An essential guide to patternmaking for plus-size fashion, and the specialized skills, shapes, and techniques required to achieve a great fit and make beautiful clothing that truly understands plus-size bodies.

Featuring all the major block types for contemporary apparel – from fitted bodices to T-shirts, sleeve variations to swimwear – and packed with clear illustrations and step-by-step guidance, Brown and Kelleher guide you through:

- drafting a complete set of plus-size blocks suitable for use with models and clients
- industry plus-size fit forms
- adapting existing designs for plus sizes
- practical skills for respectful measuring, fitting, and working with larger bodies.

Covering every step of the pattern-drafting process, from developing a size chart, to considering mobility and wearing ease, to adapting smaller dress forms for use with plus-sizes, Plus-Size Patternmaking for Womenswear is an essential textbook for all modern fashion and apparel students.

Online resources available for download:
- Instructor resources, including class presentation slides
- Sample size charts, blank size chart templates, and ease chart
- Instructions for calculating required measurements for block drafting section
- Standard measurements used in block drafting
- A collection of plus size croquis in different sizes and poses

The authors present a ground-breaking approach to industry sizing and fit. Beginning with an analysis of how large bodies differ in balance, curvature, and posture from straight bodies, they introduce a simple, direct pattern drafting process for creating pattern blocks. Their lessons on understanding and accepting body variation are valuable for all fashion students and apparel industry practitioners. -- Susan P. Ashdown, Emerita Professor, Cornell University, USA
This has the power to shape a new generation of designers who approach fit and fashion with more awareness, acceptance, and kindness for all humans. Nothing like this exists in the market today - it’s one of one. -- Katelyn Janosch, Director of Technical Design, AYR, USA
This is a pioneering book that fully considers inclusivity and diversity in the pattern cutting and fitting process for many different plus-size fashion garments. It is detailed, accessible and sensitively written, supported by great photographs, figures and tables that provide a solid underpinning for the creation of these styles. -- Dr Kevin Almond, Associate Professor, University of Leeds, UK

Gabby Brown is a US-based technical designer in apparel manufacturing with a background working for major retailers including Abercrombie & Fitch and JCPenney. She currently teaches and works with brands and clients on fitting, construction, patternmaking and block development.

Leila Kelleher is Assistant Professor of Fashion Design and Social Justice at Parsons School of Design, USA. She is co-founder of the Size Inclusion in Fashion Lab and A Space, In Between, a Japan-based plus-size luxury brand.