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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: smith972
Date: 12-27-2004, 02:52 PM (1 of 27)
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The thread under fabric/others for sale re: woven labels made me wonder if people in the group use labels on thier clothing. If so what kind? If not have you thought about it? How do you determine the RTW size VS the pattern size to size your clothing? Jada |
User: smith972
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 241 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-27-2004, 03:01 PM (2 of 27)
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I never use labels. In fact I cut them out of everything I wear, because they're irritating.
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 12-27-2004, 05:31 PM (3 of 27)
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Pattern sizes are based on you true measurments, i.e., high bust, waist and hip. Do not purchase a pattern based on your RTW size. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-27-2004, 05:45 PM (4 of 27)
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I have labels purchased from Clotilde that read "made especially for you by Lib -----. You get 40 for 6.?? . I forget how much change.. When I make a garment for a gift , I put one of my labels in it.. Because labels irritate the Grands, I buy the iron ons for them that say "made especially for you by Grandmother" . When I iron them on they lay flat and have no rough edges to irritate their tender skin.. The labels that irritate have metallic thread in them.. I cannot stand those things.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 12-27-2004, 06:19 PM (5 of 27)
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How do you determine the RTW size VS the pattern size to size your clothing? Jada Help~ What does this mean~I'm new to sewing and I want to know.  mgf~ 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-27-2004, 07:57 PM (6 of 27)
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It means measure yourself and compare to the pattern envelope measurements and buy what matches your numbers regardless of what size it SAYS it is.. you cannot go by RTW (ready to wear) sizes in sewing patterns.. They may not be the same.. They seldom are...
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: smith972
Date: 12-27-2004, 09:32 PM (7 of 27)
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I guess i need to rephrase my question How to you convert pattern sizes to RTW? Jada |
User: smith972
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 241
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From: paroper
Date: 12-28-2004, 04:43 AM (8 of 27)
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The only time that I have ever used labels is when I was sewing professionally. The lables had my company name on them along with the name of the town and state where I was located. It thought that it looked very nice (tasteful) and it was pretty cheap advertising. When I custom made ties to match bridesmaids gowns (or prom dresses) I always put my lable on the backside of the large part because it gave them a place to put in the bottom part of their tie (like RTW). I had several comments from my garment customers about how nice they looked.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: paroper
Date: 12-28-2004, 04:46 AM (9 of 27)
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That is an excellent question about the RTW size comparison. It is not that hard to convert the size. You can do that with almost any clothing catalog that has the RTW sizing in them and compare that chart to a pattern chart. What is hard is that the clothing made from patterns has more ease in them. I frankly don't know how to compare the ease in the clothing we make VS RTW.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-28-2004, 07:00 AM (10 of 27)
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I had some woven labels with my name on them that I used for a while but then I started making my own. I use a rubber stamp (usually it is one of eight I have of ladies with fancy hats) and sign my name with heat set ink. I sew then cut around them and sew them down -- on facing or lining when possible. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-28-2004, 07:16 AM (11 of 27)
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That sounds neat Dorothy. Your own unique signature. I heard of one lady who has her machine embroider her name on satin ribbon, then she sews that in her clothing. She does the same with her grandkids clothing. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 12-28-2004, 11:46 AM (12 of 27)
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If I read the question correctly, you want to know what size to put on the tag if you are not following one set size, but making it fit you? Is this what you meant? As for if I use them. Yes and no. I put tags in my kids clothes so they know front from back and so I know what size it is. I don't put them in my clothes because I don't make a set size for myself. As for the type I use. I make them on the Dymo Letratag lable maker. They make an iron on tape for it. They work well and I can have them say whatever I want. They are soft and don't seam to bug my kids. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 12-29-2004, 01:05 AM (13 of 27)
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I might be reading this a whole different way, anyways..... When you buy patterns you go by "your body measurements", the one's you have taken with a tape meaure and then compare those to the pattern. As for how to label those, you can either make your own reflecting the pattern size you fall into or not make one at all. As for RTW, I WOULD NOT go by what the labels state as they are not true to anyone's size. Each design house will say they design to a scaled size 10 and then vary their "size 10" so it is not true to scale. They cater to the vanity of $$$$$$. When I worked for a clothing designer what they would be calling their size 10's were really 12's, and many a time's if they ran short on one item for a shipment they would pull one from the next size and retag it!!!!! So it could really be a size 14, labeled as a 10 which was really a 12 to begin with!!!! This is done alot in the business, as there is no set standards in the garment world that they have to follow!!! ( At least, not when I was working in it years ago, times may have changed.) This is why you always have to try things on when you buy RTW, you can't trust that the label it really the size it states. My DD is now seeing what I had been telling her when she buys clothes. I think this is why I hate to buy clothes so much. Once I find a brand that fits good, I tend to pretty much stick with it and not the label size. SOOOOO, can you buy a pattern based off of a RTW label? No, you need to buy a pattern off of your own measurements. As to what you would label a pattern made garment, DON"T WORRY ABOUT IT!!!! You know it was made to fit you and you alone!!!!!!!! I hope that this helped you and other newbie with your question. Just enjoy the fun of sewing something that no one else has!!!!! |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: smith972
Date: 12-29-2004, 10:18 AM (14 of 27)
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No actully that is not what i was looking for Sewhappie I am thinking about making clothes for others (besides my private clients) and how to convert my pattern sizes to RTW sizes for them to buy. People who dont sew dont understand the differences in sizes therefore i was seeking more information regarding converting the sizes to something they would understand. I find that when i sew custom outfits for people they dont understand the RTW vs Pattern sizes and find myself sending them back to get the right pattern (althou i tell them not to pick up anything until i measure them, they still dont get it). Thanks Paroper and DorothyL I think i am going to have to give your homemade tags a try. Jada |
User: smith972
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 241
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-29-2004, 11:29 AM (15 of 27)
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Smith972, What they (we) are telling you is this.. You are looking for something that does not exist.. all pattern companies are not the same.. you cannot make a blanket statement that says: if you buy size 12 , buy size 14 pattern". Each company is different.. That is why I have favorites, and others that I will not buy.. I am short 5'1" tall, and heavy, so I cannot sew with Vogue patterns, they cater to tall slender people and high fashion also.. I tend to like classic styles so I buy basics and use them over and over and vary according to what is popular at the moment if I like it.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 12-29-2004, 01:32 PM (16 of 27)
| Just inform your clients that you will be the one buying the patterns that they agree to. And if they give you a hard time about it, just inform them that you are saving time for everyone by buying the right one from the start, so "Thanks but No Thanks" to their offer of getting it for you. After all, they are paying you for your knowledge of sewing, so remind them of this gently. Save yourself the hassle and headaches, as you said, people who do not sew do not understand the differences with RTW & Pattern companies sizing. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: paroper
Date: 12-29-2004, 02:37 PM (17 of 27)
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There are two ways to look at this. If you purchase the pattern and sell it to them you have to charge sales tax in my state. If the client purchases the materials and you just provide the sewing services, you don't have to charge sales taxes here...or least that was true when I was doing it a few years ago (I haven't done this for a few years). So, for me it was to my advantage to let the client purchase the pattern and materials and for me to exchange them if I needed to do so. On the other hand, it can be a real pain to have to run the errands it takes to exchange patterns. Once you have steady clients, you both pretty much know what sizes they need. The new clients are a bigger problem.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: smith972
Date: 12-29-2004, 03:06 PM (18 of 27)
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There is a shop here in my local area ( the owner is one of my clients)that is willing to sell my clothes for me off the rack but i have to have RTW sizes in the clothing....so i will take your advice and look in the mags. and compare the size then use that as my RTW size. There has to be something somewhere as to what the measurements are that retailers use for RTW. I am sure they dont pull the RTW sizes out of the sky, there is some standard, I just need to find it. Jada |
User: smith972
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 241
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From: paroper
Date: 12-29-2004, 06:48 PM (19 of 27)
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In the mid sixties there was an effort made by the pattern companies to make a universal sizing for all pattern companies and RTW. The patterns marketed at that time were called "New Sizing". There were a few very high end labels that did vanity sizing for the very rich under exclusive designer labelsand these were sold in exclusive shops. It was just understood that if you purchased from "better" department stores, the clothing would run larger. As time went on and the mid-range department stores added their own "designer" labels, the higher end merchandizers still made more generous clothing. By the time the designer labels hit Target and Wal Mart the sizes were all messed up.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: TammyE.H.
Date: 12-30-2004, 06:22 PM (20 of 27)
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How's this for a great idea? Have you seen those iron-on sheets to make your own t-shirts and such using a printer? Print up a sheet of iron-on labels, cut them out and iron them onto the garment. NO IRRITATING LABELS, you save a boatload of cash, and you can customize your font, color, image, whatever you want... So instead of "Made especially for you by Grandma" you can have "Made for little Suzie, just because Granny Alice loves her." All done is little Suzie's favorite color... Professionals can incorporate their logos... You can cut them any size so instead of putting a RTW size on it, you can list a few measurements. (Cousin Fred's shirt, 17" collar, 42" chest. Happy birthday! -Cousin Sally) In fact, many of the RTW brands are starting to print the label directly on the garment. I think it was all started by Fruit of the Loom... BTW, most people hate labels that itch... And I might be sensitive, but they ALL itch me... Have fun creating your labels! Tammy |
User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51 
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From: NanCee
Date: 01-02-2005, 02:34 PM (21 of 27)
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Tammy EH Can you tell me more about printing your own labels? Where can I get the sheets you mentioned and does one use their home pc and printer to make these? I do a lot of sewing that I give to friends and family and I like to sew on a label that says it was made by me. I live on the west coast of Canada so maybe its not available here? Thanks a bunch. |
User: NanCee
Member since: 04-15-2004 Total posts: 76 |
From: TammyE.H.
Date: 01-04-2005, 06:05 PM (22 of 27)
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Hi NanCee, If you go to Staples or some such office supply place, you can buy the iron-on T-shirt sheets for inkjet printers in the specialty papers section. Using word or excel, you can create a sheet full of labels any size you want, any shape you want, cut them out from the sheet, iron-on and 'voilą!" perfect!!! Have fun! 
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User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51
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From: NanCee
Date: 01-04-2005, 07:45 PM (23 of 27)
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TammyE.H. Thanks, Tammy, its so cold here if I can thaw out I will go to Staples this week and try out this iron on labeling. Now if someone would tell me how to do the ones you sew on I will be all set to sew up a storm! Some things I make need the sew on kind to be seen. TNX NanCee |
User: NanCee
Member since: 04-15-2004 Total posts: 76 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-05-2005, 07:13 AM (24 of 27)
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NanCee -- You can iron the label onto cotton -- cotton is best for the iron on stuff anyway -- and sew that in as a sew-in label. I've heard, but don't know from experience, that the iron on doesn't hold up to washing so, perhaps, you might want to get it from the fabric store or from Purrfections on line or a place like that. It might be a better quality. I used iron on to transfer some old black and white photo images onto fabric and they turned out beautiful -- but they won't be washed. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: dmoses
Date: 01-05-2005, 08:01 AM (25 of 27)
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Hi Tammy, This is probably a dumb question, but doesn't everything have to be backwards/reversed for those iron-on transfer sheets? I haven't used them in a long time, so I'm not sure I'm remembering correctly. Anyway, I guess those programs enable you to do reversed lettering , so they come out correctly on your labels? Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-05-2005, 05:26 PM (26 of 27)
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Donna, This iron on is iron on fabric , not transferring ink designs to fabric.. What goes into the printer is fabric..So, it does not need to be reversed.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: dmoses
Date: 01-05-2005, 05:50 PM (27 of 27)
Ahhhhh, I see!  Thanks, Libby.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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