How to Lengthen or Shorten a Paper Sewing Patterns


To Lengthen a Sewing Pattern
Modern printed patterns will usually have lines marked at the correct places to lengthen or shorten.
To lengthen, cut this line and spread it apart. Then place it on tracing paper and tape with the extra width added.

To Shorten a Sewing Pattern
To shorten the pattern fold on this line, remember to only take half the required length as the paper is folded double.
Measure again to check it’s correct and tape or pin the folded pattern.

To Lengthen a Dress Pattern
Use the lines marked on the paper pattern.
For older vintage patterns without printed markings, then mark lines yourself above the waistline on the bodice. Then do the same just below the hips on the skirt.
Cut and spread them apart, then place tracing paper underneath and tape once the length has been added.

To Shorten a Dress Pattern
To shorten a dress pattern use the lines marked on the paper pattern or for older vintage patterns without and printed markings, mark lines yourself above the waistline on bodice and just bellow the hips on the skirt.
Fold along the line and measure half the distance you want to shorten as the paper is doubled.
Pin or tape the fold in place once the new length is correct.

To Shorten a Sleeve Pattern
To shorten a one-piece sleeve pattern use the lengthen/shorten lines printed, or make your own lines, positioned as indicated in the diagram.
Fold on these lines and tape or pin once the desired adjustment has been made.

To Shorten a Two-Piece Sleeve Pattern
For a two-part sleeve, proceed exactly the same as a one-part sleeve above.
The only difference is, you need to check the two pattern pieces against each other. Make sure the adjustments are exactly the same and the seam lengths are the same.
Remember that a two-part sleeve may well have ease added to a curved edge, so check pattern seam lengths both before and after altering and make sure you do no eliminate this ease by mistake.

Simple Adjustment for a Kimono Top
A kimono style top is one of the simplest, and the adjustments are as shown in the diagram.
A single fold/extension to body length and sleeve is sufficient.

Lengthen/Shorten Short Patterns
To adjust shorts, the adjustment line is across the rise section, from gusset to waistband.
Either add or subtract length along this line in the same way as above for the other pattern pieces.

Lengthen/Shorten a Trouser Patterns
Full-length trousers will need to be adjusted in both the rise section, between gusset and waistband and also in leg length, as shown in this diagram.
Either add or subtract length along this line in the same way as above for the other pattern pieces.