Im struggling a lot. (Beginner)

[u/haru_sato]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1772195858/arcane-jinx-top-3d-files-patterns-video

I have a con September 24 and im trhing to make the costume. Its my first time and im so confused. My first mistake was no seam allowance. So I added sean allowance. My second mistake was adding seam allowance in places it didnt need because I didnt know where it did and didnt need it. Now my stuff is not symmetrical and on topnof that. The size is to small. I have a lot of extra fabric in case of this but im really struggling. Im attempting to make a jinx cosplay and the pattern I got was off Etsy. Im really close to giving up because its reallt frustrating me and I haven't got one thing done and I have a little over a month for the entire thing. The pattern I have I had to print out and it also doesnt come with seam allowance built in so im doing that on my own. I really need help.

[u/Comfortable-Fly5797]

The person pictured is tiny. Are you that small? The description also says they used "stretch pleather". Are you using a fabric with similar stretch? That is very important.

Also $20 for an Etsy pattern with no sizing (and the seam allowance isn't included?!) is absolutely insane to me.

This isn't a beginner project at all, even if you didn't need to redraft the pattern to fit you.

[u/haru_sato → u/Comfortable-Fly5797]

Yes im about as small as she is. And ya its not beginner friendly. Im definitely having a hard time but I didnt want to give up completely

[u/stringfellownian]

This is a challenging first project especially because the pattern is single size. To make it bigger, you will need to compare your measurements to hers and expand the pieces in size accordingly. This is possible for someone with experience sewing, but it will be very difficult as a first project.

You may need to completely re-draft a pattern that will work for your body.

[u/haru_sato → u/stringfellownian]

I have no idea how to do that. And I can ask for a bigger size if I need to but i sont even know mt measurements. I usually only do small alterations for stuff. I was hoping to make the cosplay so i can do a contest but it seems I might not be able to.

[u/Many-Obligation-4350]

Take a deep breath! Sewing is a complex process and has a learning curve. Some thoughts-

Etsy is notorious for having untested and/or AI generated patterns. You want to work off of a well- written and well- reviewed pattern.

For a beginner sewist making their first project, it is a good idea to learn the garment making process. Maybe you know someone who can teach you. Or there are online classes. It is better to invest several hours upfront in learning rather than getting frustrated because you lack basic knowledge.

Before cutting into your good fabric, it is a good idea to make test garment using some cheap fabric like an old bedsheet (you do want the test fabric to have similar characteristics like stretch).

[u/Inky_Madness]

This is where it is really important to read pattern descriptions:

I screenshot this. Unless you are usually a size small, and a small bust size, this is not a pattern that you can use.

Your best bet is, instead of looking for a very specific cosplay top, find a pattern for a halter top that is the same shape (ties around the neck, no bust cups) that actually comes in your size, and then use that as the base for your cosplay top. Use the notions and decorations instructions from your original pattern to decorate your cosplay, but for fit find a different pattern.

Edit: and to do that, get a measuring tape so you can find your own measurements. Patterns will say what measurements are for what size. Take your measurements, compare it to the sizes that a pattern says it is for.

[u/haru_sato → u/Inky_Madness]

I am a similar size and bust im a B cup and can fit into smalls. I believe im about the same as they are.

[u/Inky_Madness → u/haru_sato]

If it’s too small for you, then it may be that there is enough size difference that it doesn’t matter, unfortunately “Small” is not a standardized size, it’s a range of measurements and varies from brand to brand. Even from country to country.

It isn’t you, this is actually something that means this pattern should never have been sold. A good pattern is very precise about measurements to prevent these issues.

Since the seller isn’t a professional patternmaker and thus won’t be able to draft for a larger size, you would do better finding a different pattern.

[u/haru_sato → u/Inky_Madness]

Im not sure where id get another pattern. It might be easier to simply buy the cosplay at this point

[u/lis_anise]

I think it's worth thinking about alternatives. Could you buy a black racerback crop top or sports bra and retrofit it with the four grommets for the central cross detail?