copying pattern from ready made clothes

[HappyLamb]

I have a maternity skirt from Motherhood that I would like to copy. It's a basic A-line skirt with a belly panel. I have never copied something from ready made clothes before-- is there anything special that I should know/do? I just want to be careful that I leave enough ease in the rear end, as I have been getting bigger there, not so much in front.

Thank you!

[rubelin]

turn it inside out, press if neccessary, then fold in half lengthwise down the center front (or back). Then tack it down onto your paper (I do this on my plastic cutting mat with thumbtacks), getting it as flat as possible. Start at the center, marking the center grainline and trace around it. If there are darts or gathering anywhere, you'll want to measure how much is taken in and account for that. Do each piece separately (probably only front and back and panel). I'd make up a tester out of some crappy fabric to check the fit and add more ease to the center back if you need to.

[LaughingHyena]

Don't forget to add a seam allowance after you've drawn round you existing item. I have a bad habit of forgetting it, or adding a seam allowance on the fold. Not a good idea :