SEWING PATTERN SIZE Stop guessing & start measuring to choose the right sewing pattern size for YOU! 

This helps sooo much, thank you 💕

The biggest problem that I have is that all of my body measurements fall into different sizes. Sometimes patterns say which one to use, but they don't always do that and I start to feel confused about which I should even attempt as my starting size. This definitely helped me to think about how to guess what to start with rather than just guessing to start. Thank you!

I forgot to check the easy in one pattern, just checked finished measurements but they didn’t include ease 🤦🏽‍♀️Sooo it turned out to be 2 sizes too big !!! Oh well ! I learned my lesson and now that’s a house dress only 😂😂😂

This is extremely helpful, thank you so much!

It has taken me over two years of half finished muslins to realize that sewing involves construction and fit. You made that very clear in your school video tutorials multiple times. But I just couldn’t get where blending sizes and pattern alteration accomplished fit. I realized that construction skills were one component but I thought sizing, pattern alteration and fit were different skills. I have really decent construction skills for my level but despite hours of research and watching videos and even enrolling in your school left me at loose ends when dealing with sizes, blending and pattern alteration in relation to fit. I spent many hours being confused about deciding on where to start with three different size ranges. I couldn’t target a starting size and I didn’t know how to make a pattern fit. I finally decided that I would only attempt a one size fits all using my largest measurement. . I made many unfinished muslins because I felt huge in every thing I attempted. I tried and tried. I kept researching and ireviewing and staring at pattern after pattern which ended up in my unfinished muslin pile. The fit would be huge with all this extra volume in the bust. But I kept at muslins using different fabrics and worked at improving my construction skills. I ended up with a pretty large pile of half finished muslins because they were never corrected for fit. That pile grew and grew but I wanted to keep adding to my skills so I pushed on. I really have a true desire to create and construct my own style of clothing so quitting isn’t an option. I just had an intense determination despite being completely lost when faced with sizing and pattern alteration for fit. I kept researching and reading and watching any videos I could find. I didn’t realize blending sizes leads to pattern alteration the different parts needed for getting the fit right. I knew I was only dealing with one par of the formula. I needed to understand how blending sizes relates to pattern alteration with fit as the outcome. I finally buckled down and started with small changes between sizes . It took some persistence to understand how to accommodate a size 18-22-24 profile without changing the shape of the garment I couldn’t see how blending sizes lead to alteration and fit in the process. But I kept at those multi size muslins. I stared at one multi size pattern after another not knowing how all the pieces fit together to get fit. I kept researching. I watched every single video in your vintage school many, many times. I couldn’t accept that I was so inept at something others saw as direct and uncomplicated. I had to step up and deal with this size vs fit thing. I started with small changes from size to size and then simply used a straight ruler to blend the sizes. That lead to the pattern alteration. needed. I Cut my pattern down with the alterations in length, width and sizing. I Finally constructed a garment that fit pretty well for my skill level. Although I spent hours and hours trying to grasp this it just happened for me and it finally just clicked. I blended sizes on a first pattern and the muslins got better. Then I found pattern hacks that would be flattering to me. I turned a Henley top into a trapeze kind of style. Now I have better muslins. I still tend to avoid certain skills like hemming and I just cannot get the sleeve plackets in place on a button down . I still avoid certain skills a needed to acquire good construction skills for garments that have a handmade look not a home made look as discussed in your tutorials so I practice isolated skills or a new skill in a pattern to improve my abilities. It’s been two years of absorbing myself in reading , researching and tutorial videos on membership sites and You Tube. But it’s all worth it. My suggestion to anyone struggling to understand this is to just keep at it. With effort, reading and the instructionsl videos It will happen. My membership in my your Vintage Sewing School was a key component in my learning about garment construction. I continue to be a member because your site is constantly expanding and continues to be a valuable resource.

Exactly! I have the same experience. Yes, the good old days!

I had the same thing- i was the perfect size 10 fit model until I was about 24.

Before about the 1970s, there were at least 3 figure types available in patterns: Misses, Women's and Stout, and sometimes Half-size. Misses were GIRLS/TEENAGERS. Women were average height and medium/slim build. Stout was heavier bodies, Half-size was shorter than average. Now, we just have the Misses patterns left. They fit teens and early 20s pretty well. But as hips get wider and bodies age, the fit gets worse.

I was thinking the same thing. LoL 😁🧚🏿‍♀️

@@haveaballcrafting8686 Shame they got rid of those.

x100

yes it is a shock - size 16 off the rack, but size 20 on patterns!

Vanity sizing has been a real disservice to consumers. Once vanity sizing started it became so much harder to find clothes that fit well.

Yes. In 1977 I was a size 14 and when I get in shape like then I now wear a 10

I recall the mid sixties when all patterns changed their sizing. Suddenly a size 8 measurements became a size 12 pattern. I guess women were starting to get larger.

@@jojosewist8921 I recall when sizings were XXSSW XSSW SSW, SW, W etc.

How wonderful you taught yourself! And now you can sew wedding dresses! Wow!

Its amazing how you've taught yourself! Then able to do wedding dresses. You should be very pleased with yourself. I haven't sewn in 30 years and just starting and learning again. 😊👌⚘👗

same here!

Definetly historically movement was a key component in clothing! Now is made to look good on a hanger instead!

@@Evelyn__Wood That must be why, with a very few exceptions, everything I have ever bought has looked better on the hanger.

I have been making a lot of mock-ups of patterns from the 30-40's. I will use the same era "fashion fabric" so I don't want to blow it. It is not like I can go to Joanne's and buy more. When I make a mock up, it is still a decent fabric, so if it turns out, I just finish it. If I use a sheet as a mock up, it is a vintage ,100% cotton floral, not just white. This is coming from someone who has been sewing for a long time,(47 yrs) not a newbie.

Judy Jennings-Gunther Oh Judy, I love this! It's good that I'm starting out with good habits! I've sewn before, but new to sewing garments for myself...where fit is important. This is a far cry from Halloween costumes for my kids. I love that you find vintage sheets to make your mock ups.

I've gone so far as to do this in the store, usually the instructions are really accessible without opening the tissue, it's saved me from a few patterns that were far above my sewing expertise.

Yep. Funny story, my daughter chose a pattern for her Yr12 Formal dress - 2 piece, ruched bodice, side split skirt with ruffle. She chose dupion silk (which to that point, I'd never sewn such expensive fabric). Read the pattern manufacturer's blog, scared myself with the comment left by others making the pattern....seriously, the EASIEST invisible zipper I have ever put in. The longest, most time consuming part ended up being the pattern tracing stage (as i've said before, I trace off the commercial pattern onto greaseproof paper). From cutting out to sewing final sprinkling of Swarovski crystals over the bodice? 8 Hours.

😄😄 That's great to great!! I'd love to know your results after trying a few of these methods in your nect size selection!

My pleasure Janis! I'm happy to hear you found it useful! I'd love to know your results on your next pattern size selection!

Great!! So glad you found it useful!

I'm so glad you ado picked up a new trick! And ALWAYS better to be in the big side, as you have options like you say! I hear your sleeve movement issue... modern fashion is definetly NOT designed wuth movement in mind! Often this issue is actually that the armhole and sleeve needs more fabric, to be raised under the arm, so when you lift, there's fabric to acually lift. It sounds counterintuitive I know! I think Threads have an awesome video on this you can find!

I remember my mom paper sizing before sewing things for me. It's just hard to do on myself!

I agree! And only a half body, in tissue... 😵

This is one reason I sew my own clothes. The patterns never have armscyes with enough movement. Trousers are the same. I have to add ease all the time. Like you say, it is easier to take a pattern in.

I almost always ends up with a garment that fits like a big tent, impossible to make fit by just taking it in. Not sure that it's the right method to just go up a size. I've began to suspect that the pattern companies make the patterns with more ease than you expect to make people glad that they are more slim than they believed. (apologize if my english is poor)

Yes much great information I can use 😊❤ thank you

I have the same problem!

As an apple-shaped person (I like to call my body type “a potato on two toothpicks”), I completely agree!

Thanks for watching Lea B! I'm really glad you liked it, and hopfully I can make this world of sewing patterns a bit easier to understand! 😄

Evelyn Wood You do😊

Aww thankyou! I only want to be the guide I never had, that's makes everything easy to understand and explains why! 😚😚

Thanks for watching Jean! How did your stash run out????? 😢

@@Evelyn__Wood Simple, Evelyn. I didn't have one ! Got caught out by lockdown, basically. Like to see rather than order online.

@@jeanwestackroyd2966 me too. I do not like ordering fabric on line I am always disappointed with the color and quality.

I have 2 shorts patterns, both from 1983, that I have made so many times I can not even count. When you find a pattern that fits, it is easy to make a few and have them look different from each other.

Luckily I already knew how to sew when I took sewing in 7th grade. Everyone I know that hates sewing I have asked them, "Did you have a bad experience with a sewing instructor?" The answer is always yes. My sewing teacher didn't like me. I talked all the time, then would whip up something in a few days. She thought I brought it home. It especially annoyed her because not only was I fast, I also did a nice job, and didn't do it the way she wanted me to.Teeheee

I had to google hockey legs LOL. I have that problem in my calves, so skinny pants are really tight in that area :)

This dress is a refashion! I have a video on the process on my channel in the Thrift to Vintage series! 😀

It is a refashion acually! I have a step by step tutorial on how to do it, as part of membership at Vintage Sewing School. You can take a look here and see if it is for you www.vintagesewingschool.com/

A little of both! I stay up a little late for a good time to post! 😄

@@Evelyn__Wood I'm a natural night-shifter and had noticed your vids seemed to post around the pumpkin hour. I finally got around to using my new sewing machine, my kids are in Melbourne and need masks.