Pattern sizing

Pattern sizing is very different from ready-to-wear sizing, something that most non-sewing people don't realize. Recently a seamstress was asked to make a graduation dress for someone. The graduate doesn't sew, and wrongly assumed that she would wear the same size pattern that she wears when she goes to a retail store to shop. So she purchased a pattern that included the size that she normally wears, and the corresponding amount of fabric.

For some reason, pattern companies do not make their sizing correspond to ready-to-wear. This slim graduate actually measured a size 10 or 12 according to the pattern size chart. The pattern she purchased did not contain those sizes and the seamstress was forced to re-draft the pattern to the right size. Then she was barely able to cut the pattern out of the fabric correctly because the customer didn't purchase enough fabric.

You have to measure properly and consult the size chart on the pattern to get the right size. Many people are upset when they realize they need a size 10 or 12 pattern when they usually wear a size 4 garment. Remember, folks, it's only a number. Measurements don't lie, and if you need a size 10 pattern, a size 4 will not fit you.