Clothing Pattern Issues for Plus Size Children

You have permission to publish this articlearms or shoulders the size of a 16 year old.
electronically or in print, free of charge, as long asSarah J Doyle, a pattern maker, author and
the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of yourinstructor for over 30 years has introduced a line
publication sent to me at would be appreciated.of clothing patterns for plus size children, PSC
"Clothing Pattern Issues for Plus Size Children"Patterns, that have been designed and made
Plus size children and overweight children needfrom REAL measurements of REAL plus size and
patterns and clothing that fit THEIR "larger thanoverweight children.
average" measurements. Sadly, neither readyIn addition to using patterns that were designed
made clothing nor commercial patterns addressspecifically for plus size children, some things to
the real issue of overweight children'sthink about are what the "appearance" of the
measurements.finished garment will look like. For example:
Recent statistics indicate that over nine million** Dresses with several rows of elastic sewn at
American children are categorized as overweightthe waistline will appear to thicken the waist and
and some being obese. Buying or making clothesshorten the height, while semi-fitted dresses with
for these children is very stressful and difficult asvertical line designs and A-line skirts will give a
literally no standard size will fit.thinner and taller appearance.
The stories of mothers, grandmothers, and** Solid colors and vertical lines will heighten the
sewing professionals who are trying to getbody, while contrasting colors in tops and skirts,
clothing and patterns to fit plus size childrenas well as big bold prints will shorten it.
properly all echo each other and the** Waists seem to expand with wide or
disappointment is the same for all.conspicuous belts or buckles.
The same frustration was repeated to me by a** Hips will seem to increase in girth with tight or
friend who has a 9 year old daughter with a 36"full skirts. The A-lines or princess style skirts will
chest, 34" tummy and 38" hips. The pattern sizecreate a more slimming appearance.
that came closest to the chest, tummy and hipBy using actual plus size children patterns and
measurement was a 16 Plus, which didn't fitconsidering what the final appearance of the
anywhere else!garment will be, sewing for the plus size and
We all know that an extra chubby 9 year oldoverweight child will become much easier.
would not be as tall as a 16 year old, nor have