This post is all about how plus size sewing patterns are graded and extended sizing of the Short Sleeved Tunic Dress PDF sewing pattern is now live!

I am very pleased to announce the addition of two new sizes to the Short Sleeved Tunic Dress PDF Sewing Pattern.

I have had many requests throughout the past year or so and have been listening. Sizes Extra Small and 2X have been added to the Short Sleeved Tunic Dress sewing pattern. In addition, a shorten and lengthen line has been added as well for petite sewists, or if you would like to make a longer or shorter length, to create your own bespoke garment.

Why did I develop expanded sizing and what goes into it? Sewing patterns are designed on a block, that is, a basic garment that fits close to the body that is used as a designer’s base before design and wearing ease, style details have been added. Some designers have smaller blocks than others, or differently shaped blocks. Using a size an XL and a C cup for a block is using a larger block than grading from the industry standard B cup and a size S, for instance. All Ann Normandy Design sewing patterns blocks are designed in a size XL and C cup.

This block choice influences how well the pattern is graded up and down from that block. Further, going from an XS to a 2XL isn’t as simple as adding a half inch everywhere – shoulders don’t expand that much larger at 2X and arms don’t get that much longer either.

Two new sizes added to the Short Sleeved Tunic Dress sewing pattern by Ann Normandy Design

Most designers want to include extended sizing because that’s who we are serving – our clients aren’t all a size 10 B cup. They range from petite to curvy plus, and the joy of crafting your own custom made wardrobe is in achieving a great fit – not only through sizing but careful drafting and grading of elements that matter: neckline, armscye and including subtle design tweaks that seem insignificant until you put the garment on your body and you FEEL fabulous.

The decision to release this linen dress pattern, as well as all of my patterns in the extended sizing is because of its versatility. It’s a gorgeous dress or tunic that fits and flatters – and it’s such a staple in a year-round wardrobe, worn alone with accessories in the warm weather, and worn under a cozy top layer and over tights in the cool weather.

Closet Case Confessional Style Blogger, Dana Frost wearing the Short Sleeved Tunic Dress.

A great woven fabric dress that fits and flatters is a must for everyone’s wardrobe closet. The Short Sleeved Tunic Dress has unique details like my classic, signature squared off neckline and gorgeous, easy-to-sew couture details like flat-felled seams, that not only encase the seams, but give stability and structure to the garment to perfectly drape your body AND it has pockets!

The sleeves and the length of the dress can be easily modified to create a full-length caftan maxi dress and a look that can be worn year round. Imagine a jewel-toned shantung silk full length dress. Or shortening the pattern into a tunic and using a crisp white cotton for the ultimate white shirt. So many possibilities with one sewing pattern. For more information about the Short Sleeved Tunic Dress sewing pattern, click here.

The Ann Normandy Design Tunic Dress is a must have for everyone’s hand crafted wardrobe. It is a classic, the perfect pairing with gorgeous linens and cotton fabrics, reclaimed, environmentally friendly vintage textiles and showcases them – and YOU – in their best light. Extending the size range makes this dress accessible to more sewists who want to sew custom-fitting dresses and tunics that rivals any chic high end boutique.

Dana Frost wearing Ann Normandy Design’s Short Sleeved Tunic Dress created with reclaimed antique handwoven linen.

We sew because we love to create things – and we are looking for clothing sewing patterns that produce garments that are great fitting and flattering in the color and fabric we choose. Extended sizing gets more of us to the place where our me-made wardrobe is our favorite, and when we receive a compliment with the question of where you found it, we can say sincerely, “thank you, I made it!”

Ann Normandy Design’s Pant and Bermuda Shorts PDF sewing patterns also have extra small, 2X sizes and lengthen/shorten lines for petites. I will be rolling out extra small and 2X on all of my existing patterns throughout the year and the new Sleeveless Tunic pattern coming very soon!

Continuing the conversation on sizing, stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on my measuring tips to achieve the perfect fit with all of the Ann Normandy Design sewing patterns in the collection.

Happy Sewing!

Kim