Sizing

All MIY Collection sewing patterns are gradually being moved over to a new sizing system based on BODY measurements with no reference to dress sizes:

Not all patterns are available in the full range of sizes, but the size range covered by each pattern is clearly detailed in the individual pattern description page.

You don't need to select a size when ordering your pattern, they are multi-size and include all the sizes.  You need to simply cut out or trace your chosen size.

Below are some instructions on where and how to take your measurements and choosing which size to make.

HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF

Image copyright Julian Ward.

1. BUST: measure around the biggest part of your bust, make sure that the tape measure is straight across your back, not sliding down and have your arms by your sides.
2. WAIST: tie something snugly around your middle, wriggle and it will come to rest on your natural waistline. It is higher than you might have thought – just under your rib cage, well above your belly button. Measure your waist here.
3. HIPS: measure around the widest part, which is usually the biggest part of your bum, right over your hip joint. Check the tape measure in a full-length mirror to make sure it is parallel to the floor. TIP – if your widest point is lower than this, make a note of that measurement too.

HOW TO CHOOSE WHICH SIZE TO MAKE

Now, don’t freak out! You probably won’t match each measurement for a given size because we are all different proportions. So, for skirts and trousers choose a size based on your hip measurement, for tops and dresses go with your bust measurement. 

Each pattern also includes a size chart showing the measurements of the FINISHED GARMENT so that you can gauge how tight or loose fitting your garment will be once finished.   These finished garment measurement charts are the most crucial ones to check as they include the ease.

WHAT IS EASE?

Ease is the difference between your body measurements and the measurements of the finished garment. Unless a garment is meant to be skin tight, the measurements of the finished garment for a given size will always be bigger* than the measurements on this size chart for that same size. How much bigger depends on the amount of wearing ease (minimum ease added for the garment to be comfortable) and the amount of design ease (the amount of ease added to achieve the desired fit for the design ie. a fitted versus a baggy style) included in the pattern.

By comparing the measurements from the two size charts, you will get an idea of how loose or fitted the garment is designed to be and how it’s going to fit you.

* Apart from the waist measurements of the Comfy Fold-Over Waist Skirt as this needs to stretch to fit you, be comfortable and not fall down!