#LN8503MS Southern Belle (Paper or PDF)

About Sizing

All patterns are multi-sized with every size included with the pattern.

Our sizing does not follow the standard sewing industry sizing, but more closely resembles the ready-to-wear retail market. Our pattern body standard is an hourglass figure with a generous “B” cup bust, curvy, long waisted, with a height of 5’7″. Expect a fitted minimum ease allowance of Bust=3″ Waist= 1/2″ Hip=2″ except when design ease requires more room for style.

Check the top right hand corner of the package front for the range included with the pattern. The package back will include this measurement chart, listed in inches.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SIZE

Because many of us are not a perfect numbered size, sometimes pattern width alterations are necessary. We’d like to help you know how to alter your pattern with the least amount of trouble, so we suggest that you start thinking of the cutting lines as just a mathematical guide to width change rather than a hard and fast must cut line.

The first step is to compare your measurements to the chart. Find the number closest to your measurement without going over. As an example, let’s assume a hip measurement of 42″, which is right between size 12 and 14 on the chart. Because our measurement is exactly between these two sizes, we can draw our own cut line exactly between these two sizes which is the exact size we need for our measurement! If we use this same method at the waist and bust, tapering from one line to the next, matching up all the pieces vertically, we can be more assured of a fairly well fitting garment without making a trial garment first.

Use the chart below to find out where to draw the cut line in relation to your measurements.

For example, using the same example as previously mentioned, the difference between the size chart and the actual measurement is 1″. The chart below indicates that a 1″ difference requires an additional 1/4″ be added to the side seams. Draw a new line 1/4″ from the size 12 cutting line and taper it to the next corresponding measurement for waist and bust. In this way, a close enough fit can be achieved using math, not guess work. Add just the right amount to your pattern to make it the right size for your measurements before you cut.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR PATTERN

With a few measurements and adjustments, you can give your pattern the custom fit you need.