Question about enlarging a pattern... Do you think this will work?

[allnaturalmom]

I have never really altered patterns, with the exception of lengthening or shortening hemlines and sleeves. I just buy and trace the size I need, or make the size I have the pattern for.

Well, the other day I found a great vintage pattern for a cover-up/robe for dd. It was not dd's size (you know how vintage patterns don't come multi-sized), but I bought it anyway - it was twenty-five cents . It looked really interesting (read: easy ) so I thought I would take a chance and try to alter it.

My question is: Can I just trace it out adding about an inch or two all the way around? It's just two pieces (front piece and back piece)... there are no sleeves to cut out... they are included in the front and back pieces (I told you it was easy! ). The directions have you cut each piece out twice, join seams together, put right sides together and stitch all the way around leaving a small hole for turning, and turn. The pattern is a size 1 and dd would need a size 3.

What do you think? Can it be enlarged a bit just by tracing a bit larger? Am I missing something as to why it wouldn't work? Thanks for any advice!
tia!

Oh here's a link to what it looks like:
http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Simplicity_5517

[cowboyjunki]

I've tried this before and it never quite works out. The arm holes or neckline usually end up being too big/wide. I'm sure it's possible - hopefully someone else can give us some pointers!

[allnaturalmom]

Originally Posted by cowboyjunki

I've tried this before and it never quite works out.

Well, that's not what I wanted to hear!

Thanks for the response, though! I do hope someone else can offer some advice. I tried searching on-line for some information and this is what I found: http://www.sensibility.com/pattern/resizepattern.htm

All I can say about it is.....

Thanks again and Happy Sewing!

[cristeen]

I'd try it with muslin first, see how it fit without cutting into your good fabric.

I've successfully scanned a pattern and resized it that way.

[allnaturalmom]

Originally Posted by cristeen

I'd try it with muslin first, see how it fit without cutting into your good fabric.

I've successfully scanned a pattern and resized it that way.

WooHooo! Thanks, this sounds encouraging.... I am going to try it w/an old sheet, so nothing to lose if it doesn't work out!

I have scanned patterns before - to avoid tracing I hadn't considered enlarging that way.


Thanks again!

[E.V. Lowi]

Remember that when you scan a pattern and enlarge it, you are also enlarging the seam allowances. It's best to remove the seam allowance and add it back on after you enlarge, otherwise the proportions will be off.

[allnaturalmom]

Originally Posted by E.V. Lowi

Remember that when you scan a pattern and enlarge it, you are also enlarging the seam allowances. It's best to remove the seam allowance and add it back on after you enlarge, otherwise the proportions will be off.

Yes... that makes sense! Hadn't thought about that.... Thank you!


I'm determined to figure this out!