httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM9y0-2pbWU
While doing some research for a video we’re doing regarding our Plus Size Children patterns and classes, we found some very disturbing information. First of all, did you know that there are NO, I repeat NO, commercial patterns or clothing for plus size, overweight or obese children under the age of 6? Are you also aware that 1 in 5 of all children under the age of 6 is overweight or obese? WAIT A MINUTE! Our Plus Size Children patterns DO cover that age range — you can see on PatternsThatFitYou.com and PlusSizeChildren.com that we DO have a size range of 2-4-6 as well as the size range 8-10-12 and 14-16 — and ALL of the size ranges are made from actual measurements of plus size/obese children. We spent over a year, and on a continuing basis, collecting actual measurements of overweight and obese children from our customers to put into a database in order to construct patterns that would fit these “forgotten” children. Look at the difference between an “average” size 10 and an “overweight” size 10 in the following picture:
The “overweight/obese” child size 10 measurements – if you could find a commercial pattern to fit them – would be a woman’s size 16-18 or perhaps larger — and how many of those garment styles would be suitable for a 10 year old? If you have, or know, some overweight/obese children, you know that there isn’t much difference in the “height” of the obese child, the big difference is through the middle, and even in the commercial patterns that are designed for the “plus” size (16 Plus, etc), AREN’T for any child other than maybe a little overweight 16 year old, not the 6 or 8 or 10 year olds that are overweight.
We are in the process of putting together a series dedicated to helping those who have overweight/obese children, grandchildren, neices, etc to be able to alter a regular store bought pattern to fit them as well as how to use the overweight child’s own measurements to make garments that will fit perfectly. You can get a head start right away by checking out the patterns, books and classes we have at PatternsThatFitYou.com and PlusSizeChildren.com. AND, for those of you who have overweight girls in that totally “forgotten” “no patterns” age group under 6 years old, you can check out our Easy Pattern Making for Girls ages 2-6 and the two websites just mentioned. You will FINALLY be able to get clothing to fit your child!
I wrote about this a bit ago, about how to adjust patterns to fit a nonstandard size. The client I was sewing for has a young child who wears a much larger size than her age, but is not tall. So, she is plus size! Here is what I wrote.
http://handmadedresshaven.blogspot.com/2012/06/adjusting-pattern-to-fit-nonstandard.html
That’s a great post Kathy, thanks very much for sharing!
Thank you SO much for addressing this issue. I am at my wits end trying to outfit my 10 year old daughter. I decided I would have to restort to enroling in pattern drafting classes so that I can keep her in clothes. She doesn’t fit store made clothes and as you identified, there are no commecial patterns. Thanks again for your help 🙂
After leaving my comment, I went over to order your book on Altering Store Bought Patterns for Plus Sized Children – but you don’t ship to Australia!! I’m happy to pay for postage. Any suggestions??
Have emailed you the info Jennie but wanted to make sure you know that we have the Altering Store Bought Patterns for Plus Sized Children has a download so you can get it instantly and save the shipping!