Pattern Sizes... are they always wrong?

Cloebird123414 · 07-19-2010, 06:15 PM

So I've been sewing for about a month (but pulling 12 hour days and have the family gene for it so I've learned fast lol)
but I have noticed the fact that even though I match my measurement with those on the pattern It's always TOOOOOO BIG! and I've done simplicity, vogue and McCall's =P so should I always just do a size or two less than they tell me?

libbie52 · 07-19-2010, 07:00 PM

I have the same problem. I often wonder why the measurements, they never match the size anyway. And I agree, always to big.

Cloebird123414 · 07-19-2010, 09:26 PM

but are they always wrong? because I'm going to start a new project soon and I'm now wondering what size to do it because the last one was VERY much a pain in the butt! (I made 3 muslins before I realized I just needed to make in a 6 instead of a 10.... it was a learning experience =P) What do you think I should do?

Necrorose · 07-19-2010, 10:33 PM

Yes they are always wrong!! LOL I normally go with a size smaller and cut a bit bigger. It is a pain in the rear that they can't seem to get the sizes right but then again it might be our sewing..ROFL

libbie52 · 07-19-2010, 10:42 PM

I would agree, I think they are mostly wrong. I measure the pattern piece itself if it is for someone else, You can get a rough idea of the correct size. If it's for me, I just hold the pattern piece up to myself to see if it will go around me or not.......My problem is I am big busted so I usually have to do a bigger size, but then they must think my arms are the size of tree limbs!!! So I always have to make the armholes smaller........

Cloebird123414 · 07-19-2010, 10:49 PM

yeah =) thanks
yeah I have uneven shoulders (caused by mild scolioses and one leg being longer than the other) also I have a small rib cage and am short waisted =P so the armpits are always cutting into me.... I curse my body often lol

Necrorose · 07-19-2010, 11:00 PM

Cut the sizes to fit your body! That is why they have multi size patterns. Cut the arm pits a bit bigger and the other pieces a bit smaller. Not unheard of for people to do that! I normally go with one size, but for my daughter she is in between and it comes in handy to be able to cut the top one size and the bottom another!

Kymy · 07-20-2010, 02:28 PM

Yes they are almost ALWAYS like that. Kwik Sew & Burda have MUCH better sizing then the others. The reason why you can match up your measurements & then cut it out & it's different is because they ad 'ease' to the pattern, AKA extra room! Normally on the bust peice you will find a 'finished bust measurement' and often it's 3" bigger then the measurement on the back. Also some new look patterns are including finished bust & waist measurements on the back with the finished length, and again you will notice they are normally a few inches bigger, I go by that instead. I gave up on those patterns in all honesty, the fit is just horrible!!!! The kids stuff is just as bad, a 1/2 size dress is supposed to be a 6m... my twins are in a 3t & still wearing them comfy, they didn't start fitting until 2! Tried a newborn 6m pattern... yeah it was a wide 18m! I stick to patterns like Jalie, Ottobre, Burda & stuff like that now, the firt is generally much better!

A tip for finding your size is to take a similar clothing item & compare it to the pattern pieces to see which one you actually want!

Cloebird123414 · 07-21-2010, 01:41 AM

hmmmm Awesome =D I love getting good advice lol