Sewing Pattern Size Grader
Enter your body measurements to find the recommended size across major sewing pattern brands.
Why Pattern Sizes Differ from Ready-to-Wear
Sewing pattern sizes have not kept up with the vanity sizing used by clothing retailers. A size 14 on a commercial sewing pattern corresponds roughly to a modern ready-to-wear size 8–10. This surprises many beginners who assume their clothing size equals their pattern size — it almost never does.
Always measure yourself fresh before starting a project. Pattern size charts are based on body measurements, not finished garment measurements. The garment will be larger than your body because of ease — the extra room built in for movement and comfort.
Grading between sizes means blending two adjacent sizes: for example, cutting the bodice in size 12 (bust) and transitioning to size 14 (hips). Most patterns show multiple size lines printed together, making this straightforward with a curved ruler.
Burda Style uses European sizing (34–52 EU) which roughly equates to US sizes 6–24. Vogue Patterns traditionally run slightly smaller than Simplicity and McCall's, so you may need to go up a size compared to those brands.