Pattern Size Calculator
Enter your bust, waist and hip and choose what you are making. The calculator matches each measurement to the standard sewing pattern chart and tells you which size to cut and where to blend.
- Pattern size
- By measurement
- Grading
Measure over underwear, with the tape level and snug but not tight.
Sewing patterns are chosen by body measurements, not shop size. A 36 in bust, 29 in waist and 39 in hip is a size 14 top. The waist and hip are both a 16, so you would blend from 14 at the bust to 16 below it.
Sewing pattern size chart
Big 4 misses sizes. Search for a size.
| Size | Bust | Waist | Hip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 30.5 | 23 | 32.5 |
| 8 | 31.5 | 24 | 33.5 |
| 10 | 32.5 | 25 | 34.5 |
| 12 | 34 | 26.5 | 36 |
| 14 | 36 | 28 | 38 |
| 16 | 38 | 30 | 40 |
| 18 | 40 | 32 | 42 |
| 20 | 42 | 34 | 44 |
| 22 | 44 | 37 | 46 |
| 24 | 46 | 39 | 48 |
Inches.
Bust and pattern size
Big 4 chart. Slide the bust.
Your size is marked on the chart.
How to choose a pattern size
Body to pattern. Step through it.
Measure
Bust, waist and hip.
Make a test garment in cheap fabric for fitted styles.
Pattern, shop or indie sizing
Size systems. Compare them.
Classic.
Ready to wear.
Modern.
Never pick a pattern by your shop size.
Before you cut
Pattern checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Trace the pattern so you keep the other sizes.
What you get
Pattern sizing. Each tile explains one result.
To cut.
Size.
Size.
Size.
Where to blend.
Most people are a different size at bust and hip.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
How do I find my sewing pattern size?
Measure your bust, waist and hip and match them to the pattern's size chart.
Why is my pattern size bigger than my dress size?
Pattern charts are older and fixed, so they run two to four sizes above shop sizes.
What if I am between sizes?
Pick the size for the main area and blend to the other size where it changes.
Should I use bust or high bust?
Use the high bust if your cup is bigger than a B, then do a full bust adjustment.
How do I grade between sizes?
Draw a smooth line from one size's cutting line to the other's.
Do all pattern brands use the same chart?
The main pattern companies share one, but independent brands use their own.
A pattern that fits
Cut by your measurements and grade where you need to, and the garment fits first time.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.