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From: kdarcy202
Date: 02-22-2005, 09:46 PM (1 of 5)
Hi...My name is Kim and I am very new to sewing. I have made a few items, pjs for my kids (twin girls, 2 and a boy, 3) some basic swag curtains, sheets. All very easy projects. I tried making a pair of pj type pants for myself and I'm not sure about what size I should be selecting. Is there a difference in the sizes that are listed on patterns and what you would normally buy in a store? I normally buy a size 6, but when I measured myself for the pants, the size I measured was a 12 (which turned out to be a little big, so I might go for a 10 or 8 next time). I'm not really concerned with the actual number, it just seems weird. My mom always told me it doesn't matter what size your clothing says, it will always take the same amount of fabric to go around your body!!!!  Thanks for your input. I have been lurking around here today and you all seem like a really great group of people. I am really glad I found you guys!Kim |
User: kdarcy202
Member since: 02-22-2005 Total posts: 5 |
From: sable
Date: 02-22-2005, 10:02 PM (2 of 5)
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Hi Kim, One thing you will find with patterns is that their sizing tends to be different from RTW sizes. Always choose your pattern by body measurements, not RTW size. When you choose your size remember that the pattern will include wearing ease, plus design ease. If the pattern is described as "fitting" it will have little or no design ease, just the wearing ease (an allowance for comfort and the ability to move in the garment). If the pattern is loose fitting there will usually be a lot of extra room in it. An example would be a bustier top (fitted) compared with a painters smock (very loose fitting). It may be that your pants pattern was loose fitting in design. Another thing to consider when choosing patterns is which measurement to make the most important if, like most of us, you are not the same size all over. I usually choose by bust measurement for tops and dresses, waist for bottom halves as I find it easier to increase the hip than decrease the waist. The bust area is harder to adjust if too big or small. If you are a not a standard B cup, there may be some adjustments you will need to make as most patterns are aimed at the B cup. Hope this helps Rachelle |
User: sable
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 76 
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From: kdarcy202
Date: 02-23-2005, 09:15 AM (3 of 5)
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Rachelle, Thanks for the info. It makes a little more sense now. I won't have any problem with the bust, but my waist is a little small compared to the size of my hips. I guess will just have play around any see what works best. They were loose fitting pants, so I suppose that could account for the extra room. Thanks again! Kim |
User: kdarcy202
Member since: 02-22-2005 Total posts: 5 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 02-23-2005, 01:37 PM (4 of 5)
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Kim, You could get the 8-10-12 pattern, and then cut it out large and pin-fit it to one side of your body. So, if the waist pins-out to a size 8, including seam allowance, then you'll cut accordingly. By your hips, if you need to go up to a 10, pin and cut accordingly. Just use a pencil to mark the paper so you can make a gradual adjustment from the 8 to the 10. This also gives you a chance to adjust the crotch and pants length before you cut the fabric. Give this a try when you'e ready to do pants again. Your pants will probably fit better than ready-to-wear! You can also assemble them first with a basting(long & easy to undo) stitch, and then try the pants on for a fitting. Adnjust with pins as needed, and then do the stitching in regular stitch length, undoing any basting where you adjusted the seams. I wear a 6 and I have to buy a pattern size 14 
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: kdarcy202
Date: 02-25-2005, 12:51 AM (5 of 5)
Thanks for the info Andrea. Pinning the pattern to myself sounds like a great idea. It would definitely help in the crotch area, because it was hanging halfway to my knees! (okay maybe not that far, but it sure seemed like it!  ) I'll be sure to try it and hopefully I'll get a better fit!Kim |
User: kdarcy202
Member since: 02-22-2005 Total posts: 5 |
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