This is a question we have been asked many times: how to adapt our patterns for a pregnant body?
Though neither of us has given it a try yet, many talented seamstresses have used Deer&Doe patterns to create beautiful maternity garments… Here is a round-up of our favorite projects for mothers-to-be! 😉
Of all our patterns, Chataigne is without a doubt the one that has been used the most to create maternity clothing! Thanks to its triangular yoke which starts under the stomach, it can be adapted easily: just swap the waistband pieces for a knit waistband or a wide tie. A tutorial in French is available on the blog Une parisienne en Helvétie. 🙂
Le fil à coudre d’Anna – Yanoudatoi – PanaChronoDactyloPée
L’ombellifère – Gigette – Une parisienne en Helvétie
The Plantain tee can also be a great maternity staple. With its flared cut and stretchy fabric, it could be worn the whole nine months. It just needs to be lengthened in order to fully cover the belly: turn it into a tunic, or even a maxi dress!
Ma P’tite Paupiette – Sew I Thought
With the Aubépine dress, there is nothing to change: the empire waist and pleated skirt leave enough space for a round tummy. To go a step further, you can modify the bodice to include buttons to make it breastfeeding-friendly! Check out how French bloggers Bruume and Zibusine did that. 🙂
Les Créations du Papillon – PanaChronoDactyloPée – Hello Elo – Félicie à Paris
Patterns that are very fitted at the waist, such as Centaurée, Zéphyr or even Bruyère, require a little bit more work as the waistline needs to be brought up. Start by shortening the bodice pieces between the bust and the waist. Lengthen the skirt accordingly, or you might end up with a mini-dress 😉 . You can also skip the waistband if the pattern includes one. Be warned, you might have to play a bit with proportions, so don’t forget to make a muslin before you cut into your prettiest fabric!
By Julie Handmade – Folie 0rdinaire – By Salterele
