How to Convert a Digital Child's Sewing Pattern to an Adult's

Converting the size of clothing patterns increases their versatility.

Converting a pattern for a child to an adult size involves not only making the pattern larger, but making allowances for the differences in proportion. If the pattern was intended for a child over eight years of age, the conversion is simpler. Patterns for infants and toddlers are the most difficult to convert because in addition to differences in proportion and general shape, baby clothes are made to accommodate bulky diapers. Loose garments are the easier to convert than fitted garments.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer
• Newsprint paper
• pencil
• scissors
• Flexible tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the adult using the measurement guide on the pattern you wish to convert. For women, be sure to include bust measurements. Write down the measurements and set aside.

2. Print out the largest child size available for the pattern. If the adult is small, relatively little adjusting may be needed for patterns that go up to a child's size 12.

3. Pin the child size pattern to a large piece of paper. Newprint art paper, wrapping paper, butcher paper or large pieces of tissue paper will work, but the paper must be larger than the pattern.

4. Mark mid-points such as the middle of the back, the middle of the front, center top to bottom on the child-size pattern. Center the adult measurements on these points. For example if the child-size pattern measurement is 18 inches from waist to neck, the mid-point will be 9 inches down from the neck. If the adult measurement is 24 inches, place the 12 inch mark on your tape at the mid-point nine inches below the neck. Mark the added inches needed for the adult pattern at the beginning of the tape and at the 24 inch mark. Repeat for all needed measurements.

5. Draw a concentric line around the child pattern using the points marked to show the adult measurements. You may need to add some extra details for things like darts for an adult bust line or added thickness through the shoulders.

References

• "The Perfect Fit"; Creative Publishing International; 2005
• "Sewing for Dummies"; Jan Saunders Maresh; 2010
• "Beeton's Book of Needlework"; Isabella Mary Beeton; 1870