Learn to Sew: What Size Pattern to Buy

Sandra Betzina 's daughter, Kim, has chosen her first pattern!

Sandra shows Kim how to measure herself and and how to determine what size pattern to buy. Learn where to look to find your size, what all of those other markings mean and why they are important.

Step 1:

Measure yourself to determine what size pattern you need to buy.

Step 2:

Learn where to look to find your size.

Step 3:

When working on multi-sized patterns, locate the cutting line for your size at the top and bottom of the pattern piece.

Step 4:

Each size has a different cutting line with different spacing on that line.

Step 5:

Once you recognize the line or dot markings for your size, it is easy to identify the same line throughout the pattern.

Step 6:

Don't get confused by the size marked on the dots. These dots indicate seam placement for sewing and are always 5/8 inch inside of the cutting line.

Step 7:

For more detailed advice, read Sandra's article, "Pattern Sizes" atwww.powersewing.com/2009/10/pattern-sizes/