Grr! (vent)

Feb 10, 2004 5 Replies
M

I'm making a McCalls pattern for a halter neck top and going off the finished garment measurements I decided to make a size 10 (even though I usually make an 8 for tops). My bust size is 34" - the finished bust measurement on the tissue was 34" but it looked suspiciously large so I decided to make it anyway (it's a woven top). I just finished it then and the whole top is too big! In fact it fits me exactly as a size 10 pattern would! I dont know where they got that bust measurement from! I was very excited about my new top (it's for going out). I will take it in when someone comes home to pin up the sides while I'm wearing it! This is the second McCalls pattern I've made - the first was for my sister which also ran large for her (she liked it anyway). If I can't go off the pattern or finished garment measurements for McCalls patterns, should I start working on my ESP? ;D



Katy M


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O

No, you should become somewhat of a cynic, and learn to measure (1) the body for whom the item is intended, and (2) the appropriate pattern piece, BEFORE you cut into fabric. Many commercial patterns run large, but some others tend to be a little skimpy. Remember the old carpenter's rule "measure twice, cut once".

Thus, if you have a 34" bust, and you like 2" wearing ease, your pattern piece(s) should measure 36" plus seam allowances.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

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A

I noticed that about McCalls's in particular, they run huge. I judge by the measurement on the back, the description AND the picture of how it's supposed to fit (usually on a real model), that's why it's so disappointing. Now Butterick, Vogue, seem to run on the smaller side. Burda, La Modellina, and Boutique are perfect. Michelle

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P

I guess I don't understand. You decided to make a size 10 and you're upset that it fits as a size 10? Why didn't you go with the 8 if that's your size?

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L

I feel ya! I bought a Simplicity pattern and was surprised when, according to the pattern envelope and finished pattern measurements, I was a size 8 instead of my usual 6. I put it on after making it and yup, it was too big, even though my bust measurement is 31.5" and the finished pattern measurement says it would be 32" (stretch knit). I ended up needing to take

2" off the sides to get it to fit right.
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A

I would suggest going to

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there are some pretty experienced sewers there as well as novices. They review patterns, notions, stores, everything. May as well see what someone else thought of the pattern before you whip it up- forewarned is forearmed (?) ciao, Michelle Italy

8 > instead of my usual 6. I put it on after making it and yup, it was too big, > even though my bust measurement is 31.5" and the finished pattern > measurement says it would be 32" (stretch knit). I ended up needing to take > 2" off the sides to get it to fit right. > >
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