Enlarging commercial patterns

[Zoes Mum]

As usual I've overestimated the time i had available to do things and now I have several uncut commercial patterns that are one or two sizes too small for Zoe. Does anyone have any idea how I go about enlarging them - we have a commercial copier but how much do I enlarge by? Or is it easier to trace the patterns and add to them? Anyone got any ideas?

[Callum's godmother]

It probably depends what kind of garment they are - trousers and skirts you may get away with just going longer (especially once the little person is out of nappies!) tops and dresses would be more tricky as the arm holes need to get bigger.

[grizle]

I don't think you can just enlarge them (photocoping). If it has different sizes you wil see that some areas get bigger with sizes while some only have small changes IYKWIM. Normally patterns get longer as sizes go up more so than wider.

[LabRat]

You also can't just add a uniform extra amount around the edges of the pattern to enlarge either - this creates problems in any area with a curve like crotch seams etc and you will end up with a nightmare fitting.
It could be worth buying the next size up and selling your copies.

[Darny]

If the originals are decent weight paper, or you can be seriously patient with the flimsy tissue paper then you can enlarge the pattern using the existing sizing increase on the pattern - so for example if you can judge how much the armhole cuts in from one size to the next you should be able to judge the next size up - fiddly but do-able as long as the patterns are reasonably simple, the more fiddly the pattern is the less worth while the exercise is as far as how long it'll take you.

[Zoes Mum]

Thanks everybody. You've helped me make a decision. I might try to enlarge a couple of them (have a couple of vintage ones that I don't think I could get the next size up) using Darny's method, but I'll sell the rest and get something new - when I'm ready to sew