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How to Choose Between Matilda & Matilda Curve

How to Choose Between the Matilda & Matilda Curve Sewing Pattern | Megan Nielsen Blog

If you find yourself in the crossover 14-20 sizes and are struggling to choose between the Matilda and Matilda Curve patterns, I thought it might help to provide a bit of visual comparison between them! Today I’ll be sharing a diagram comparing a size 18 from our 0-20 range shown in outline, to the size 18 in the Curve range as shown in green. As there are a large number of pattern pieces I have only shown the main bodice pattern pieces as I believe these really illustrate the key differences best.

How to Choose Between Matilda & Matilda Curve | Megan Nielsen Blog

As with all of our patterns, Matilda sizes 0-20 have been drafted for a 2″ (5cm) difference between the upper bust and full bust measurement. Matilda Curve sizes 14-30 have been drafted for a 4” (10cm) difference between the upper bust and full bust measurement. The Curve pattern is drafted with the same style and design details but with a curvy figure in mind. In the image below you can see how that translates to the look and fit of the finished garments. We’ve compared a Matilda & Matilda Curve dress of the same size, but that are drafted for the two different cup sizes and body shapes.

As you can see we have tried to keep a consistent amount of overall ease in the Curve pattern. The Curve pattern includes a lower bust apex, more bust shaping for a better bust fit on fuller busts, and a narrower upper bust. For both patterns, the natural waistline should sit at the bottom waistband seam, rather than through the centre of the waistband. The Curve pattern includes a higher natural waistline and wider waistband. The sleeve and sleeve band both include more ease in the Curve pattern and the armscye includes more room.

If you find yourself in the crossover of the two ranges in sizes 14-20 we recommend that you choose your pattern based on your high bust to full bust difference and natural waist height.

Both patterns come with the same awesome variations and all our tutorials and add-on ideas can be applied to either!

I hope you have found this breakdown on how to choose between Matilda & Matilda Curve helpful. If you have any questions please let me know in the comments!

How to choose between Matilda and Matilda Curve | Megan Nielsen Patterns Blog

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About Author

Meg is the Founder and Creative Director of Megan Nielsen Patterns, and is constantly dreaming up ideas for new sewing patterns and ways to make your sewing journey more enjoyable! She gets really excited about design details and is always trying to add way too many variations to our patterns.

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Cindy Franchi
Cindy Franchi
2 years ago

Thank you! That is so helpful in deciding between the two. There are a lot more differences than just a bigger bust and not reflected in the size chart. Thanks for putting so much thought into it.

Marilyn
Marilyn
2 years ago

Please make the Curvy patterns available in a paper version. I just do not do the download-don’t want all those pieces of paper-tried it, didn’t like it. Thank you. Love your patterns.

Carol
Carol
2 years ago
Reply to  Meg

? Does the download include a version that can be taken to a print shop? Luv the pattern and the explanation of the difference is eye opening. Curvy, I believe will better accommodate my new pandemic older age form and size.

Crystal
Crystal
2 years ago

Hey what is the lovely green matilda dress fabric?

Anna Stites
Anna Stites
2 years ago

This is amazing. I love the detail in your explanations and tutorials. My fitting difficulties evolve around the fact that I am a mini, curvy person. I am 5 feet tall and am short between my waist and shoulders. And… I wear a 34H bra. I have a 30 in waist and 38 inch hips. I am having a breast reduction in October so I am excited to start sewing afterwards. I think I will keep this pattern for my first after surgery project. This is exciting. Thanks

Hayley
Hayley
1 year ago

Hello there, I have to start with how much I love the Matilda, it has sewed up a dream, however I have a problem. Although I am in the Curvy size range, and have graded between sizes my dress is too big, this is not the problem, the problem is my bust sits higher than the pattern bust!!! There is an 11.5cm difference between my high and full bust, but the apex of the dress sits basically under my bust!! I am a newbie ‘covid’ sewist so my experience is limited and I blame the sizing error on still being scared of making something too small that I can’t save it. I’ve made what I had hoped to be a wearable toile in a petrol coloured broadcloth and it is wonderful, or it had the potential to be. I wonder if I need to buy the standard pattern and use the bodice of the standard with the waist and skirt of the curvy. Anyway, I’ll unpick the entire dress (I’ll cut the next size down from the existing pieces). Any advice on how I might overcome the bodice dilemma?

Dont worry this wont beat me, I have the Durban as my next project, toile first and if that goes well, I’ll be making that as the outfit for my work Christmas function (in a lovely rayon)