Alicia, patterns from "The Big Four" pattern companies (Vogue, McCalls, Butterick and Simplicity) do not follow the same sizing that ready-to-wear clothes follow. They are smaller. So if you usually wear a size 4-6 in clothes you buy from a store, the pattern you would use would most likely be an 8-10, but really you have to check the measurement guide on the back of the pattern envelope, because there may be variation.
I'm still a beginner when it comes to sewing and I haven't used any patterns yet, but I highly recommend Evelyn Woods YT channel. She talks about refashion and explaining things on the pattern that isn't explained in the instructions. Really great resource!
This is like saying you don't like driving cars because you tried it with your eyes closed and it didn't go well! McCalls patterns always say the seam allowance in the top of the instructions. You must've missed it. Also, the guidelines on your needle plate are what you use to sew an even seam allowance larger than 1/2". You also didn't read the measurements on the back of the envelope, clearly, so that's why you cut the wrong size.
I'm the opposite....I have a fear of drafting my own patterns even though I know I could. Also, the sizing on commercial patterns is strictly by your measurements, not off the rack size. Shirts generally go by bust or upper bust, skirts and pants by waist since hip is fairly easy to adjust. One thing that REALLY helps with successful projects from a pattern is reading every single bit! Take the time to read all the instructions about cutting, marking, definitions for the terms they throw at you, ect. It REALLY helps! Great video, you are very good!
I'm proud of you for pulling this pattern together to end up doing your own thing. Having used patterns for many years, I'm afraid to go back to that after drafting my own here more recently. I have heard more than once that some of these patterns aren't as exacting as they used to be. Always do your own thing if possible. I think it makes for a better sewer and if you have to make adjustments at least it's your own and not the fault of a purchased pattern.
I love your creativity when it comes to hacking an extra piece of fabric for the button thingy! Honestly your video helped me attack my first pattern project without fear. Thank you!!
You have a lovely clear voice that is being drowned out by that irritating music .. loved watching your demo and found it very helpful .. I feel your frustration xxx
I noticed that when you cut out the pieces, you didn't add seam allowance. The edge of the pattern is where you sew. That is why your blouse is too small.Always add seam allowance too the pattern, cut half an inch outside the pattern edge.
Oh That coulda helped me if I had seen it sooner... but I kind of thought this pattern I’m trying to assemble looks a bit too big for me anyway. Thank you for this valuable advice (sometimes I suck at paying attention to details like this )
@K Clementine This is VERY correct... she should've gone a size or two up on the pattern... It is not always the size you buy off the shelf... take measurements to see where you fall in size, according to the pattern... Just because you buy small on the rack doesn't mean you'll be small on a pattern! :)
The BIG 4 pattern companies alway have the seam allowance added in. The problem you had was using clothing size and not the measurements on the pattern. Also, everyone I know who uses patterns has to learn how to adjust something on a pattern to fit. Good for you learning drafting!!!
Thanks for doing this. The comments on this video are very insightful about utilising patterns. I'm more like you, Alicia, I've never used a pattern, I always design my own things. Btw I love the aesthetic in this video - your colour scheme, backgrounds etc :)
![DIY Bomber Jacket w/ ruched sleeves! [Mood Bomber Jacket]](/img/n.gif)
Alicia, patterns from "The Big Four" pattern companies (Vogue, McCalls, Butterick and Simplicity) do not follow the same sizing that ready-to-wear clothes follow. They are smaller. So if you usually wear a size 4-6 in clothes you buy from a store, the pattern you would use would most likely be an 8-10, but really you have to check the measurement guide on the back of the pattern envelope, because there may be variation.
I'm still a beginner when it comes to sewing and I haven't used any patterns yet, but I highly recommend Evelyn Woods YT channel. She talks about refashion and explaining things on the pattern that isn't explained in the instructions. Really great resource!
This is like saying you don't like driving cars because you tried it with your eyes closed and it didn't go well!
McCalls patterns always say the seam allowance in the top of the instructions. You must've missed it. Also, the guidelines on your needle plate are what you use to sew an even seam allowance larger than 1/2". You also didn't read the measurements on the back of the envelope, clearly, so that's why you cut the wrong size.
I'm the opposite....I have a fear of drafting my own patterns even though I know I could. Also, the sizing on commercial patterns is strictly by your measurements, not off the rack size. Shirts generally go by bust or upper bust, skirts and pants by waist since hip is fairly easy to adjust. One thing that REALLY helps with successful projects from a pattern is reading every single bit! Take the time to read all the instructions about cutting, marking, definitions for the terms they throw at you, ect. It REALLY helps! Great video, you are very good!
I'm proud of you for pulling this pattern together to end up doing your own thing. Having used patterns for many years, I'm afraid to go back to that after drafting my own here more recently. I have heard more than once that some of these patterns aren't as exacting as they used to be. Always do your own thing if possible. I think it makes for a better sewer and if you have to make adjustments at least it's your own and not the fault of a purchased pattern.
I love your creativity when it comes to hacking an extra piece of fabric for the button thingy! Honestly your video helped me attack my first pattern project without fear. Thank you!!
You have a lovely clear voice that is being drowned out by that irritating music .. loved watching your demo and found it very helpful .. I feel your frustration xxx
I noticed that when you cut out the pieces, you didn't add seam allowance. The edge of the pattern is where you sew. That is why your blouse is too small.Always add seam allowance too the pattern, cut half an inch outside the pattern edge.
Oh
That coulda helped me if I had seen it sooner... but I kind of thought this pattern I’m trying to assemble looks a bit too big for me anyway.
Thank you for this valuable advice (sometimes I suck at paying attention to details like this )
@K Clementine This is VERY correct... she should've gone a size or two up on the pattern... It is not always the size you buy off the shelf... take measurements to see where you fall in size, according to the pattern... Just because you buy small on the rack doesn't mean you'll be small on a pattern! :)
The seam allowance is already add in the pattern ..she have to look at her bust size and waist size
The BIG 4 pattern companies alway have the seam allowance added in. The problem you had was using clothing size and not the measurements on the pattern. Also, everyone I know who uses patterns has to learn how to adjust something on a pattern to fit. Good for you learning drafting!!!
Thanks for doing this. The comments on this video are very insightful about utilising patterns. I'm more like you, Alicia, I've never used a pattern, I always design my own things.
Btw I love the aesthetic in this video - your colour scheme, backgrounds etc :)
The reason why it didn't fit its because its off the shoulder sleeves.when you add the sleeves it would fit.
I can’t read a pattern and when I do read it the shirt never turns ut
I love it!
😍😍😍😍
If you would've done a size up, it would've been just fine ;)
PDf patterns are so much easier. I always end up lost with the standard patterns, and there’s never anyone to help
ive tried pdf patterns idk why it just never works for me 😭
@@AliciaYanson Because you don't read the directions!
@@MeticulousShopper lol someone’s pressed, i did read the instructions fyi