Sponsors
Sponsors
Moderated by Sharon1952
Posted on: 5/9/05 11:13 AM ET
Last night I was making a McCall's circle skirt pattern, which I had cut as a size 12. It looked rather small to me for a 12, so I got out a RTW skirt of a similar cut and compared waistbands--the 12 I was making was smaller than an 8, but slightly larger than a 6! Luckily I think I can figure out a way to save this with this particular pattern, but I have had the same problems with Simplicity skirt patterns also, where the cut size is significantly smaller than a RTW in that size. Is there a rule of thumb for choosing sizes? (i.e. You're a 10, so cut a 16 or whatever) Am I just crazy and everyone else has perfect success with this?? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. :)
Posted on: 5/9/05 11:25 AM ET
Pattern sizing does not in any way equate to RTW sizing. BTW, women's RTW sizing is totally subjective! You will need to compare your measurements to the pattern measurements to determine the correct size to make. The measurements for each pattern size are listed on the pattern envelope and in the back of the pattern book.
------
------
Now blogging at http://sewwest.blogspot.com
Posted on: 5/9/05 11:34 AM ET
PS. I wear anything between an 8 to a 12 in RTW, depending on brand, which further illustrates how irrational RTW sizing is. In patterns I typically wear a 14 on the bottom, and I blend sizes on top to get the best fit through the shoulders.
Remember that being able to customize fit is one of the best reasons there is to sew!

------
Remember that being able to customize fit is one of the best reasons there is to sew!

------
Now blogging at http://sewwest.blogspot.com
Posted on: 5/9/05 11:36 AM ET
I measured the finished waistband on one of my size 10 RTW skirts that fit my pre-pregnancy body (I am 6 months pregnant) well. The waist measured at 31 inches--which, according to Simplicity patterns, means I need to be making something just smack inbetween a 16 and 18! Is that right? And what do I do about patterns I've already purchased that don't go up to those sizes?
Posted on: 5/9/05 11:54 AM ET
That could be right, although there's probably some ease built into the waistband of your skirt. In other words, a waistband is often made a bit larger than the waist measurement for comfort and so you can breathe!
The hip measurement may also be important as well, in determining your pattern size. I think you need a minimum of at least a couple of inches of ease. The finished measurements on the back of the envelope will tell you how wide the garment is at the hip, or it's marked on the pattern tissues. If your hips are larger than the finished measurements you will either need to size up or alter the pattern.
As to the too small patterns in your stash, you may be able to alter them to fit. Depending on the complexity of the pattern this could take some time. Only you can decide if its worth it or to start again from scratch. Simplicty, McCalls, Butterick are often on sale at Jo-Ann's for $1.29 and its worth my time to re-purchase if needed. Try to buy multisized patterns if you can.
Without measurements, its hard to tell if 16 or 18 would be the correct size for you, or something smaller. And with you being pregnant, your body size could be different after the baby.
-- Edited on 5/9/05 12:58 PM --
------
The hip measurement may also be important as well, in determining your pattern size. I think you need a minimum of at least a couple of inches of ease. The finished measurements on the back of the envelope will tell you how wide the garment is at the hip, or it's marked on the pattern tissues. If your hips are larger than the finished measurements you will either need to size up or alter the pattern.
As to the too small patterns in your stash, you may be able to alter them to fit. Depending on the complexity of the pattern this could take some time. Only you can decide if its worth it or to start again from scratch. Simplicty, McCalls, Butterick are often on sale at Jo-Ann's for $1.29 and its worth my time to re-purchase if needed. Try to buy multisized patterns if you can.
Without measurements, its hard to tell if 16 or 18 would be the correct size for you, or something smaller. And with you being pregnant, your body size could be different after the baby.
-- Edited on 5/9/05 12:58 PM --
------
Now blogging at http://sewwest.blogspot.com
Posted on: 5/9/05 12:11 PM ET
In reply to NancyDaQ
Quote: nanflan
That could be right, although there's probably some ease built into the waistband of your skirt. In other words, a waistband is often made a bit larger than the waist measurement for comfort and so you can breathe!
The hip measurement may also be important as well, in determining your pattern size. I think you need a minimum of at least a couple of inches of ease. The finished measurements on the back of the envelope will tell you how wide the garment is at the hip, or it's marked on the pattern tissues. If your hips are larger than the finished measurements you will either need to size up or alter the pattern.
As to the too small patterns in your stash, you may be able to alter them to fit. Depending on the complexity of the pattern this could take some time. Only you can decide if its worth it or to start again from scratch. Simplicty, McCalls, Butterick are often on sale at Jo-Ann's for $1.29 and its worth my time to re-purchase if needed. Try to buy multisized patterns if you can.
Without measurements, its hard to tell if 16 or 18 would be the correct size for you, or something smaller. And with you being pregnant, your body size could be different after the baby.
-- Edited on 5/9/05 12:58 PM --
That could be right, although there's probably some ease built into the waistband of your skirt. In other words, a waistband is often made a bit larger than the waist measurement for comfort and so you can breathe!
The hip measurement may also be important as well, in determining your pattern size. I think you need a minimum of at least a couple of inches of ease. The finished measurements on the back of the envelope will tell you how wide the garment is at the hip, or it's marked on the pattern tissues. If your hips are larger than the finished measurements you will either need to size up or alter the pattern.
As to the too small patterns in your stash, you may be able to alter them to fit. Depending on the complexity of the pattern this could take some time. Only you can decide if its worth it or to start again from scratch. Simplicty, McCalls, Butterick are often on sale at Jo-Ann's for $1.29 and its worth my time to re-purchase if needed. Try to buy multisized patterns if you can.
Without measurements, its hard to tell if 16 or 18 would be the correct size for you, or something smaller. And with you being pregnant, your body size could be different after the baby.
-- Edited on 5/9/05 12:58 PM --
Definitely wait to do anything to your patterns until after the baby, especially if it is your first. Many women find their hip size and or shape permanently changes. Some lucky girls even get to keep the boobs!
(not me...darn!)
Posted on: 5/9/05 12:13 PM ET
didn't mean to quote the entire message, just the part about body changes. Computer is being goofy today!
Posted on: 5/9/05 12:28 PM ET
This is my second. :)
I called my Joann's store and they said that I can do a straight-across exchange with any of my patterns for different sizes, as long as they carry those patterns. Should I do that, or should I take my chances and wait a few months after this baby comes? My thinking at the moment is at least with larger sizes you can take them in, whereas you can't do much if it's just too small.
I called my Joann's store and they said that I can do a straight-across exchange with any of my patterns for different sizes, as long as they carry those patterns. Should I do that, or should I take my chances and wait a few months after this baby comes? My thinking at the moment is at least with larger sizes you can take them in, whereas you can't do much if it's just too small.
Posted on: 5/9/05 1:49 PM ET
If they have those patterns it is probably a good idea to get the larger ones. I am mostly a size 12 RTW and always have to use 14, 16 and/or 18 sizes in patterns. Sometimes all in the same outfit!
Posted on: 5/9/05 3:04 PM ET
do RTW and pattern sizes ever match....yes every night in my dreams. Every pattern is different, every company is different and every style in a company is different. The only consistancy is the inconsistancy.
------
------
JanieV
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics







