Best Pattern Companies for inclusive sizing

Not too long ago, I wrote a blog post entitled Why Do I Do What I Do?

This was a personal post for me yet the topic of sizing within the fashion industry resonated with so many of you. Ready To Wear clothing often simply doesn’t make us feel good about ourselves. Instead, it repeatedly makes us anxious, lowers our self-esteem, and cultivates feelings of self-doubt. The fact of the matter is this: we weren’t made to fit into clothes; clothes should be made to fit us. 
 
With that in mind, one of the huge benefits of sewing your own clothes is that you are in total control of styling and sizing. Once you’ve mastered how to accurately take your own body measurements for garment making, you’ll never need to worry about ill-fitting clothing ever again. Creating a piece of clothing that fits you perfectly and makes you feel good about yourself is quite euphoric, especially for those seeking plus-sized items. The struggle is real, and we all know that inclusivity and style don’t often go hand in hand in the fast fashion industry. 
 
That being said, with the right pattern and a fairly basic grasp of sewing, you will be able to make an inclusive, me-made wardrobe that fits you perfectly. Here are some of the most popular inclusive, plus-sized pattern designers around at the moment. These designers offer a huge range of sizing options as well as styles so you’re bound to find something that piques your interest. 

Helen’s Closet
Helen’s Closet is passionate about providing easy-to-follow patterns for timeless classics. The patterns range from size 0-30 US and offer cup sizing where applicable. These wardrobe staples include tops, dresses, shirts, cardigans, swimwear, jackets, and much more. The Helen’s Closet website also has a great blog where the designers share pattern hacks and sewing tutorials. 

Do It Better Yourself Club (DIBY Club)
Jessica Hooley started out the Do It Better Yourself Club - or DIBY Club for short - as a lifestyle blog that encouraged women to be “as self-sufficient as they choose”. With the goal to make sewing accessible and fun for everyone, Jessica’s downloadable PDF patterns come in an extensive size range (00-36US) and are accompanied by a full ebook’s worth of instructions, custom fit tutorials, and video tutorials. 

Closet Core Patterns (Formerly Closet Case Patterns)
With downloadable sewing patterns and sewing courses that feature, in their own words, “obsessively clear step-by-step videos”, Closet Core Patterns offer a huge range of clothing patterns and tutorials that are extremely inclusive. The Closet Core Patterns blog features fitting tricks and hacks to ensure that each piece fits perfectly, as well as tutorials and freebies. Sizing ranges from a US 14-32.

Muna and Broad
Muna and Broad is the brainchild of Leila and Jess - two ladies who met via Instagram and bonded over the lack of patterns available for women in their sizes. Muna and Broad design patterns up to a 71.5 inch hip, stating that they aim for their designs to look amazing and fit larger bodies well. In honour of inclusivity, the Muna and Broad team will grade their patterns up for free if you don’t fit their size chart. 

Friday Pattern Company
Modern, on-trend pattern designs straight from sunny California - the Friday Pattern Company are ensuring that inclusive fashion stays stylish. From surfer girl to the cottagecore aesthetic, the Friday Pattern Company provides detailed PDF downloads and video tutorials that cater for bodies up to a 63 inch hip. 

Cashmerette
At Cashmerette they we empower sewists with big boobs to create a dream wardrobe that actually fits. From sewing patterns in size 0–32 and cup sizes C–H, to the monthly Cashmerette Club, online workshops and best-selling book, they're with you every step of the way!