Sewing pattern sizes - confusing?

Question

Hi,

I am aware that the sizing on the back of pattern envelopes are different from 'off the rack' sizes. So I measured myself (bust, waist, hip) over and over again to make sure and according to the pattern measurements, I am a size 18.

My multisize pattern only went up to size 16 so I made a size 16 skirt and it was too big. The next time, I made a size 14 skirt off the same pattern and its still too big.......I haven't lost weight or anything.

Does anyone know what is happening? I want to be able to sew garments where I can depend reliably on the measurements. Perhaps someone can suggest a better way of figuring out one's size on a pattern?

Just a note - on off the rack clothes, I am a size 12 (medium)

Answer 1

This is a common problem for many home sewers. Sizes are usually planned to have an amount of "ease" . This means that the pattern may be made to fit anywhere from very tight to very loose. If you are used to wearing clothes that fit more tightly than the pattern was planned to fit it will run too big.

The best way to check for fit is to make up the pattern in very cheap fabric, like unbleached muslin. Another way is to carefully pin the pattern together and see how it fits on you. This is very hard to do without another person helping because the pattern will tear. When you are first starting out sewing it helps to choose patterns that aren't very complicated to fit, an elastic waistband instead of a fitted waistband for example.

Each pattern company fits their pattern a little differently and some brands may fit you better than others.

Good luck, sewing can be a lot of fun!

Answer 2

The pattern is assuming you are using a material that will have considerable shrinkage.

If you prewash the material you can use a smaller pattern size. This is the best. Cut, pin, try on, adjust, try on again........

It may seem like a lot of work , but a garment made to big can be remade till it fits.

Try a basting stitch till you get it right, then sew it up, and pull out the basting

Answer 3

sewing varieties use one greater length scale than clothing stores. in any respect situations degree the guy or lady first and are available to a determination on the dimensions general on the measurement charts on the trend envelope. in the previous than reducing degree the paper trend and consider the trend measurements to the guy or lady who will possibly be wearing the clothing. as an occasion, degree the trend via the chest, lower back and front, being confident to degree from seam line to seam line, no longer trend factor, double it, and then wrap the measuring tape around the guy or lady. this enables you to look how plenty ease the pattern has, and which you would be able to desire to come to a determination in case you have the prefer to make the garment that unfastened, or in case you opt to make it smaller. attempt to make as many comparisons between the physique and the trend as workable. continuously look at the chest, waist, front length, lower back length, and arm width and length. consistently evaluate the paper trend to the physique in the previous than cutting the fabrics. I generally tell my scholar to pin the pattern together, are trying on the paper pattern and notice if there are any powerful issues in width or length, and modify the paper pattern. I incredibly won't be able to repeat that sufficient, that's the substitute between some element that suits and something that doesn't. actually have a becoming to be while the seams are sewn, yet now no longer complete -no linings, facings, collars etc. you are able to make greater transformations at this factor and high quality track the greater wholesome. varieties do tend to slot in basic terms somewhat looser than save outfits, to allow for greater variations in physique shapes. be conscious that there are no longer any standardized sizings in outfits bought in shops, each and each shop has their own measurement charts so a girl is additionally 8 in one save, ten in a different and take a very specific measurement in sewing varieties. that's magnified once you're making women's clothing as pattern sizes undergo no resemblance or relationship to women persons's shop sizes. to limit greater wholesome issues in a performed merchandise, be confident to degree and supply up and consider the tournament on the wearer some situations mutually as making the garment and modify the situation needed. Taking purely somewhat of time previous regulation whilst working would be certain which you get a nicely becoming to be garment that seems hand-crafted, no longer domicile-made.

Answer 4

It's almost impossible to measure yourself accurately. Ask a friend to help.