Sizing in the Sewing Patterns

Harpa · ‎03-10-2010

Has anyone found that there are differences in the sizing between the sewing pattern companies?

Alas, the skirt that I was carefully making was about 1.5" off when I finally got to the side seams.

My Simplicity dress was perfect, but the McCall's skirt was too small!

I have to start completely from scratch, including buying a new pattern.

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

WE were taught to pin the pattern to ourselves and measure with tape measure to see that the pattern fit. I haven't sewn in so long that way that I don't have a clue. If I had a pattern that worked, that's the only one I'd use. I'm so out of it now. That's a shame you have to get another pattern and start over.

docsgirl · ‎03-09-2010

Yes, yes, and yes. I've been sewing for years and recall many years ago the pattern measurements were spot on no matter which pattern you selected. Such is not the case anymore. Unfortunately, like you, due to discrepencies in pattern measurments, I had to purchase a new pattern and new fabric. I'm trying to reuse my old patterns. As an aside, my mom was a designer and seamstress extraodinare. She designed and made her own weddng gown which I wore when I got married. When she passed in February, 2007 I found old Vogue patterns with a price of .25. She always used to tell me that Vogue patterns were expensive but worth it for their upscale styles. Happy sewing. docsgirl

ceekay · ‎03-12-2010

As I outgrow (unfortunately) my patterns, I usually just add to the side seams for tops and skirts and it works out ok to use the old patterns if it is only a size or so off. So, maybe you can just add to where the pattern was off and not have to shell out for an additional pattern. I usually look at the measurements on the pattern envelope, cannot say I have ever compared one manufacturer to another. Nice to know others still sew their own clothes. I used to make all sorts of stuff to wear. For me and my family.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

I always compare my measurements to the ones on the pattern before I buy it.Usually, within each company they are consistent.

Harpa · ‎03-10-2010

Measuring the hip line on the skirt pattern, it is exactly 1.5" off from what the back of the pattern says for my size! However, that leaves nothing extra for ease.

Does anyone know what the standard extra ease should be? I thought it was an extra 3 inches. (I thought that was industry standard.) (Maybe years ago...?)

I contacted the company and asked for a new pattern, although, I could alter the pattern myself. But it is clearly their mistake.

I don't generally make my own clothes, since I live in jeans & tees. I was just looking for more summer projects. I had just also made my granddaughter 3 dresses and matching dresses for her doll, and I made the other granddaughter a whole doll. (I had made a doll for her mommy eons ago.)

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

Did you buy the pattern based on your ready to wear size?

I don't know it still holds true but pattern companies did not adopt vanity sizing.

It's been many years since I've made anything for myself, so all my patterns are older, size 6 or 8's. If I bought something in ready to wear in those sizes, it would be falling off me.

Harpa · ‎03-10-2010

@CelticCrafter wrote:
Did you buy the pattern based on your ready to wear size?

I don't know it still holds true but pattern companies did not adopt vanity sizing.

It's been many years since I've made anything for myself, so all my patterns are older, size 6 or 8's. If I bought something in ready to wear in those sizes, it would be falling off me.

No. My ready-to-wear size is way different than pattern sizing - always was from years ago. I bought the pattern according to my hip measurement.

When I measured on the pattern (too late, of course) from the fold line to the cut line, times 4, (since there were only the 2 side seams) it did not allow for the hip measurement that was on the back of the pattern, which told you how much fabric you would need.

That measurement did not even allow for the 5/8" seam line on both sides. Or ease of movement, which I thought was industry standard.

I guess lesson learned. From now on before I cut, I will measure the pattern and cut accordingly, since I can no longer trust the sizing on the pattern envelope.

Harpa · ‎03-10-2010

Ohhhh!

The pattern people referred me to the pattern envelope. The body measurement chart is on the flap of the envelope; the finished garment measurement is on the back, and it was the finished garment measurement that I was reading.

The ease of movement is 1.5".

I have never noticed that there were/are 2 charts of measurements in all my years of sewing (not that I do it every single day.)

But at least now I know!