Simplicity Plus Size Sewing Patterns

About Simplicity Patterns

Established in 1927, the Simplicity Pattern Company was created so home seamstresses could create fashionable clothing during the Great Depression, when money for most necessities was scarce. The patterns include step-by-step instructions for cutting and sewing the clothing. Each pattern is imprinted on tissue paper with numbers that correspond to the instructions. You will find several patterns packaged together in one envelope, giving consumers several options from which to choose.

Plus Size Patterns

Similar to the clothing industry, plus size sewing patterns were not always easy to find. It wasn't until the last few decades when designers -- including those who create the fashions for sewing patterns -- have offered plus size women more choices. Long gone are the patterns for house dresses, slacks and blouses. Today's full-figured seamstress has choices in what style of clothing they would like to create:

• Baby doll tunics
• Sundresses
• Chic blouses
• Pants suits
• Work attire
• Coats and jackets
• Skirts
• Elegant evening gowns
• Weekend wear
• Lounge wear and pajamas

Celebrity Endorsement

As part of the Simplicity Pattern Company's campaign for a new look, Khaliah Ali, daughter of famed boxing great Muhammad Ali, has put her name -- and body -- on a line of plus size sewing patterns. Ali, a plus-sized gal herself, has struggled with her weight for most her life until she underwent gastric band surgery in 2004. The Khaliah Ali Collection features beautiful plus size styles made from fun and exciting fabrics including:

• Knit dresses
• Woven tops
• Twill or wool coats
• Poplin or sateen gowns
• Tweed or corduroy jackets

Find Simplicity Plus Size Sewing Patterns

If you shop a lot online, your best bet at finding a large selection of patterns would be at Simplicity.com. The website allows you to look at both sides of the pattern so you can see:

• Available sizes
• Notions needed
• Suggested fabrics
• Suggested body measurements

The website will also allow you to save what you view for 60 minutes in its "Must Sew List" and get a close look at exactly what the outfit looks like. Other places to find Simplicity plus size sewing patterns are:

• Most in-person fabric stores that carry patterns such as Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores or Hancock Fabrics
• eBay
• Garage sales
• Sewing Patterns
• Denver Fabrics
• Wal-mart

Discontinued and Vintage Sewing Patterns

Finding discontinued or vintage Simplicity patterns is very easy to do. A simple Google search will return thousands of places online where out-of-print sewing patterns could be found, including:

• Special Auctions
• Karens Variety
• Etsy
• eBay

Tips for Selecting the Right Pattern

Choosing the right plus size clothing pattern can take some time, but here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Have your measurements taken and written down before you head to the store. If possible, have a friend or family member help measure you.
• Read the entire pattern, both front and back covers. Pay special attention to the types of fabrics suggested as sometimes it can be more expensive to make an item of clothing than to buy it because of the expensive fabric that is used.
• Don't sell yourself short on a size. If you are between sizes, go up, and if you aren't sure, go with the larger size. It is much easier to take in a garment that is too big than to try and fix it if it's too small.
• If you aren't sure how a style will look on you when it's complete, take a stroll over to the plus size department of your favorite store and try on a similar-style clothing item.
• Take your time when sewing your outfit and plan a season ahead.