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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: simplykimm
Date: 09-08-2003, 12:16 AM (1 of 12)
Okay, I wear a size a size 14. My waist is a 33 and my hips are a 47. I made some pants using a pattern size 16-----why were the pants so tight that my "camel foot" was showing(smile). What size pattern should I use for my pants and skirts?????:nc:
from to the one who shines.......
User: simplykimm
Member since: 07-17-2003
Total posts: 13
From: plrlegal
Date: 09-08-2003, 12:43 AM (2 of 12)
According to your hip and waist measurement, you are an 18 in the waist and a 24 in the hip. However, I would buy an 18 and see what the finished hip measurement is on the front pattern piece and adjust for the hip from there. I think most pants patterns might give you 4-6 inches of ease in the finished measurements. Therefore, you would want to add enough to the hip area on the pattern to still allow for the ease Ithat is the amount of space allowed for sitting and walking ease in pants.

I may be wrong in this so I hope someone else will corrrect me with the correct information for you on this question.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: MaryW
Date: 09-08-2003, 07:57 AM (3 of 12)
Sounds about right Patsy. The hip measurement is the one you have to go by, you can make adjustments for the waist.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: simplykimm
Date: 09-08-2003, 01:55 PM (4 of 12)
Wow! thanks guys, but I have one more question-----Why is my rtw size(14)smaller than my pattern size?
from to the one who shines.......
User: simplykimm
Member since: 07-17-2003
Total posts: 13
From: plrlegal
Date: 09-08-2003, 03:36 PM (5 of 12)
The one thing to remember is that rtw sizes and pattern sizes have no relation to one another. Garment manufacturers use what is commonly known as "vanity sizing". They may put a size 12 on a garment with measurements that, if you were making it from a pattern would probably be an actual size 16. Did you know that the average woman in the U.S. today is a 14-16 but rtw maufacturers have sized the clothing so the majority of women wear a size 12-14.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Aimee S
Date: 09-08-2003, 04:48 PM (6 of 12)
Vanity sizing in women make since but I feel sorry for men. My hubby wears a 36 jeans. His actual waist measurment it 44 but dont tell him I told you so. For womens I am a 14RTW and pattern 22 -24 depending on the pattern. The only RTW that are most true to the pattern and actual sizing is Wedding dresses and formal coture fashions. Then the ladies that buy them just say well they run small.

I made a resolution 5 yrs ago and it is the only resolution I have ever kept. I resolved to only wear clothing that fit. Not laying on the bed to zip up the pants or have a roll rolling over. I want to live healthier. I guess it means I will never get back into that sze 7 but I will be able to breath in my clothing.
The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!

http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003
Total posts: 488
From: plrlegal
Date: 09-08-2003, 05:34 PM (7 of 12)
I'm with you Aimee. In fact, a few years ago, I sold all of my "tiny sized" designer label clothes at a resale shop and made enough money to buy my serger. Elastic waists are my favorite clothes these days. Although I am at this point in my life seriously considering asking my doctor if I can have the breast reduction surger possibly after the Christmas holidays are over..

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: simplykimm
Date: 09-09-2003, 02:30 PM (8 of 12)
Thank you guys so much for enlightening(is that a word?)me on pattern sizes. ALL this time I have been buying patterns that are the same as my rtw size. Now I won't have to do so many alterations to the garments I make. Once again, thanks
from to the one who shines.......
User: simplykimm
Member since: 07-17-2003
Total posts: 13
From: plrlegal
Date: 09-09-2003, 05:25 PM (9 of 12)
Kim there is a great book called "Fit for Real People" by Patti Palmer and Marta Alto that is great on altering patterns. I try to do as many alterations as I can by comparing the pattern measurements to my measurements and altering the pattern pieces accordingly before I ever start cutting a garment. This book is well worth the investment.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Seebee
Date: 10-22-2003, 11:01 PM (10 of 12)
Originally posted by simplykimm
...so tight that my "camel foot" was showing (smile)...
Eww! :shock: LoL
User: Seebee
Member since: 10-18-2003
Total posts: 6
From: talking_head
Date: 01-28-2004, 02:14 PM (11 of 12)
What about the size charts on the back of the pattern? I have never sewn clothes and am just about to start...
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Cheers!
Savani
User: talking_head
Member since: 12-17-2003
Total posts: 90
From: Mother in Law
Date: 02-24-2004, 10:35 PM (12 of 12)
My hubby wears a 36 jeans. His actual waist measurment it 44 but dont tell him I told you so

Aimee, if your husband is like mine he doesn't wear his jeans around his true waist. It's more like his pelvis area. LOL

susie
User: Mother in Law
Member since:
Total posts:
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