Choosing your size
Sewing pattern size chart, XS to XXXL
Our patterns use one body-measurement chart: size XS fits an 87 cm bust and size XXXL a 117 cm bust, with 5 cm between sizes. Let your bust decide for tops, dresses and jackets, and your hip for skirts and pants. 397 of our 554 patterns come in all seven sizes.
Size chart in centimetres
| Size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 87 | 67 | 92 |
| S | 92 | 72 | 97 |
| M | 97 | 77 | 102 |
| L | 102 | 82 | 107 |
| XL | 107 | 87 | 112 |
| XXL | 112 | 92 | 117 |
| XXXL | 117 | 97 | 122 |
Size chart in inches
| Size | Bust (in) | Waist (in) | Hip (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34.3 | 26.4 | 36.2 |
| S | 36.2 | 28.3 | 38.2 |
| M | 38.2 | 30.3 | 40.2 |
| L | 40.2 | 32.3 | 42.1 |
| XL | 42.1 | 34.3 | 44.1 |
| XXL | 44.1 | 36.2 | 46.1 |
| XXXL | 46.1 | 38.2 | 48.0 |
Which measurement decides your size?
These are body measurements, not the size of the finished garment: the ease (the room to move) is already drafted into each pattern.
- Tops, dresses, jackets and coats: choose by your bust, the hardest place to alter.
- Pants, shorts and skirts: choose by your hip.
- Elastic or drawstring waists forgive a lot at the waist, so the hip matters more.
Not sure how to take the three measurements? Our measuring guide shows where to place the tape.
Between two sizes?
Almost nobody is one size all the way down, so this is normal. Cut the largest size any of your measurements falls into, then take the garment in where it is loose: taking a seam in is easy, letting one out is limited by the seam allowance. Between two sizes, size up for a woven fabric with no stretch and size down for a knit that stretches.
Our PDF patterns are layered, so you can also print two sizes at once and blend between them, for example one size at the bust and the next at the hip.
Size ranges across the library
Most patterns cover all seven sizes; a few close-fitting or more intricate designs are drafted in a shorter range. Each pattern page shows its own range at the top.
| Size range | Patterns |
|---|---|
| XS–XXXL | 397 |
| S–XL | 40 |
| XS–XXL | 11 |
| S–L | 3 |
Patterns drafted from XS to XXXL
#0
Apron PDF Sewing Pattern
#12
Overalls PDF Sewing Pattern
#24
Mock Neck Top PDF Sewing Pattern
#30
Corset PDF Sewing Pattern
#31
Joggers PDF Sewing Pattern
#32
Cropped Sweatshirt PDF Sewing Pattern
Every pattern in the library, for one payment. 550+ PDF sewing patterns with layered A4 / US Letter files, A0 copy-shop files and illustrated guides, for $49, new releases included.
Frequently asked questions
Are these body measurements or garment measurements?
Body measurements. The ease each style needs is already built into the pattern pieces, so compare the chart with your own bust, waist and hip.
What size should I choose if my bust and hip are different sizes?
Cut the largest size your measurements fall into and take it in where it is loose, or print both size layers and blend from one size at the bust to the other at the hip.
Do all patterns go up to XXXL?
397 of our 554 patterns go from XS to XXXL. The others are drafted from S to XL, XS to XXL or S to L; every pattern page shows its range.
More sewing guides
- How to measure yourself for a sewing pattern
- How to use a PDF sewing pattern
- PDF vs paper sewing patterns: which should you buy?
- What is a layered PDF sewing pattern?
- Seam allowance on sewing patterns: what it is and how much is included
- The best fabrics for beginner sewing projects
- What you need to start sewing clothes
- How much fabric do I need?
- Beginner vs intermediate sewing patterns: what's the difference?