Shawl Every Day 2021 - Day 8 - Resizing Patterns

I saw a question in one of the sewing groups I am in that asked “If you reduce the size of a pattern should you also reduce the seam allowance?” The short answer is “no”, but I thought I’d share the longer answer as well.

When you are reducing or enlarging a pattern, the goal is to change the finished size. If you change the cut size, you will end up changing the seam allowance as well, and in general you want to keep the seam allowance the same no matter what size the finished product is.

In this example, the seam allowance is 1/4” so if you reduce the finished size from 2” to 1” (50% reduction), the cut size should change to 1 1/4” and NOT 1 1/8”. On the other hand, if you increase the finished size from 2” to 3” (50% enlargement), the cut size is 3 1/4” and NOT 3 3/8”, In general, you want to make your adjustments to the FINISHED size, then add your seam allowance to get to the cut size.

Shawl pattern is Wrapped in Leaves by Alana Dakos