How do I enlarge a sewing pattern?

Answer 1

This is called "grading up" a pattern. You don't want to just add an inch around the whole thing - you won't be able to fit the sleeve in the armscye if you do that! Also, I don't think you are going to get bigger shoulders if you gain weight!

Look at the link below - the pages describe pattern grading better than I can here.

Take a hard look at the pattern piece and where the fitting issues lie. You may only need to "slash and spread" the pattern to cover width in one section and not all.

Answer 2

that depends on how large you want to make it. If you are just uncreasing it a few inches here is what I do.
* lay out pattern peice.
* trace around pattern ( lightly) an inch from the original line... jeep adding inches untill you get the proper size. remember to keep your lines smooth and to put in all the little dashes and points.
* do this to all pattern peices.

I can increase more without making a new pattern, that usually depends on the original pattern. .. its a matter of leaving more fabric in the center of the pattern or tracing and moving the pattern a considerable distance.