If you are going to put the effort and time into sewing garments for yourself or others I have written up some helpful hints for getting the right fit with Simplicity, Butterick, McCalls and Vogue patterns.  I hope this makes your sewing projects more successful!

Have you ever had a fitting room "Fit"?  No matter how you try to suck it in, those size twelve jeans just won't zip up.  You just bought a pair recently at another store and you know you haven't gained weight, so what's going on?  Is it time to stop raiding the kids' halloween candy bowl?  Absolutely not.  Candy is bad for children.  We need to protect them by eating it all ourselves. 

What has happened is the modern garment industry has no sizing standards.  With so many clothing manufacturers and different brand names all over the world, sizes sometimes get lost in the translation, leaving us all wondering whether we're a ten or a fourteen.  Fortunately, in stores we have dressing rooms and although it's a frightening and tedious chore, we can face that flourescent lighted mirror and find the perfect fit.

However, if you sew your own clothes it's a different story.  You can't try a commercial sewing pattern on before you buy it.  The next best thing you can do is take your measurements before you look for your sewing patterns.  Here are some tips for taking your measurements.  If you need more detailed instructions on taking them, please check other online sources.  Always use a fabric tape measure.

• The bust or chest measurement is taken around the fullest part, midway between the shoulder and elbow.
•  The waist measurement is taken around the natural waist line, just above the hip bone.
• Back waist length is the length from the back of your neck, where your shoulders begin to your natural waist line.
• Hip measurement is taken around the fullest part of your hips, which is about seven to nine inches down from your waistline. 
• Inseam measurement is from the top of your inside thigh to your ankle, where you'd like your slacks to reach if you are sewing trousers.
• Skirt  Hem length from the waistline to where you'd like your dress or gown to reach.  

With measurements in hand you are ready to choose your commercial sewing pattern.  You will find that these patterns run smaller then the average ready to wear garments you are used to buying.  So don't be disappointed that your normally size 12 or 14 body needs a size 16 in a Simplicity pattern.  It's the way they have decided to size things.  The best part about using commercial patterns and sewing your own garments is that Simplicity, Vogue, McCalls and Butterick have all decided to standardize their sizing for our convenience!  Once you have your current measurements in hand you are good to go for all four of these great pattern companies' offerings. Be sure to take your measurements often and enjoy the custom fit that Commercial patterns and fun home sewing can give you!