How to choose your sewing pattern size

Pick the size by your measurements, then check the finished garment measurements to see how much ease is built in. Blend between sizes if your bust, waist and hip fall in different ones.

Pinny's tip
For tops and dresses, many sewists choose by high bust and adjust the bust; check your pattern's advice.

What you'll need

• Your measurements: bust, waist, hip.
• The pattern's size chart and finished measurements: usually on the envelope or in the instructions.
• Pencil: to draw blended lines.

Step by step

1. Write your measurements next to the size chart.
2. Circle the size each measurement falls into.
3. Check the finished garment measurements to see the ease (the difference between body and garment).
4. If you span sizes, draw a smooth line between them on the pattern, such as size 12 bust to size 14 hip.
5. Make a toile if the fit matters, then adjust.

Common mistakes

• Choosing by ready-to-wear size. Pattern sizing differs.
• Ignoring ease. A loose design may let you size down.
• Not blending. Pick one size and fit suffers.

Watch it done

• Sewing Pattern Sizing: everything you need to know to choose your perfect size by Sydney Graham on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• How To Measure For Sewing Patterns | Sewing For Beginners by The Stitch Sisters on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Tilly and the Buttons: How to Select Your Sewing Pattern Size
2. Tilly and the Buttons: How to Combine Pattern Sizes
3. YouTube: Sewing Pattern Sizing: everything you need to know to choose your perfect size (Sydney Graham)
4. YouTube: How To Measure For Sewing Patterns | Sewing For Beginners (The Stitch Sisters)