HOW TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT SEWING PATTERN SIZE

This guide offers a guideline to use when purchasing a pattern for yourself or for someone else. Are you a sewing beginner and unfamiliar with pattern sizing? Do you have your garments made by a seamstress or would you like to sew for someone else? Have you seen great deals onpatterns but did not know whatsizepattern to get? This guide is for you.

The first thing you must know is that pattern sizing is not the same as ready-to-wear sizing. If you wear a size 8 when you purchase your clothes from a department store, you may require a pattern size larger than a size 8. But don't worry, you have not gained weight! This is because pattern manufacturers do not use the same standard measurements as clothing manufacturers. They are two different industries who use two different sets of measurements. I've worked in both industries and I've gepared the standard measurements. Trust me, they are totally different. I've also purchased patterns and sewn for other people. The patterns were larger than the person's ready-to-wear size each time, yet their clothes still fit and so did the garment I made for them! So don't be alarmed by the difference.
Before purchasing a pattern, you must know your bust measurement (or if purchasing for a child, their chest measurement). If you don't know this measurement, have someone take it for you. You should not take your own measurements because it is difficult to take accurate measurements of yourself. You want the measurement for the fullest part of your bust (see picture below) and you want it to be accurate as this determines the fit of your garment.

Also, if your bust measurement is an odd (as opposed to even) number or in halves (34 1/2") or quarters (37 3/4"), you'll also need your waist (natural waist) and hip measurement (fullest part of your hip) as these may be used to determine which size pattern you should purchase.
On the flap or the back of each pattern there is a measurement chart for your bust, waist, and hip. Find your bust measurement on the chart. This is the size pattern you should purchase. Why purchase a pattern according to your bust measurement? If you need to make major adjustments to the pattern, the bust is the most difficult pattern adjustment to make. The waist and hip are much easier to alter than the bust. So you should purchase a pattern that is going to fit your bust with little or no adjustment and adjust the waist and hip as needed.
For Example:


Your bust measurement is 36"