Sept 2026 – Pattern Grading – Peggy Dupras

At the September meeting, Peggy Dupras taught us the difference between pattern grading and alterations. Grading is making the entire pattern a new size, while alterations fix areas of the pattern that do not fit you the way you want. We are to start with one size and adjust one size up or down at a time until we reach the size desired. Never try to grade 2 or more sizes at a time. Her knowledge stems from her career as a pattern maker for many clothing companies, from the GAP to Eddie Bauer to many others. I know understand why I failed when I tried to upsize a vintage dress pattern by 2 sizes at once and it did not come out as I would have liked.

Peggy D shows how to draw and use reference lines while grading.

Peggy D shows the difference between the sizes small, medium and large. Notice how the arm hole lowers as the size increases.