DIY Sewing Projects for Plus Sizes: How to Make a Slim Silhouette


Princess Seam Dress from Sewing Pattern Secrets

If you’re new to sewing, you may have heard of a technique called Princess Seam. it’s an excellent choice for designing clothing for plus sizes.

Princess seams are a design tool that can transform a garment’s fit and silhouette, providing a slimmer, more flattering appearance. By embracing the body’s natural curves and creating elongating lines, these seams enhance the waistline, accentuate the bust, and create an overall sense of elegance.

What is a Princess Seam?

A Princess Seam is a sewing technique that involves sewing two curved seams from the shoulder or armhole to the waist line or the hem of the garment, creating a vertical seam that follows the contours of the body. This technique is named after the princess dresses of the 19th century, which were designed to create a slimming effect on the body. Princess seams are commonly used in women’s clothing, such as dresses, blouses, and jackets.

In the featured photo of Sewing Pattern Secret’s Faux Wrap dress, the princess seam is used in the design from shoulder to hem and can appear as a single or double breasted dress or dress jumper.  

Benefits of Princess Seams

Princess seams are known for their ability to create a more fitted look in clothing, which can make someone appear slimmer. Unlike traditional darts, which can create a pointy look in certain areas of the body, princess seams create a smooth and streamlined silhouette. Princess seams can also be a great choice for plus sizes, as they can help to create a more balanced and proportioned look in clothing.

The Alluring Contour of Princess Seams:

Princess seams are long, curved seams that run vertically from the shoulder or armhole down to the hemline, typically found on fitted garments like dresses and bodices. Unlike traditional side seams, which tend to break up the fabric horizontally, princess seams create a visually elongated line along the body, resulting in a sleeker appearance.

Slimming Effect on the Waistline:

One of the most notable benefits of princess seams is their ability to visually narrow the waistline. By skillfully following the natural contours of the body, these seams sculpt the fabric to embrace the curves and create a defined waist. The result is a slimming effect that accentuates the hourglass figure, making it a popular choice for formal gowns and tailored dresses.

How to Sew a French Seam

See our Step by Step tutorial on creating a French Seam

Dress for Your Shape

Marjorie Vaudreuil

HI. I'M MARGIE I love creating and creations of all kinds! I love Jesus, I love my family and I love to teach! That's what makes life exciting for me and that is why I have so much to share with you. I am founder and owner of SewingPatternSecrets LLC, based in Boston, MA. I am a writer and an avid sewist with a background in fine art and design from New England School of Art and Design, Boston. Sewing Patterns Secrets was conceived with my husband (my #1 supporter), inspired partly from my grandmother, but largely inspired by my mother, who passed in 2017. She supported many decades of my artistry, including, but not limited to, sewing. Whilst my mother was indeed, an important benefactor, my husband has unfailingly supported all of my endeavours and is the Director of Sales. As the Product and Project Director, I conceptualized, developed, produced, tested, and edited all of the 125+ curated sewing patterns, instructions and ebooks, using my decades of experience. I managed a team of fashion designers to help me with the 3D software and production. I and three other master seamstresses, vector artists, graphic designers, and one amazing fashion illustrator. Production took two solid years of detail and hard work and another six months of sales funnel creation. I give thanks to: Fer, Rima, Oksana, Debbie, Kathreen, Suanne, Elizabeth, Jacki, Bronwen, Kimberly, and the many others who contributed. As such, I am gifted with the ability to share with you my expertise and everything that I have learned along the way, as relates not only sewing, but to project and product creation and all areas of design: web, graphic, fashion, pattern and product creation. This would include 10s of software, marketing and SEO tools, affiliate marketing and so much more. All you have to do is ask! In addition to writing all of the ebooks for Sewing Pattern Secrets, I am also the main writer of this blog, but looking for other (Human) sewing bloggers who would like to partner with us. We welcome guest bloggers, vloggers, influencers and also an invitation to blog for you as well. We always want your advice and we also want to hear from you regarding ideas and improvements to our blog, product, or advertising. PLEASE COMMENT. Please do write me at support@sewingpatternsecrets.com. Blessings, Margie "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you." 1 Thessalonians 4:11 www.sewingpatternsecrets.com/vsl www.thesewingbuzz.com www.marjorievaudreuildesigns.com www.buysewingpatternsonline.com (coming soon)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts