Altering a pattern for height

LittleKiwisCloset women’s patterns are drafted for the height 163cm (5’4″) however it is easy to adjust for your height even if you are shorter or taller.

The ladies patterns include a lengthen/shortern line which is what you will use to adjust to the height.

A good rule of thumb for adding or removing length add or subtract 1.25cm (1/2″) for every 2.54cm (1″) over or under the drafted height.

To ADD length

This example uses a 5’6″ women where extra length is needed.

1. Cut on the lengthen/shorten line.
2. Spread the piece apart the desired additional length needed. For this example our height is 5’6″ so 3″ extra is needed. Using the rule of thumb above that caluculates at a 1.5″ gap (.5″ x 3″).
3. Place a piece of paper underneath the two pieces and tape in place.
4. The final step is to smooth out the side seam since adding that length creates a jump.

To REMOVE length

1. Cut on the lengthen/shorten line.
2. Overlap the pieces the desired amount. For this example our height is 5″ so 3″ less is needed. Using the rule of thumb above that caluculates an overlap of 1.5″ (.5″ x 3″).
3. The final step is to smooth out the side seam since reducing the length leaves a jump.
4.  

This process is the same process that you would use for one of the Men’s patterns. The Men’s patterns are drafted for the height 5’8″