Pattern Review!
3+ Sewing Patterns I'll Make & Wear Over & Over!
There are plenty of sewing patterns out there, for pretty much any garment you could wish to make. Today I’m reviewing 3 patterns I’ve made and will continue to make and remix over and over as a plus size person. I wear these all the time! Each item is in heavy rotation in my wardrobe!!
1.) The Skyline Dress/Top by Sydney Graham
This is a fun, breezy, and quick-to-sew pattern by Sydney Graham. It makes a wonderfully layer-able maxi dress or tank top, and the tie closure is very easy to make and looks quite charming. Personally, I greatly prefer the hack to do the tie closure in the center front, since that makes it super easy to adjust yourself! with a 65” hip, I am at the top of the size range for this one, and I find that it is very comfortable as a maxi and I get equally as much wear from the tank top. Here are my top perks for this pattern:
Versatile; great as a dress, almost better as a top
Plenty of hacks out there already for variation
Designed to be great for patchwork
Skirt tiers are rectangles, so you only need to print the pattern pieces for the bodice tier if you are doing print-at-home.
Instructions are very clear and thorough, and the design layout is clear.
Buy the Skyline Dress Pattern here!
2.) The Ruffle Brunch Set by Matchy Matchy Sewing Club
I’ve really enjoyed sewing many Matchy Matchy patterns, but this one is a true star! It’s actually a 3-in-1 pattern bundle because you get a top, shorts, and pants patterns all together. I’ve made both the top and the shorts, and really like wearing both. For today’s purposes, I’ll focus on the shorts. I made mine specifically to wear with the Skyline tank top as a lightweight matching lounge set. The one note I have on this pattern, is that since I’m at the top of the size range in bottoms and I fit comfortably without adjustments, I do think next time I will try a full tummy adjustment to slightly raise the front of the waistband, accommodate my apron belly a bit more, and allow for more room in the hip when sitting down, so the pockets don’t have any pull lines when in different poses. I will share notes on the adjustment process when I make it next! My top perks for this pattern set are:
3 in 1!
Easy to sew; low skill barrier.
Simple to adjust if needed
Shorts are super cute & comfortable
Versatile for lounge vs casual wear
Good for multiple fabric weights.
Buy the Ruffle Brunch Set Pattern Here!
3.) The Juniper Dress by Tiana Herring
This is easily growing to be one of my all-time favorite dress patterns, and even one of my favorite patterns overall to make and wear. I love the A-line silhouette, and it makes an obvious difference that the pattern was designed with plus size folks in mind! I have made this twice, in two different fabric weights, and they are both some of my favorite wardrobe pieces to date. For me, the fit is spot on without any adjustments at all! If you haven’t installed a zipper before, or made a collar on a top, don’t let that deter you! It’s really much less daunting than it seems and you can go at your own pace. That said, if you don’t like the look of zippers, it would be simple enough to make this a tie-front dress as well! There is a lot of positive ease to make for a really comfortable fit. My top perks of this pattern:
Good for different fabric weights, especially mid-heavy weight.
Beginner friendly and thorough instructions
Well laid out and very clear pattern
Made with plus size folks in mind
Amazing fit before adjustments
Super cute design; looks great in photos & in person!
Great for utility, work, going out, etc.
Buy the Juniper Dress Pattern Here!
BONUS! The Collage Gather Top by Matchy Matchy Sewing Club
This was actually the first garment pattern I’d ever sewn at home! The pattern designers were very friendly and gracious when I contacted them with questions as well. It’s very versatile, with two sleeve options and it was designed for using your stash. It was the first top AND the first dress I’d ever made, and the dress was my first quilted/patchwork garment project! The fit is comfortable and a bit oversized. My top perks of this pattern are:
Super versatile and easy to sew
Very beginner friendly
Super customizable; meant for patchwork/mixing prints and stash-busting.
Easy to “hack!” I think it would make an amazing pinafore/apron dress, so I’m going to try that next!
Buy the Matchy Matchy Collage Gather Top Pattern Here!