Sewing Pattern Size Guide – EU, US & UK | How to Choose the Right Size

This sewing pattern size guide will help you:

  • Understand how our sizing works
  • Take accurate body measurements
  • Choose the right size — even if you're between sizes

How to Choose Your Size

All patterns are listed in EU sizes and are based on body measurements, not ready-to-wear sizing.

→ Use the Size Chart to convert your measurements between EU, US, and UK sizes

Each pattern includes finished garment measurements. Always measure your body instead of relying on your usual clothing size.

Use the key measurement for your garment type:

  • For tops, dresses, outerwear → bust/chest
  • For trousers, skirts → hips

Height reference

Our patterns are drafted for:

  • Women: 170–176 cm
  • Men: 176–180 cm

If you are outside this range, length adjustments may be needed.

Size Charts

Use the chart below to find your EU size and match it to your body measurements.
Size chart for women
Size EU 36 38 40 42 44 46
US 0-2 2-4 6-8 10 12 14
UK 8 10 12 14 16 18
Bust cm 84 88 92 96 100 104
in 33,1 34,7 36,3 37,8 39,4 41
Waist cm 68 72 76 80 84 90
in 26,8 28,4 30 31,5 33,1 35,5
Hips cm 94 98 102 106 110 114
in 37,1 38,6 40,2 41,8 43,4 44,9
Size chart for men
Size EU 46 48 50 52 54 56
US 36 38 40 42 44 46
UK 36 38 40 42 44 46
Bust cm 92 96 100 104 108 112
in 36,3 37,8 39,4 41 42,6 44,1
Waist cm 82 86 90 94 99 105
in 32,3 33,9 35,5 37,1 39 41,4
Hips cm 96 100 104 108 112 116
in 37,8 39,4 41 42,6 44,1 45,7

Additional Body Measurements

In addition to bust, waist, and hips, we provide extended body measurements for each size.

These measurements reflect the body proportions the pattern was drafted for, helping you evaluate fit before cutting. They are often used in professional pattern drafting to check proportions and anticipate adjustments.

How to use them

After choosing your size, you can use these measurements to:

  • Compare your body proportions with the pattern
  • Identify areas that may require adjustment
  • Check the pattern before cutting and sewing

Some of these measurements are also included in the sewing instructions.

Important: These measurements are not used to choose your size. They are provided to help you better understand the intended fit and make informed adjustments if needed.
Additional body measurements for women
Size EU 36 38 40 42 44 46
US 0-2 2-4 6-8 10 12 14
UK 8 10 12 14 16 18
Arm Length cm 60 60 60 60 60 60
in 23,7 23,7 23,7 23,7 23,7 23,7
Bicep cm 27,5 28,5 29,5 31 32,5 34,5
in 10,9 11,3 11,7 12,3 12,8 13,6
Total Rise cm 66 67 68 70 72 74
in 26 26,4 26,8 27,6 28,4 29,2
Thigh cm 56 57 59 62 64 66
in 22,1 22,5 23,3 24,5 25,2 26
Inseam cm 78 78 78 78 78 78
in 30,8 30,8 30,8 30,8 30,8 30,8
Additional body measurements for men
Size EU 46 48 50 52 54 56
US 36 38 40 42 44 46
UK 36 38 40 42 44 46
Arm Length cm 63 63 63 63 63 63
in 24,9 24,9 24,9 24,9 24,9 24,9
Bicep cm 31 32 33 34 35 36
in 12,3 12,6 13 13,4 13,8 14,2
Total Rise cm 72 73 74 76 78 80
in 28,4 28,8 29,2 30 30,8 31,5
Thigh cm 55 56,5 58 59,5 61 62,5
in 21,7 22,3 22,9 23,5 24,1 24,7
Inseam cm 80 80 80 80 80 80
in 31,5 31,5 31,5 31,5 31,5 31,5

How to Take Body Measurements

Tips:

  • Measure over light clothing
  • Keep tape snug, not tight
  • Stand naturally
  • Ask someone to help for better accuracy
body measurement guide for sewing patterns showing bust, waist, hips, arm, biceps, inseam and thigh positions

1. Bust/Chest

Horizontal circumference around the fullest part of the bust, across the apexes.

2. Waist

Horizontal circumference around your natural waist — the narrowest part of the torso.

3. Hips

Horizontal circumference around the widest part of the hip area.

4. Arm Length

Curvilinear measurement starting from the shoulder key point to the back elbow point defined at the center of the bone protrusion and ending at the back point of the wrist.

5. Bicep

The bicep inner point is normally 1 inch below the armhole bottom. Then perpendicular to the upper arm, measure the circumference around the bicep starting and ending at the bicep inner point.

6. Inseam

Vertical distance between the crotch height and ankle bone.

7. Total Rise

Curvilinear measurement around the crotch. Starting from the center front waist, down through the crotch, and up to the center back waist.

8. Thigh

Horizontal circumference around the fullest part of your upper leg, usually 1–2 inches below the crotch.

Between Sizes — How to Decide

There are two common situations:

1. Your measurements fall into different sizes

For example: bust = size 40, hips = size 44

Choose based on your key measurement:

  • Tops and dresses → bust/chest
  • Trousers and skirts → hips

You can adjust the fit in other areas before cutting or during sewing.

2. Your measurement falls between two sizes

For example: your bust measures between size 40 and 42

In this case:

  • Compare the finished garment measurements for both sizes
  • Decide how you want the garment to fit
  • Choose the smaller size for a closer fit
  • Choose the larger size for a more relaxed fit

For example: if your bust is between sizes but your hips are larger, you may choose a size based on how fitted you want the garment at the bust and adjust the hips accordingly.

Minor adjustments are a normal part of sewing — even with the right size.

Finished Garment Measurements

We do not list ease separately. Instead, we provide finished garment measurements so you can:

  • Compare with your body
  • Compare with clothing you already own
  • Understand the intended fit

This gives you full control over how the garment will feel.

For more details on printing and assembling your pattern, see the Printing Instructions page.