4Real Forums: Sewing for Plus-sized Pregnant Friend

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Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
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Topic: Sewing for Plus-sized Pregnant Friend

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Patty
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Joined: March 27 2005
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Posted: June 04 2008 at 9:26am \| IP Logged

Hello,

Have any of you ever found any nice maternity patterns for plus-sized ladies? I have a 23yo friend expecting her first baby. She is "abundantly beautiful" and having a very hard time finding anything in her size for maternity. I offered to sew her a few things. A woman who owns a local fabric store and is VERY knowledgeable, told me how to alter any regular pattern for maternity wear, but I'm a bit apprehensive. In fact, the whole "sewing for someone else" thing has me rather worried, even though I've been sewing for over 20 years. I've never sewn clothing for anyone other than myself and our kids.

Also, what about nursing patterns for plus-sized women?

folklaur
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Joined: Feb 07 2005
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Posted: June 04 2008 at 8:15pm \| IP Logged

As a plus-sized mom, I had a horrible time finding maternity clothes. For my last pregnancy, I had 4 outfits. Seriously. Four. And I am not like really huge or anything - just all proportioned wrong. It made getting dressed a cinch, as I didn't have much choice. I would have loved if someone could have sewed for me!

As for nursing clothes, I found tops I really liked at Motherwear....but I am vaguely remembering that their quality might not be what it once was....

Sorry, that was no help.

JodieLyn
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Joined: Sept 06 2006
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Posted: June 04 2008 at 8:54pm \| IP Logged

Some of what will work will depend on where she carries her weight and why she's in plus sizes.. for instance... myself.. I am in plus sizes more for bustline than overweight everywhere.. oh sure a bit overweight but if my bustline was less generous I could fit in regular size L. So... for me.. the babydoll style tops looks cute for maternity.. but the top still has to fit generously so the line isn't on my bust but below it

but that let's the shirt tuck in just a bit before going to the gathered skirt part of the shirt. Otherwise I seriously look like I'm wearing a tent/bag..

But I have a friend who's rather more wider in the hip than in the bustline.. and the trapeze styles are great for her.. because they give her a longer line with the width in the hip..

Often for plus size.. pleats are going to look a great deal better than gathers.. it gives you that room but doesn't give you the bunching up (like we need more bulk)

As for myself.. it's rare to find any nursing tops that work.. again it's that bustline problem.. where the openings are cut in most ready made clothes assume that things are higher than they can be (unless I want to look like Madonna in that viking bra

) Also.. there's going to be more pull just as you move about so that openings have a harder time laying smoothly. Mostly I just like tops that are loose enough I can lift and either tuck baby clear under or the fabric will drape around the baby sufficiently.

I haven't managed to make anything yet but I think I'd really like the vest over top with side openings look. This can look nice on plus sized women regardless of where the weight is carried as long as they're cut right so that you don't get too much bulk and no pulling.. a longer line vest would look better than one that stops at the waist.

Generally less fabric is a good thing.. less full skirts etc.. but you want the cut of the item to fit well.. don't skimp on what's needed to get around you and for movement but don't add extra width beyond what's needed.. if that makes sense.

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Patty
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Joined: March 27 2005
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Posted: June 05 2008 at 10:30am \| IP Logged

Thank you both for sharing your thoughts! And Laura, yes, what you said did help me because it helped me see that my friend will appreciate my efforts...and anyway, if anything is ill-fitting we can always alter it! I don't want her to be disappointed but she said she will not be that picky...she is grateful.

Anyone else have any tips or thoughts to share?

Patty

juststartn
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Joined: Jan 17 2007
Location: Oklahoma
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Posted: June 05 2008 at 9:54pm \| IP Logged

I had a friend make me a jumper. Of course, I outgrew it really quickly. REALLY quickly. It was scary. But then we found out WHY I outgrew it so fast. LOL. Twins will do that for you. I started out in an XL. I ended up in a 2-3X, just cause of the baby belly. Let me tell ya, it was awful.

Now, I don't remember which pattern it was, and right now, all of my patterns are still packed up--haven't come across that box yet, but I'll look HARD if you want.

Rachel

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