Everyone’s body is different. We come in all shapes and sizes, which can make it challenging to find a sewing pattern that fits your body. Luckily, some indie sewing patterns design for a particular body type. For example, Deer and Doe designs for an hour-glass shape, Cashmerette Patterns for curvy figures (cup sizes C–H), Sew DIY for tall women, and Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick Patterns (SBCC) and Petite Plus for petites. Each size is designed for a particular bust, waist, and hip measurement, but not every company provides the sewing pattern height on their websites.
I’m 5′ 7″ (170 cm) and when I first wrote this post in 2017, I hadn’t really given much thought to the height that patterns are designed for. That year I finished the Mimosa Culottes (OOP, out of print) by Named Clothing, a Finnish pattern company that designs for 5’8″. (You can see my version of the culottes here.)
After that, I made Megan Nielsen’s Flint Pants. I discovered that she designs for a height 5′ 9″ (175 cm).
Behind the chart
That experience made me want to find out what height pattern companies use for their designs.And that led me to make a chart listing sewing pattern heights. The height they design for is typically the height of their fit model. I began with companies whose patterns I’ve made and then added more several others.
This is by no means a comprehensive list. But I am trying to update it annually. I did my first update in 2020.
Updates to the chart
This year I noticed that a few companies expanded their sizes a little more. For example, Closet Core now goes up to size 32 (hip 63″/160 cm), Megan Nielsen’s curvy size goes up to 34 (hip 62″/157 cm), and Style Arc up to 36 (hip 70 1/8″/178 cm).
And, there’s a new column in the chart! (Insert drum roll here.) I added the maximum hip size for all the pattern companies on the list! I put the imperial and metric measurements in the same column due to space issues. You’ll notice that the max hip size varies greatly — from 43.5″/110 cm for Burda petite to four companies that go up to at least 70″/177.8 cm: In the Folds, Made by Rae, Muna and Broad, and Style Arc. Muna and Broad will even grade up for you if their plus-size patterns are too small.
I also updated the links to the size charts and added the “women’s” sizes for Butterick. You can also find measurements for Butterick, McCalls and Vogue on this PDF.
New entries
This year, I’ve also added several more companies to the list: Elbe Textiles, Forest & Thread, Grasser, I Am Patterns, Kosedo Studio, Made by Rae, Patrones Mujer (magazine), Pattern Scout, Rebecca Page, Sewing and the City, Sinclair Patterns, and Today’s Fit by Sandra Betzina. Thank you to all the folks who asked me to add certain companies to the list and thanks to all the sewcialists on IG who inspire me and whose creations have led me to discover other pattern designers.
Plus-size patterns
If you have a plus-sized figure, you should check out this great resource, The Curvy Pattern Database, where you’ll find an interactive list of pattern companies that include at least a 60″/152.4 cm hip. You enter your measurements and the database will filter the list. Another useful resource is Broad in the Seams, a blog by Jess (one of the founders of Muna and Broad) devoted to plus-size sewing patterns, including a weekly roundup of patterns. The plus-size pattern companies in the chart include Muna and Broad and Petite Plus Patterns. Muna and Broad will also grade their patterns up at no charge if you need a larger size. (Check out this interview with the founders of Muna and Broad, Jess and Leila.) Cashmerette began as a plus-size company but has expanded to offer smaller sizes.
Reading the chart
The first column is the name of the company and it links to their size chart or to a recent pattern where you’ll find the size chart. If the company has patterns in different size ranges, I link to the sewing patterns page. You’ll need to look at the size chart for the individual pattern.
Several companies in the list have a single asterisk in the size range and hip column. That asterisk indicates that the pattern maker has added additional sizes or offers some patterns at the expanded size range, but not all of their patterns go up to the largest size. Below the chart is a bulleted list of those companies.
Sewing pattern heights
This year’s chart includes links to each company’s body measurements/size chart (if they have one or a link to a pattern with the size chart), the height they design for, maxiumum hip size, cup size, and size range. Sarah Pondevie of Pattern Union says she doesn’t specify a fit height, which is why I put “n/a” (not applicable) in that column for her company. She felt that listing a fit height would be misleading because “two people can be the same height, one has a long body and a short legs, the other long legs and a short body, their fit requirements are not related to height.” This is an excellent point, and, as I say towards the end of this post, “height is not everything.” Sarah also said she thinks “we need to look at body shapes/types rather than just sizes.”
| Sewing Co. Size Chart | Height: in | Height: cm | Max Hip in/cm | Cup | Size Range |
| 100 Acts of Sewing | 5’5″ | 165 | 64″/163 | C | XS-4X |
| The Assembly Line | 5’6″-5’7″ | 168-170 | 53.1″-54.7″/ 135-139* | XS-L, XL-3XL* | |
| Blueprints for Sewing | 5′ 5″ | 165 | 61″/154.9 | B | A-P |
| Burda women’s regular | 5′ 6 1/4″ | 168 | 60/152 | B | 6-34 |
| Burda women’s petite | 5’3″ | 160 | 43.5/110 | B | 6-20 |
| Burda women’s tall | 5’9 1/4″ | 176 | 43.5/110 | B | 6-20 |
| Butterick-misses | 5’5″-5’6″ | 165-168 | 50/127 | B | 4-26 |
| Butterick-petites | 5’2″-5’3″ | 157-160 | 50/127 | B | 4-26 |
| Butterick-women’s | 5’5″-5’6″ | 165-168 | 56/142 | 16W-32W | |
| Cashmerette (12-32) | 5’6″ | 168 | 62/157 | C-H | 12-32 |
| Cashmerette (0-16) | 5’6″ | 168 | 46/117 | C-H | 0-16 |
| Chalk & Notch | 5’7″ | 170 | 59/150 | A/B, C/D | 0-30 |
| Christine Haynes | 5’6″ | 168 | 58/147 | B | XS-4X |
| Closet Core Patterns (B) | 5’6″ | 168 | 48/122 | B | 0-20 |
| Closet Core Patterns (D) | 5’6″ | 168 | 63/160 | D | 14-32 |
| Deer and Doe (34-48) | 5’6″ | 168 | 45 5/8/ 116 | C, D | 34-48 |
| Deer and Doe (46-60) | 5’6″ | 168 | 60/152 | C, D | 46-60 |
| Designer Stitch | 5’6″ | 168 | 58/146 | B | 1-13 |
| Elbe Textiles | 5’7″ | 170 | 60.2/153* | B, C/D | A-N* |
| Forest & Thread (B) | 5’8″ | 172 | 47.5/121 | B | 0-18 |
| Forest & Thread (D+) | 5’8″ | 172 | 65-66* 165-168 | D+ | 14-30* |
| Friday Pattern Company | 5’5″ | 165 | 56-5/ 142-145 | B | XS-XXL, XS-4X* |
| Friday Pattern Company | 5’5″ | 165 | 62-63 157-160 | B | XS-7X* |
| Grainline Studio (B) | 5’5″ | 165 | 47/119.3 | B | 0-18 |
| Grainline Studio (D) | 5’5″ | 165 | 61/154.9 | D | 14-32 |
| Grasser | 5’2″-5’4.5″ 5’4.5″-5’7″ 5’7″-5’9.3″ 5’9.3″-6′ | 158-164 164-170 170-176 176-182 | 58.3/148 | 38-59, 60-70 | |
| Helen’s Closet | 5’6″ | 168 | 58/147.5 | B, D | 0-30 |
| I Am Patterns | 5’5″ | 168 | 42.5/108, 47.25/120 | B | 36-46, 34-52 |
| In the Folds (B) | 5’7″ | 170 | 54 3/4 139 | B | A-J |
| In the Folds (D) | 5’7″ | 170 | 72.5/184 | D | G-P |
| Itch to Stitch | 5’6″ | 168 | 62/157* | A-DD | 00-20, 22-40* |
| Just Patterns (B/C) | 5’5″ | 165 | 43 1/4/110 | B/C | 34-46 |
| Just Patterns (DD) | 5’5″ | 165 | 59 7/8 152 | DD | 46-60* |
| Kosedo Studio | 5’6″ | 168 | 57.5/146 | A0-C8 | |
| Made by Rae | 5’6″ | 168 | 71.25/181* | A/B, C/D | XXS-5* |
| Marilla Walker (B) | 5’6″ | 168 | 50.5/128 | B | 1-8, 1-10* |
| Marilla Walker (D) | 5’6″ | 168 | 60/153 | D | 6-14 |
| McCall’s – misses | 5’5″-5’6″ | 165-168 | 50/127 | B | 4-26 |
| McCall’s – petites | 5’2″-5’3″ | 157-160 | 50/127 | B | 4-26 |
| McCall’s-women’s | 5’5″-5’6″ | 165-168 | 56/142 | 16W-32W | |
| Megan Nielsen (0-20) | 5’9″ | 175 | 48/122 | B | 0-20 (also XS-XL) |
| Megan Nielsen (curve) | 5’9″ | 175 | 62/157 | D | 14-34 |
| Merchant & Mills (6-18) | 5’6″ | 168 | 44/114 | D | 6-18** |
| Merchant & Mills (20-28) | 5’6″ | 168 | 57.5/145.5 | D | 20-28** |
| Muna and Broad | 5’6″ | 168 | 71.5/182 | flexible | A-G, A-M* |
| Named Clothing | 5’8″ | 172 | 55 7/8 142 | B | 0-24 |
| New Look | 5’5-5’6″ | 165-168 | 50/127 | B | 2-26 |
| Paper Theory Patterns | 5’7″ | 170 | 57.5/146 | C/D | 6-28* |
| Papercut Patterns (B) | 5’3″-5’7″ | 160-170 | 48.8/124 | B | 1-8 |
| Papercut Patterns (D) | 5’3″-5’8″ | 160-172 | 63.8/162 | D | 6-14 |
| Paprika Patterns | 5’7″ | 170 | varies | varies | 1-10, 1-13*** |
| Patrones Mujer (magazine) | 5’6″ | 168 | 50.4/128 | 36-52 | |
| Pattern Scout | 5’9″ | 175 | 6/152 | B-D | 0-30 |
| Pattern Union | n/a | n/a | 56/142 | A-G | 6-26* |
| Pauline Alice | 5’5″ | 165 | 49.5/126* | B | 34-44, 34-52* |
| Petite Plus Patterns | 5′-5′4″ | 152.4- 162.5 | 52/132 | D | 12-24 |
| Pipe Dream Patterns (Beatha) | 5’5″ | 165 | 48/124 | C | 6-20 |
| Pipe Dream Patterns (Saorsa) | 5’10” | 177 | 66/167 | DD | 20-34 |
| Rebecca Page (regular) | 5’6″ | 168 | 57/145 | 1-10 | |
| Rebecca Page (curvy) | 5’6″ | 168 | 80/203.2* | 6C-15C* | |
| SBCC Patterns (B/C) | 5’1″ | 163 | 46.5/118.1 | B/C | XXS-XL |
| SBCC Patterns (D/E) | 5’1″ | 163 | 61.5/156.2 | D/E | L-4X |
| Seamwork (misses) | 5’8″ | 172 | 46/117 | C | 00-16 |
| Seamwork (curvy) | 5’9″ | 175 | 58/147 | DD | 12-26 |
| Sew DIY | 5’10” | 177 | 58/147 | C | 0-32 |
| Sew House Seven | 5’6″-5′ 7″ | 168-170 | 50/127 | B/C | 00-20 |
| Sew House Seven (curvy) | 5’6″-5’7″ | 168-170 | 65/165 | C/D-G/H | 18-34 |
| Sew Liberated | 5’5″ | 168 | 61/155 | C | 0-34* |
| Sewaholic | 5’4″ | 162 | 51/130 | B | 0-20 |
| Sewing and the City (B) | 5’5″ | 168 | 49/124.5 | B | 2-20 |
| Sewing and the City (D) | 5’5″ | 168 | 59/150 | D | 16-30 |
| Simplicity-misses | 5’5″-5’6″ | 165-168 | 50/127 | B | 4-26 |
| Simplicity-petites | 5’2″-5’3″ | 157-160 | 50/127 | B | 4-26 |
| Simplicity-women | 5’5″-5’6″ | 165-168 | 62/157.5 | C | 16W-38W |
| Sinclair Patterns (petite) | 5’1″-5’3″ | 152-160 | 63/160 | 0-30 | |
| Sinclair Patterns (regular) | 5’4″-5’6″ | 162-170 | 63/160 | 0-30 | |
| Sinclair Patterns (tall) | 5’7″-5’9″ | 170-178 | 63/160 | 0-30 | |
| Style Arc | 5’6″ | 168 | 70 1/8 178 | B | 4-36 |
| Tessuti Patterns | 5’6-5’7″ | 168-170 | 52/131 | 6-22* | |
| Today’s Fit by Sandra Betzina | 5’5″-5’6″ | 165-167 | 57/145 | A-J | |
| True Bias (C) | 5’5″ | 165 | 46.5/118 | C | 0-18* |
| True Bias (D) | 5’5″ | 165 | 59.5/161 | D | 14-30* |
| VikiSews (VikiSews on choosing right height) | 5′-5’3″ 5’4″-5’6″ 5’7″-5’9″ 5’10”-6′ | 154-160 162-168 170-176 178-184 | 48/122 | 34-52 | |
| Vogue-misses | 5’5″-5’6″ | 165-168 | 50/127 | B | 4-26 |
| Vogue-petites | 5’2″-5’3″ | 157-160 | 50/127 | B | 4-26 |
| Wardrobe by Me | 5’8″ | 172 | 53.3/135.4 | A-D | 0-24 |
* The patterns in the chart with an asterisk in the size range column are pattern companies have some patterns available in larger sizes and/or are working on making all patterns available in an expanded size range:
- Some Assembly Line patterns are currently available in larger sizes. See their FAQs for info on larger sizes.
- Newer Elbe Textiles patterns are available in expanded sizes; earlier patterns go up to size I (hip 50.5″/128 cm) or size K (hip 54.4″/138 cm).
- Forest & Thread says they are “shifting our size range to be separated by 0-18 (B Cup) and 14-30 (D+ Cup).”
- Friday Pattern Company is working on making all designs available in the expanded size range, some go up to XXL, others to 4X or 7X. The goal is for all designs to go up to 7X.
- Some Itch to Stitch patterns are available in plus sizes but the majority are not.
- Just Patterns says that new patterns will be available in the 34-46 (B/C cup) and 46-60 (DD cup) size range. Delphine, the designer, says that her current patterns will be available in sizes up to 60 in 2022.
- Newer Made by Rae patterns are availble in expanded sizes (up to 71.25″/181 cm). Others go up to 53″/134.6).
- Marilla Walker‘s Belemnite Dress is available in extended sizes (bust 42″-48″/107 cm-147 cm)
- Plus-size pattern company Muna and Broad is extending its size range from A–G (bust 40″/102 cm–52″/132 cm) to A–M (M: 83″/211 cm).
- Paper Theory‘s new patterns will go up to a bust of 67″ and a hip of 70″.
- Pattern Union notes on their sizing page that “not all patterns feature all sizes” so check the pattern. Also, bust sizes have been grouped into three categories: A-C, D/E, and F/G.
- All Paprika Patterns are available in sizes 1-10, some are available up to size 13; they are working on making all designs sized up to 13.
- Newer Pauline Alice patterns go up to size 52 (49.5″/126 cm).
- Rebecca Page has several patterns available in what they call their “curvy” size range, which goes up to hip 80″/203 cm, and is going through earlier patterns to expand the size range.
- Sew Liberated size range varies depending on the pattern: 0-24, 0-30, 0-34.
- Tessuti says that not all of their patterns are available in sizes 6-22: “As soon as we can fit it in with our work commitment, those that we feel we can successfully offer in extended sizes will be added from our earlier collections, and others will remain in the existing size range offered.” Some patterns only go up to size 18 (48″/121 cm). BUT keep in mind that according to Tessuti, “the majority of the styles are more of a relaxed fit (rather than fitted),” so you should scrutinize the finished garment measurements. You may find that a smaller size is a better fit for you.
- All new True Bias patterns are available in sizes 0-18 (C cup) and 14-30 (D cup). They are working on expanding the size range of earlier patterns.
**Merchant & Mills says their patterns are not tailored/fitted so they don’t really design for a particular cup size but if they had to say, they say D. Some patterns are available in size range 6-18 and others in XXS-XXL (6-28).
***Paprika Patterns‘ size charts/ranges vary according to the pattern. They are in the process of expanding all patterns to size 13 (hip 57.5″/146 cm).
Not all of the indie designers include this info on their websites so in some cases, I contacted the companies to find out. They graciously answered my queries within a few days. I hope you find the information useful.
Height is not everything
Sewing pattern height is an interesting measurement but it’s not the most important one. Patterns can easily be adjusted for length. The critical measurements are bust, waist and hips. The finished measurements are also very helpful when it comes to pants and skirts. When I make skirts or pants, all I first look at the hip measurement to pick my size. What measurements are the most important for you when you choose a size to sew?
Note: This post was originally published on May 1, 2017. I first updated it in 2020 and then did a major update in April 2021 (by then many companies had expanded their size range so the size column was updated as well as all the links, many of which had changed).
I just found you and this list through the sewover50 IG live. Thank you so much for putting this together. I’ve been looking for patterns that cater to shorter people and now I have the answers. Love it!
Thanks for watching the SewOver50 IG Live and thanks for checking out the chart! So glad it is helpful to you!
I just came across your list, thanks to someone mentioning it on the threads over on PatternReview. This is very kind of you!
Inspired me to go look on the Jalie patterns website and see if they posted the information on height. They say their women’s patterns are based on a height of 5f6in.
Thanks for doing this!
You’re welcome! I’m overdue for another update. I will certainly add Jalie. Thanks!
I just found you! This looks great. Do you have the info on the Lutterloh system? I realize its based upon 2 measurements but the heights are not posted anywhere.
Thank you, Annalisa
That is an excellent question. I will see if I can find out!
nice, very helpful writing
Thank you very much for your hard work on this, it’s very helpful.
I believe Silhouette Patterns by Peggy Sagers are made for 5’8″. Thats what Peggy told me 25 years ago
Thank you! I will check to see if that’s still the case.
What a wonderful service you are providing. Many thanks.
Thank you for the pattern companies chart. I am trying to figure what cup size Grasser patterns are drafted for. Any info about that? Congratulations on your blog!
Edita
Thank you for all your work! I didn’t realize the Big 4 still made petite patterns. Most of my recent patterns are Cutting Line Designs, The Sewing Workshop, and Love Notions. Also New Look, but they probably use Simplicity measurements?
You’re welcome! I don’t know if they offer all of their patterns in petite sizes but their size charts include petite heights. New Look does have the same measurements as Simplicity. If you scroll down on this size chart, you’ll see the New Look size chart. I will add New Look to the chart soon Thanks for asking! https://simplicity.com/size-charts/
I really really appreciate your efforts of creating a size chart and compiling it under one post. this is very helpful and can solve thousands of problems of people around the globe. Thank you for being so generous and for sharing these sewing tips with us.
I really love this resource, thank you for compiling it and continuing to update it!
For me, the most important measurement is shoulder width. I find that I can adjust a lot for height and girth, but if a garment is too big or too small in the shoulders and neck, it’s such a pain to alter that.
I recently took the In-House Patterns online Fitting Essentials class, where I learned a ton about possible alterations, and a lot about analyzing fit on the pattern paper and in the test garment/muslin. So my next most important measurement is shoulder to bust point, so I can get my bust point, which is my widest point, in the correct spot.
I have a short curvy torso and long legs — basically I am 5’ tall in the torso but 5’7” in the legs, and 5’3” when you put it all together.
In my experience of fitting, I am also not a fan of the Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) which on my frame adds a whole bunch of fabric above and below the bust line that I don’t need, and drops the bust point, which on my short frame is not usually called for, and creates that honkin’ huge dart, that is so annoying to sew correctly. Now on a shirt or dress with a bust dart, I just add girth below the armpit, which is where I need it most, and add bicep girth to the sleeve, which I also usually need, so that works great. I think sewing experts oversell the FBA as a large-bust solution. It works for many women, but not all, and few alternatives are explored in sewing books and online tutorials.
I don’t have the wherewithal to write an article or create a video about my approach to the petite full bust, but I am happy to explain it to anybody who wants to take an alternative approach and run with it!
I’m glad you find this a useful resource! Thank you for your comments.
Yes, shoulder width is important. Height is just one factor, especiallly when your torso and legs don’t really go with the pattern’s height. I always see folks saying that an FBA is the solution for full busts. But it makes sense that it doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. There is no one way to fit because we all have different bodies. I sometimes do a small bust adjustment.
Could you perhaps add DesignerStitch to this list!
Thanks for asking. I have asked them for info our the height they design for.
Designer Stitch’s size chart wasn’t visible the last time I checked but it’s up now. So I have added them to the chart. 🙂
Sinclair patterns has petite, reg and tall sizes for women, shot, reg and tall for men and slim and reg for kids. They also have extended sizing on many of their patterns.
Thanks for mentioning Sinclair. I’ve added them to the chart!
A new find for me: https://www.straightstitchdesigns.com/ drafted for 5’9″, 0-34, B & D cups. Yeah :-)!!
Ah this is incredibly useful, thank you so much for putting this together and sharing. Xx
Hi
Thank you so very much for pulling all this brill info together and sharing it.
I have recently started sewing again after many years of doing very little and was disappointed re the fit of even loose clothing patterns – so now I am busy learning about adjusting patterns to your size and contours (rather than just tacking side seam in or out!), so this info is a great help to me.
Do you know what Tessuti patterns are based on fit wise (in particular the cup size) ?
Many thanks
I would also like to know about Tessuti. I have found the patterns to be larger than what they indicate and think I need to go down a couple of sizes. They have always perplexed me and I like their patterns.
Tessuti say “the majority of the styles are more of a relaxed fit (rather than fitted), we don’t necessarily draft according to bra cup sizes and our styles have been made up by many sewers ranging in cup sizes from A-D.”
I recommend looking at the finished garment measurements to decide which size to sew. And make a mockup before sewing your fashion fabric if you really want to check the fit.
I just added Tessuti to the chart! They desigin for 5’6″-5’7″/168-170 cm.
This is SO useful and helpful, thank you so much for putting it together. I am a beginner at sewing patterns and quite tall, and this is fantastic info. Thankyou!!
Thank you for updating your chart! I need it.
You’re welcome! It was due for a major update – especially with all the size expansions that have been happening.
Two that aren’t on your list….
Rebecca Page Patterns are designed for 5’6″, and (I think) a “sewing C cup” defined as full bust 3″ bigger than upper bust. Their womens size range is huge, something like XXS – 5X. They also have kids patterns and a few mens patterns.
I’m not sure about the height for Patterns for Pirates. They have kids & womens patterns.
Thanks for much for the info. I will add them to the list once I confirm all the info. 🙂
What a lot of work to have collated all this information! Thank you so much for sharing it. I am 5’2″ and have got used to adjusting the back (neck to waist) length over the years for Big 4 patterns; it’s difficult sometimes with the Indie companies as they don’t often specify neck to waist length, and you’re right, people’s proportions vary hugely. It may be useful asking them to specify more fit measurements on the pattern/ envelope to make adjustments easier. (Not expecting you to do this, though!!) Thanks again
Thank you so much for this fabulous chart. Now all we need is the height for men with the big 4 patterns.
Thank you so much for this very helpful chart!
As a 5′ 10″ triangle shape, I’m so happy to know which pattern companies remember that there are tall women in this world!
🙂 Chris
I found this very helpful. Since the list didn’t mention Patrones magazine (and I happened to be looking for it) I would like to add that their patterns are drafted for approximately 168cm.
I’m so glad you found it helpful. Thanks for mentioning Patrones magazine. I will continue to update it. So once I find out other info about their size range, etc., I will add it to the list.
I love this so much! I feel like I’m always looking for this information, especially when I try a new pattern company. Thank you for creating it!! I’m wondering, would you consider making a link to a .pdf of this chart you’ve created? I, for one, would love being able to print it off and keep it handy.
Hi Stephanie- that is a great suggestion – making a PDF of the chart. That would be a good download to offer. I will give that serious consideration. 🙂
This is so incredibly helpful!! I’m only 5’ in height, so shortening is a must. I’m keen to know what height Liesl+co. draft for.
Ah, good question. I have some Liesl+co. patterns and somehow missed adding them to the chart. I will look into this. Thank you, Neha!
Hi Chuleenan! This is indeed a very helpful list, thank you for the great information! But I have a different question: do you have an idea where I could find a similar comparison of the pattern companies, but based on “waist placement”? (as in: distance of waist from the shoulders / from back of neck). I did a lot of adjustments in the last two years, and I just noticed now that my waist is sitting really up high. : (
I also don’t know how to search for this kind of thing on google, I would be grateful for any kind of tips. Thank you!
Sorry for the belated reply – but I don’t know of any chart that would list waist placement. I recommend measuring the pattern pieces and comparing the shoulder-to-waist measurement with your own measurement. Then you can adjust accordingly.
I have a sister whose waist is 52″, she is 5’11”.
Can you give info on sewing for large people, especially relatives who don’t like advice??
Hi- I’m not sure what advice you’re seeking – fitting, pattern selection, advising someone on what would suit their figure? Maria Denmark recently sent out a newsletter that said to pick out one or two attributes to emphasize. For her, it was her waist and legs. She showed how choosing a pattern to emphasize her wait helped to hide her belly. It was a great observation. Maybe that will help you with your sister. Good luck!
Funny I had always read that Burda regular sizes were designed for 1m70, not 68. They design for a B cup, but the plus sizes (say 46+) are for a D cup, so you might want to buy the same pattern a different size range according to your cup size, if you are an intermediate size, or grade up or down a bit.
In any case the big 4 design for a B cup (except of course for the patterns deliberately designed to offer a range of cup sizes
Wow, I had no idea patterns were designed for a height of only 5’6” – I’m 5’10”, no wonder normal skirts are often mini skirts on me!
By the way, I’m Australian and we definitely say pants rather than “trousers” here!
Thank you. Very helpful
I wish I knew of a pattern company that that has designs for people under 5 feet that have curves.
You may want to give SBCC Patterns a try. It is designed for petite figures. https://www.sbccpatterns.com/
Such a useful list!
Thanks for putting it together 🙂
As my luck would have it,
The one I was looking for was Simplicity.
They design their patterns for
Misses and Womens: 5’5″ – 5’6″
Misses and Womens Petite: 5’4″ (and under)
Thought I’d share it in case you want to post an updated list, ever 🙂
(I was redirected to your site from Cashmerette blog, in their article about fitting workshops.)
Many thanks again!
Thank you! I’m 174 so this is very helpful!
You’re welcome! Happy it’s useful to you.
Very helpful – thank you for taking the time to put it together.
You’re welcome!
Hi. Good list. I thought you would have included Burda given they’re made for taller girls?
As well as having Petite, Regular & tall sizes??
I’ve been adding to the list. I started out with companies whose patterns I’ve sewn or designers I’ve met. It’s certainly not a comprehensive list. I will keep adding to it. I will certainly add Burda. I thought I added the petite measurement for the Big Four, but I guess I forgot! SBCC (in the chart) designs for petite figures.
Thanks you Chuleenan! I find myself coming back to this resource often, I appreciate the work you put into it. I was looking for Seamwork stats today and came across this snippet from Colette if it’s worth the add… https://support.colettemedia.com/hc/en-us/articles/360004211193-What-cup-size-are-Colette-Patterns-designed-for-
Thank you, Elisa!
Marilyn, I just added Burda to the chart. 🙂
Very comprehensive post Chuleenan, being into sewing industry from so many years, weird that i have never heard of SBCC. Thanks for giving me a new term. I have been sewing on Megan Nielsen patterns.Will check out other patterns for tall girls.
Thank you, Hannah! I think I first heard about SBCC during the first Sewing Indie Month event a few years ago.
Thank you!!! I hadn’t heard of SBCC before – I’m still too short for them, but that’s so much closer to me than everywhere else :).
You’re welcome! Glad to share info about SBCC. The Big Four petite height is taller than SBCC.
I’m too short for them, too, Dott–only 4’6″! But I’ve been sewing for 60 years, and am pretty good at shorening patterns by now!! Still, it would be nice not to have to take so much out in the lenght!
What does SBCC stand for, anyway? Are they in the US? Guess I’d better do a search!
Charlotte, SBCC stands for Skinny Bitch Curvy Chicks. 😉 The company is based in the US.
Thank you for the info! Seems like i’ll keep sewing on Megan Nielsen Patterns
You’re welcome! I’m sewing my first Megan Nielsen pattern – the Flint pants – this month.
Thank you for this list! I’m 5’9″ and primarily sew Big 4. Will check out other pattern companies based on tall women.
You’re welcome! I don’t know how many companies draft for tall women. Most seem to aim for 5′ 5″ to 5′ 6″.
Huh. What’s the deal with Papercut’s 5 inch range? Did they say? I’m 5’8″+ and while their pants are generally only an inch shy, their tops are 3+ or more, so I agree with their weird range given, but it’s so weird.
I don’t know. But maybe the height varies according to the pattern – tops vs. pants. I’ll see if I can find out. 🙂
Hi, I asked Papercut about the height range and they said: “The problem with height measurements is that everyone’s proportions are still very different. You can have two people at 170cm tall, but their torso and leg proportions might be very different, affecting the fit of every garment. So a better way to gauge fit is to always use the finished measurements stated.”
This is a good point. I think I need to do a follow-up post on proportions.
What a strange reply. What do my, or anyone’s, proportions have to do with their huge 5 inch range? Yes, yes, finished measurements and all that, but we are talking about their base sloper model, not mine, and their base has a 5″ discrepancy. I love their patterns, but it remains a bizarre response. I’ll have to go look at their patterns now… I wonder if their bust/waist/hip ratio is all over the board too, or if they at least stick to the same ratio throughout. Or do they have petite versions and something is just being lost in text conversation here? I’d never think to look for petite options.
In my email, I asked if the different heights were for different patterns, pants vs. tops but that was the answer I got.
Thanks so much for the info about the pattern companies! This is incredibly helpful!
You’re very welcome! There are quite a range of sizes.
This is good to know. Also include what body type these pattern companies cater to.
Glad you found it useful. Maybe a chart listing pattern companies that cater to a specific body type could be another blog post or chart.