Use this size chart to work our your closest size for my PDF garment blocks and sewing patterns to begin your creative pattern making project. 🙂

A measurement taken around the widest part of the upper body with the tape measure parallel to the floor.  Hold the tape measure comfortably secure but not tight.

This measurement is taken at the smallest part of the torso, between the bust and hip.  To find the waist run your hands down the side of the body, between the bust and hip until you reach your comfortable waist location.   Hold the tape measure comfortably secure but not tight.

The hip is the largest part of the lower torso, in line with the peak of the backside.  This measurement is sometimes referred to as the low hip.  Place the tape measure around your seat, parallel to the floor and check in the mirror with a side-ways view to make sure the tape is sitting at the peak of the back side.   Hold the tape measure comfortably secure but not tight.

Here I’ve covered the three basic measurements you need to select the right size block or sewing pattern for your download.  All products are nested in a set of sizes to give you the greatest flexibility in sizing and fabric choice.  For example if you fit into the size 12 measurements on our size chart and buy the set of patterns around the size 12 you then have the opportunity to use the size 10, if you decide to cut your trousers in a stretchy fabric.  Or use the size 14 to achieve that slouchy boyfriend trouser fit.  Not an exact science but nonetheless effective.

Consider the use of garment ease when you check the measurements on your pattern against your own body measurements.  For garments made out of woven fabric you need a minimum addition of 4cm of garment ease to your body measurement for a comfortable fit.  If you’re working with stretch fabrics you may need to work with a pattern with negative ease.  That is, smaller than your body measurement for a body conscious fit.  This most often applies to tee-shirts, drape knit dresses and spray-on fit (body-con) trousers and jeans.

The size chart featured here for Sizes 6-22 is my start point in my pattern making process.  My Digital Garment Blocks and PDF Sewing Patterns  are available in these larger sizes.