sewing 101: Patterns.

What Pattern Size are You?

One of the reasons that people sew is to get a garment that fits perfectly. People are not necessarily created equal – they come in all shapes, heights and sizes. Like ready-to-wear clothes, sewing patterns come several different sizes to fit all of these different bodies. Patterns can come in numbered (10-12-14, etc.) or lettered (S-M-L, etc.) sizes, just like at retail. But the similarities in sizing end there, so it’s very important to remember:

Pattern sizes are not the same as retail clothing sizes

Ever try on similar skirts from two different brands, both marked with the same size, only to find that they fit differently? That’s because each brand or manufacturer decides for itself what a size 8 is, what a size 10 is, and so on and so forth. Since each brand makes its own decision about sizing, there is no across-the-board standardized sizing at retail for pattern companies to match up to. This is why you can’t just buy a pattern in the same size that you normally buy when shopping in a department store or boutique.

Patterns have consistent, standardized sizing from pattern brand to pattern brand. This sizing is based off of body measurements that all pattern companies have agreed to, which haven’t changed with the passage of time. So believe it or not, a pattern size 10 from thirty years ago is based off of the same body measurements as a pattern size 10 today.

Since you can’t try a pattern on, getting the correct size is the #1 priority. Otherwise you wind up with a finished product that doesn’t fit, and who wants to put in all that time and work for nothing? A little extra effort and research to get the right size from the beginning will save you a lot of time and heartache later!

Body Measurements

Getting the correct body measurements is key, so it’s important to take your body measurements carefully. It may be difficult to do this by yourself, so you may want to enlist a trusted friend to help.

When taking your body measurements, wear the undergarments you normally wear for the most accurate results. Use your flexible tape measure, and hold it at each body point so that it’s comfortably snug. If the tape is cutting into your flesh, it’s too tight – if you have room in between the tape and your body, it’s too loose.

To get detailed instructions on taking and recording your body measurements correctly, click here – print out the handy “cheat sheet” to fill in, so you can have your measurements at your fingertips when you’re ready to buy your pattern.

Getting Your Starting Pattern Size

To figure out your starting pattern size, compare your body measurements with the ones on our Measurement Charts. Match as many measurements as possible to find your pattern size. Don’t panic if the size number you come up with is higher than the one you buy at retail – remember, they are not the same thing! This pattern size is your starting point.

source: https://www.simplicity.com/t-sewing-101-part2.aspx .