Fashion Sewing Patterns for your digital download by PLOOM

SIZE GUIDE

All our patterns are designed using a 172cm body height and are based on standard euro sizing per below chart but like most of us we are not an exact size in all parts of our body ie, tall, short, large bust, curvy body, flat tummy, long legs, thick waist etc which is way you often find some brand or garments just don’t fit you perfectly off the shelf.

Measurements below are a guide on what we have used to create the patterns. Select the pattern size that best fits your general size but when cutting the pattern, you may need to add or reduce the size in some places to get the perfect fit. Remember to divide the amount you want to reduce divided between the front and back fabric pieces for example. You may need to increase or decrease bust or waist darts to get the perfect fit. Measuring yourself well is very important to be able to do this.

SIZE CHART

Use the chart to plot out your measurements against a standard pattern size. We have also included a printable page for you to add on your own body measurements. Woman’s size chart (regular) in centimetres

CHEST

Chest or Bust: This measurement is used for tops and dresses. Place one end of the tape measure at the fullest part of your bust and wrap it around your body to get the measurement, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. Measured at the nipple line.

WAIST

This measurement is used for tops, dresses, and bottoms. Most clothing lines use the measurement of the “natural waist” for their size guides. To measure your natural waist, you want to find the narrowest part of your waist, located above your belly button and below your rib cage. Measured at the narrowest point

HIPS

Stand with your hips together and measure the fullest part of your hips. Be sure to go over your buttocks as well. It might be challenging to keep the tape consistently level when you do it alone; it is recommended that you have a friend assist you with this or that you do it in front of a mirror. Measured at the broadest (largest) point

INSEAM

The inseam is the distance from the uppermost part of your thigh to your ankle. It’s best to measure your inseam with a pair of shoes on so that you can ensure the hem hits at the right point on your shoe. Keep in mind that the accurate inseam measurement depends on whether you’re wearing heels or flats. Measured from the crotch to desired finished distance from floor

NECK

Many dress shirts sold in the U.S. actually use the neck size in inches as the “size.” Wrap the measuring tape around the base of your neck, going around your Adam’s apple. Ensure that the tape is consistently level and that you’re not wrapping the tape too tightly around your neck. This measurement is your true neck measurement.

DESIGN LINES

A-LINE

An A-line silhouette, cut close to the hip and with a slight flare at the hem, is flattering for all figures. It can balance a figure that's small on top and fuller on the bottom. The skirt has a smooth, perfectly continuous shape all the way around because it doesn't require a vent.

EMPIRE WAIST

An Empire waistline flatters a range of figures. It hits high, at the smallest part of the waist. The effect lengthens the body and the legs.

FULL LENGTH

Full-length dresses have been worn for centuries, but there's a reason they're still popular today: an unbroken line almost or all the way to the floor has a graceful, elongating effect. A train in the back adds the illusion of floating across the floor.

LOW CUT BACK

A dress cut low in the back will emphasize a feature that looks beautiful on every figure. It looks sophisticated and modern but still classic.

ONE SHOULDER

An asymmetrical neckline draws the eye up and flatters features like your arms and collarbone.

SCOOP NECKLINE

A scoop or U-shaped neckline flatters all figures. It elongates the neck with more subtlety than a V-neckline, and it reveals a flattering glimpse of the collarbone.

SHORT LENGTH HEMLINE

Although traditionally worn during daylight or cocktail hours, knee-length dresses have a fresh, modern feel that works for semiformal events at night. Short dresses look most flattering when the hem hits anywhere from the lower part of the knee to just above it.

STRAPLESS BODICE

A strapless design accentuates great shoulders and works well on a fuller bust. It brings the eye to the collarbone, always a beautiful feature on any figure.