We all know that making patterns is a pretty hard thing to do, if you never did it before! So it might be usefull to start out with some regular patterns you can buy in sewing or tailor shop, just to get an idea about it.

So you go out and buy a pattern size “M”, because this is what you usually wear! Afterwards the surprice, its not the best fit!? Then let me explain to you:

First of all, you will never be able to go out shopping for regular clothing and always fit size “M”, sometimes it will be a size bigger or smaler. The reason for that is that the pattern sizes between the different manufactures are not standardized (different reasons like the marketing aspect are causing that.. well all woman feel better in a smaller size, than having size “L” marked on the back!

If you are going out to buy a pattern, then take your body measurements along. You will need bust-waist-hip, and of course your hight. On the back side you will see a chart where you should have a look at, to estimate where your measurements fit in best. (You should take new measurements at least every half year…even if you wont believe, but your body contourse can change!)

So if you finally found the best pattern size for you, it is all just a matter of adjusting things a little! Like making the skirt, blouse, pants etc. a little longer or shorter in case you might be taler or smaler than the given hight on the pattern. Or even tighter, depending on that what you measured!

WATCH OUT: The seams on regular patterns are made for sewing! So not every seam is implementable the way its shown on the pattern and has to be adjusted as well. Start with simple things like a skirt.

Good luck!