A Simple Way to get that Oversized Look – Pattern Hack

I don’t think I am alone when I say this, but I love a good “oversized” top. I am a stay at home mom of 5 kids and although I do try to look put together most days, I also have to be comfortable.

So even though I do not always love all of the current fashion trends, I am onboard when it comes to the oversized shirt trends.

So if you are like me and like a slightly oversized, comfy shirt, I want to tell you a quick and easy way to hack your pattern to get that desired look.

The more traditional way to adjust the width/length of your garment is the slash/spread method.  I have used this method many times in the past, and I love it.  I have used it to add length to garments when my daughter used to measure a size 4 chest and a size 8 length.  The slash/spread method also works great when I want to add volume to a sleeve or to make a bodice boxier. 

If you are not familiar with the Slash and Spread pattern hacking method, you may read more about it here.

It is a great method; however, it does take time to manipulate the pattern. Plus, you will need additional paper and other tools to essentially draw a new pattern.

When I am looking for a quick and easy way to hack a simple pattern to be more oversized, I have found a great method!  I have done this method on a couple different Love Notions patterns recently and I have loved the outcome!

To start, determine your normal size according to your measurements.  Typically, I am an X-Small in Love Notions Tops.  So, when choosing the sizes to print, I know that I want to print an extra small, so I will make sure that size is clicked on the layers list.

Next, I refer to the “Finished Garment Measurements” chart.  Using that chart, I can see the finished measurements for each size.  Depending on how big I want the garment to be will determine what size I want to print.  If you are uncertain, you may want to look at clothes you have in your closet to compare measurements. 

I have found that I like to go up 2 sizes to a size Medium.    So, in the layers list, I will click on the size Medium in addition to the X-Small.  All of the other size layers should be clicked off. 

Once the pattern is printed and assembled, we just need to make a couple of adjustments. 

I prefer to keep my neck area my standard size, so for me that is an X-Small.  I do not want the garment hanging off of me, so I always cut the front and back neckline and the shoulder line my normal size.  If the garment has a neckband, I will cut that out to be my standard size as well. 

For the rest of the top, I will cut a size Medium (2 sizes larger than my standard size).  I will extend my shoulder line to the meet the size Medium armscye, and then I will continue along the size medium line the rest of the way.  In addition, I cut the size Medium sleeve. If the garment has cuffs then I typically cut the cuffs my natural size to make the sleeve puff a little.

I do know that this is not the most technical way to add width to a top, but it is very quick, and easy to understand.

Don’t forget to shop the Love Notions 40% off sale. It ends today (October 7th)!!

Use Code “JEN10” for an additional 10% off!!