Sewing pattern size guide
Choosing a sewing pattern size can be confusing, especially when you're trying a new designer. A size 14 in one brand can have different measurements from a size 14 in another, so your tape measure is a much better starting point than the size on your clothes.
There's no single chart that works for every sewing pattern. Use this guide to take your measurements, then compare them with the body measurement chart for the pattern you want to make.
Choose your size in three steps
Measure yourself
Take your bust or chest, waist and hip measurements. Write them down in centimetres or inches, using the same units as the pattern chart.
Check the pattern's chart
Compare your measurements with the designer's body measurement chart. Before you buy, check that the size range you're choosing includes the sizes you need.
Check the finished fit
Look at the finished garment measurements, where they're given, and the designer's fitting advice. They tell you how close-fitting or roomy the garment will be.
How to take your measurements
Use a flexible tape measure over your usual underwear or a thin layer of clothing. If you wear a bra, choose the one you expect to wear with the garment. Stand naturally, breathe normally and keep the tape snug against your body without pulling it tight. A mirror, or a helping hand, makes it easier to check the tape is level.
Bust or chest
Measure around the fullest part of your bust or chest, keeping the tape level across your back. Follow the designer's guidance if the pattern uses a high bust measurement or offers cup sizes.
Natural waist
Find the point where your body bends when you lean gently to one side. It may be higher than your trouser waistband. Tying a piece of ribbon loosely round it helps you keep track.
Hips
With your feet together, measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom. Move the tape up and down a little to make sure you've found the largest measurement.
Making trousers, a fitted bodice or a coat? You may also need your height, inside leg, back length or upper arm. The pattern's instructions list the measurements it uses.
UK, US and EU size labels
Pattern companies each use their own sizing, but this table shows how UK, US and European size labels usually line up, with typical waist and hip measurements. Use it to make sense of a size you've seen on a pattern, not to choose your size: the pattern's own chart always comes first.
| UK | US | EU | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 00 | 30 | 51cm / 20in | 76cm / 30in |
| 4 | 0 | 32 | 56cm / 22in | 81cm / 32in |
| 6 | 2 | 34 | 61cm / 24in | 86cm / 34in |
| 8 | 4 | 36 | 66cm / 26in | 91cm / 36in |
| 10 | 6 | 38 | 71cm / 28in | 97cm / 38in |
| 12 | 8 | 40 | 76cm / 30in | 102cm / 40in |
| 14 | 10 | 42 | 81cm / 32in | 107cm / 42in |
| 16 | 12 | 44 | 86cm / 34in | 112cm / 44in |
| 18 | 14 | 46 | 91cm / 36in | 117cm / 46in |
| 20 | 16 | 48 | 96cm / 38in | 122cm / 48in |
| 22 | 18 | 50 | 102cm / 40in | 127cm / 50in |
| 24 | 20 | 52 | 107cm / 42in | 132cm / 52in |
| 26 | 22 | 54 | 112cm / 44in | 137cm / 54in |
| 28 | 24 | 56 | 117cm / 46in | 142cm / 56in |
| 30 | 26 | 58 | 122cm / 48in | 147cm / 58in |
| 32 | 28 | 60 | 127cm / 50in | 152cm / 60in |
| 34 | 30 | 62 | 132cm / 52in | 157cm / 62in |
| 36 | 32 | 64 | 137cm / 54in | 162cm / 64in |
| 38 | 34 | 66 | 142cm / 56in | 167cm / 66in |
Body measurements and finished garment measurements
Body measurements are your own measurements. Finished garment measurements are the size of the garment once it's sewn. The difference between the two is called ease.
For example, a woven blouse with a finished bust of 104cm, worn on a 96cm bust, has 8cm of ease at the bust. That space lets you move and gives the blouse its shape. It's an example, not a recommended amount for every pattern.
A fitted dress, a loose shirt and an oversized coat all have different amounts of ease. Some stretch patterns use negative ease, where the garment is smaller than the body and the fabric stretches to fit, so always follow the pattern's fabric and stretch recommendations.
Extra room may be part of the design, or there to allow for layers underneath. Check the intended fit before changing sizes.
What if you're between sizes?
It's very common to match one size at the bust, another at the waist and another at the hips. On a multi-size pattern you can usually blend between sizes, drawing a smooth line from one size line to the next. Follow the designer's fitting instructions and check the pieces still join up.
- Tops, dresses and jackets: check the bust or chest, the shoulders and any high bust or cup-size guidance. For dresses, check the waist and hips too.
- Skirts, trousers and shorts: check both waist and hips, along with the waistband style and the intended fit.
- Close-fitting or unfamiliar patterns: make a toile first, a test version in inexpensive fabric of a similar weight and stretch, before you cut into your main fabric. Most people use calico or muslin for it.
If you fall between two sizes, check the designer's advice and the garment's ease. There's no single rule that works for every style.
Common sizing questions
Can I use my usual shop-bought size for a sewing pattern?
Use your measurements instead. Sewing pattern sizes often differ from clothing sizes, and from one designer to another, so the size number is only a label.
Can I convert a UK size to a US or European pattern size?
The table above shows how the labels usually line up, but a conversion can't choose your size for you. Check the measurements on the chart for the exact pattern, even if the size labels look familiar.
Where do I find a sewing pattern's size chart?
Check the pattern listing and its images, the pattern envelope or the designer's own website, and make sure the chart is for the pattern and size range you're buying. If you can't find it, send us the pattern name or a link and we'll help you track it down.
Does this sizing advice work for children's patterns?
The same principle applies: use current body measurements and the pattern's own chart. Check height as well, and follow the designer's guidance rather than choosing by age alone.
Should I add extra room to my measurements?
No. Record your actual body measurements and compare them with the body measurement chart. The ease is already built into the pattern through its design and finished measurements.
Need a hand finding a size chart?
Email us the pattern name or a link to the listing and we'll help you find the sizing information before you order. Once you know your size, the pattern's fabric chart tells you how much to buy, or try our fabric calculator.
