Modest and Kosher Sewing Patterns

Unprecedented but much anticipated, kosher and modest sewing patterns have finally arrived.  Modestanytime.com and KosherPatterns.com are pleased to usher in a new set of foundation pattern blocks that are the basis for modest and refined garments, according to Halacha on Tzniut (Jewish modesty).

What makes our patterns kosher?

The Torah defines the parameters in which a woman's body has to be covered. The torso, or the main trunk of the body, has to be covered in its entirety. The torso is defined as the horizontal portion that starts at the base of the neck and has to be completely covered.  Shoulders, collar bone, and the second back
cervical bone are all included in the torso and have to be covered. The arm, including the elbow, has to be covered as well.  The fit of a kosher garment has to be at least  semi-fitted. If it is relaxed-fit, the garment is rendered 'mehadrin' or refined. The garment has to be long enough so that when the woman stretches upwards, her upper body will not be accidentally exposed.  (The Tznius Handbook, Rabbi Pesach Eliyahu Falk)

Kosher Foundation Pattern Blocks for Women

Our premier product, The Kosher Foundation Pattern Blocks for Women, is available from extra small to extra large, based on standard women sizes.  However, for many of us, we do not fit into the standard proportionate sizes.  We offer My Sloper, Pattern Making Software for Modest Dressmaking, which you can design and print patterns based on your personal size. Our patterns are digital downloadable PDF files, ready to be printed on 8.5" by 11" paper.  

This pattern is deemed kosher 'mehadrin' because

1. The neckline (based on the measurements given for this size) is designed to cover above the collarbone and the second back cervical bone, with ample ease for breathing room.
2. The sleeve block covers below the elbow, which is beyond the minimal requirements.
3. The length of the bodice block is at the hips which will prevent exposure of the upper body in a stretched position.
4. The design ease is 5.5 in (14 cm) at the bust and 4 in (10.2 cm) at the hips, which falls in the relaxed-fit definition in the garment industry. (Semi-fitted garment requires between 4 – 5 in ease at the bust.)

If you are a sewer, you can use this pattern to make a jewel-neck blouse with long sleeves, has ample ease at the bust and hips, measures at hip length, and closes with a back hidden zipper.  If you are talented, you can also use this foundation pattern as a draft for styling enhancements, such as adding various collar styles, a front button or zippered opening, variant sleeve styles as well as stylings with yokes, gathers, pleats, etc.

KosherPatterns.com Standard Women's Measurement Chart
Measurement	XS (in)	XS (cm)	S (in)	S (cm)	M (in)	M (cm)	L (in)	L (cm)	XL (in)	XL (cm)
bust	30.7	78	32.3	82	35.4	90	38.6	98	41.7	106
waist	24.5	62	26	66	29.1	74	32.3	82	35.4	90
hips	33.9	86	35.4	90	38.6	98	41.7	106	44.9	114
back width	12.6	32	13	33	13.8	35	14.6	37	15.4	39
shoulder	4.6	11.7	4.7	11.9	4.9	12.4	5.1	12.9	5.3	13.4
neck size	13.6	34.5	14	35.5	14.8	37.5	15.6	39.5	16.3	41.5
nape to waist	15.7	40	15.9	40.4	16.2	41.2	16.5	42	16.9	42.8
armscye depth	7.9	20	8	20.4	8.3	21.2	8.7	22	9	22.8
waist to hip	7.8	19.8	8	20.1	8.1	20.7	8.4	21.3	8.6	21.9
waist to knee	22.6	57.3	22.8	57.8	23.1	58.8	23.5	59.8	23.9	60.8
sleeve length	22.6	57.3	22.8	57.8	23.1	58.8	23.5	59.8	23.9	60.8

With this foundation pattern, you can bring it to your favorite seamstress and have her sew a kosher garment for you.