 if its too big but if I needed something like.. 46 for a friend with bigger hips/waist would I be able to sort of use this method or would I need to get it done digitally somehow? Edit: Nevermind 😂 I restarted the video because I missed a few parts as I typed, and you started off by saying that method is in the next video. I could have saved a little money if I found you first but cest la vie I suppose 😂 live and learn

[@mioangel1227]

Thanks for your teaching! Could you please Link the video of grading pattern by shifting! Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZaWaXSrhKh-aqs

[@mioangel1227]

@@CatherineSewsThank you! 🙏

[@jillgreene4878]

Dry good tutorial thank you

[@jillgreene4878]

Very

[@gloriamp6816]

Hola yo no hablo ingles ojalá los subtítulos pudieran ser en español tus clases son muy buenas

[@ritaparker478]

I really like your channel. So many great ideas. I really love the idea of remaking thrift store finds; there is more selection in colours and style plus it's nice to be kind to mother nature. My problem is being a petite size it is difficult to find this size in thrift stores (or most stores). Though I can sew, I'm not an expert so this is an area where I need help learning how to adjust and re-size my finds. Do you have any videos on this subject? I tried to find some with no success. Tired of armpits at my waist and sleeve caps to my elbows. To have a wardrobe that fits well and made from upcycled items would be wonderful. Thanks.

[@CatherineSews]

Here's one that will help with Tshirts, and you can use the same technique for other tops as well. Keep on thrifting! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnPOiXiwn8ing8U

[@ritaparker478]

@@CatherineSewsThank you for your reply.

[@sheilajones4491]

This was so clear and helpful, thank you. Just one question how do you transfer pattern markings to the copy pattern. I understand cutting out larger size and notches now, but what is yr preferred method of transferring pocket placement dots grain lines etc. Ive sewn for many years albeit a gap while raising kids and working but i have never altered patterns except for shortening or lengthening at various points. ❤

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

I am really enjoying your videos. Is Vogue a pattern that leaves off the stitching lines or seam allowances that you have to put on yourself, like Bernina the European pattern? That makes a difference compared to the graded one that I actually saw before this one. Most of us home sowers would probably benefit most from this one as we aren't advanced sowers. Please let us know when and if you are using a pattern with a seam allowance so that we know when to add it. I have had bad experiences from not adding seam allowances, every project misformed or too small. Must add seam allowances if pattern doesn't have them.

[@CatherineSews]

Hi Susan, Vogue patterns include seam allowance, and Burda does now too ( I think you mean Burda, right? Bernina makes sewing machines). I don't know of any companies that still don't include seam allowances.

[@carmensalome]

Excellent tutorial!!

[@mirandavandermerwe2185]

Thank you. There is just one snag. The Butterick 16W is the smallest number and actually I am a 16 1/2 Half-size in McCalls pattern. The petite Woman is the closest and that is the 16W. I then have to resize the pattern, yet the single size pattern (which I prefer by far) don't have the increment which your tutorial with increments has. So I am stuck. I've downloaded your sloper video and will seek help there. The video for patterndrafting the pajams is way over my head as a beginner and then not necessary?

[@missdeal07]

Catherine, what about a pattern that only has one size and you need to enlarge it 3-4 sizes? You don's have the guidelines to know how to keep the curves correct. Do you just take your seam gauge set to 4" and draw a line on the outer edges (not the fold) ? Thanks.

[@vuyiswamasombuka583]

This is so helpful thank you.

[@mrmurdx8956]

Is this how you add seem allowance.

[@dorothydavis8238]

What length is your Fairgate ruler looks longer then 24" is this ruler two sided I see your numbers is over 47 but Idk if the numbers are going up higher in CM

[@rosannadawson106]

I am making a size 12 long sleeve top but it pulls under the arm hole how can I fix it.

[@mirandavandermerwe2185]

I have a single sized fitting shell dress of Buttericks with garment ease that is way too much. How would I go about to resize the pattern. It's suppose to be my size, 16W but the bodice is way too big. I would like to ask instructions on how to measure the increments at the said points, as there is none. Thank you

[@CatherineSews]

The best way would be to choose your size based on the finished garment measurements. They’re usually printed on the main front pattern piece.

[@patriciaingraldi4719]

You're amazing!!

[@anitabrock6858]

How do you figure out how much to size up on a pattern that is not a multi sized pattern? Like a vintage pattern, size 10 to size 14?

[@CatherineSews]

It’s typically 2” per size in the total circumference.

[@judymaher4896]

How do you alter a vogue pattern for multiple size. My sons waist is 32 but hips are 34

[@CatherineSews]

This is a nice, easy alteration. Use the size 32 waistband. For the front and back pattern pieces, just draw a nice smooth line to blend from the 32 at the waist to the 34 at the hip.

[@barbaraharsch3048]

Would you please show how to use two different sizes in one pattern. ie.. Big belly /small butt or short waisted(petite) etc.

[@Maplecook]

I need to get down a few sizes...

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for watching, bro!

[@CatherineSews]

@Crystal G. It should work out well with this method, but you'll want to do a mock up in a cheap fabric like muslin just to be safe. Good luck with it!

[@jewelldavis983]

❤️

[@tarohiromi8493]

How do you downsize 5 sizes?

[@raccoonrobbery]

mann my pattern is like an inch per piece im having so much trouble 😢😢

[@cwfan2]

I don't see any need to buy paper to use to increase a pattern There's always a huge amount of waste from cutting out a pattern so why not use it.

[@charitystonemountain8714]

WOW! TY.

[@callumalexander9204]

I bought a 5266 in a size 14 and I’m a w34 will it fit me or not and should I alter the pattern to fit me

[@callumalexander9204]

Hello