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From: niko20
Date: 03-23-2005, 12:04 PM (1 of 6)
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Hi,.. I'm a guy wanting to learn. I bought a new sewing machine for my wife ( a pretty good Singer model ) and we got some patterns as well. I know I have to start out simple of course, but I couldn't help picking up some patterns for men's shirts (collar and short sleeve) and a men's suit shirt / pants / tie pattern as well. (I look forward to trying to make some ties !) My question is - perhaps I picked the wrong pattern "size"? I didn't know that patterns came in different sizes, so I just grabbed the right pattern number I needed. Anyway, my waist is around 36" but in the pattern the pants pattern sizes start at 44" or so and go up. Is this hip measurement perhaps, and not waist? I measured my hips and its around 42, 42.5 or so inches. So basically I'm just wondering if I tried to make pants with this pattern if one of the sizes to cutout is going to work.. the size lines go from 45" up to 56". I'm not sure what to do, or if I just grabbed the wrong pattern. Or is 45" ok since it is hip size plus ease? I'm pretty new to using patterns (well, and overall sewing in general) so any help is appreciated. Thanks ! -niko |
User: niko20
Member since: 03-23-2005 Total posts: 19 |
From: MaryW
Date: 03-23-2005, 12:23 PM (2 of 6)
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Hi Niko and welcome to Sew Whats New. I think there will be measurements on the back of your pattern envelope. If the waist measurement is 44" and up, you have the wrong pattern. You need to exchange it for your proper size. Find your receipt and take it back. If you haven't taken the tissues out they will probably accommodate you. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: niko20
Date: 03-23-2005, 12:49 PM (3 of 6)
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Well, on the back of the pattern it mentions waist sizes from 32" up to 40 something, and how much material is needed for each, so I thought it must be a pattern that covers those sizes, but when I opened up the pattern the paper only shows cutout lines of 45" and up so I don't know if the pattern means waist size or hip size or what :P - maybe I'll stop by Joann's today and ask them for help in selecting a pattern correctly. -niko |
User: niko20
Member since: 03-23-2005 Total posts: 19 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-23-2005, 05:27 PM (4 of 6)
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Niko.....usually on the FRONT of the pattern in one corner it gives you the correct sizes for the pattern in the package...30,32,34 etc. THATS the size in the envelope. (the backs usually alway read many sizes...) You buy the waist size you need. ( my husband, whos small, 5'5" takes a 32 waist, 30 inseam) so his pattern size would be 32 waist. (you can always adjust the waist to fit you BEFORE you sew the pants). Most patterns come in multiple sizes. (3-4..depends on the manufacturer and what the pattern itself is...) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 03-23-2005, 05:44 PM (5 of 6)
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Niko, I believe that the 45" you refer to is the diagram for laying the pattern pieces out on fabric that is 45 inches wide.. 45" is the patterns way of saying Forty five inch material.. If you read all of the back of the pattern you will find a list of sizes and the measurements for each size.. Then , probably close to the bottom you will find a part that says finished garment measurements.. I suggest you just sit down and read everything on the back of the pattern.. There should be a description of the pattern and what it makes.. a list of how much fabric to buy for each different size .. the size chart and what the chest , waist, and hip measurements for each size..Then as I said above the finished measurements of the garments.. Also suggested fabrics to use for the construction, and a list of all the notions you will need to complete the garments.. After you get familiar with that , you will take your measurements (better, yet; let someone else measure you, that will be more accurate) and when you go back to the store, you will be able to choose the correct pattern for your size.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: niko20
Date: 03-24-2005, 09:31 AM (6 of 6)
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Thanks all, I think I finally figured out how this works. On the front of the Simplicity envelopes is shows different "sizes", like for a shirt pattern I have it goes from 38 to 46. Then, on the back, it shows how those sizes correspond to your actual measurements. For example, it says Chest 42", waist 36", hips 43" (which are basically my measurements), would resolve to "simplicity size" of 42. (It shows down below the measurements what the "pattern size" is) So then on the pattern I would cut out the pattern line that says 42. Knowing this I do see now that I probably got too big of a pants pattern, so I'll have to get another one. At least my shirt pattern is right though!  -niko |
User: niko20
Member since: 03-23-2005 Total posts: 19 |
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