Size charts
We use the European (metric) system of measurement in our pattern design. The sizes of children’s clothes are based on the child’s height (cm). Women’s and men’s clothes are based on the German sizing system. You can study the size charts and instructions for taking measurements by size groups.
WOMEN European sizes 34–52, height 168 ± 4 cm, regular fit
| Size | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bust | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 | 100 | 104 | 110 | 116 | 122 |
| 2. Hip | 90 | 93 | 96 | 99 | 102 | 106 | 110 | 115 | 120 | 125 |
| 3. Waist | 64 | 67 | 70 | 74 | 78 | 82 | 86 | 91 | 97 | 103 |
| 4. Outside leg length | 106 | 106 | 106 | 107 | 107 | 107 | 107 | 107 | 108 | 108 |
| 5. Shoulder length | 13 | 13.1 | 13.2 | 13.3 | 13.5 | 13.7 | 13.9 | 14.2 | 14.4 | 14.6 |
| 6. Arm length | 59.3 | 59.7 | 60 | 60.2 | 60.4 | 60.6 | 60.8 | 61 | 61.2 | 61.4 |
| 7. Back width | 33.9 | 34.7 | 35.6 | 36.5 | 37.6 | 38.6 | 39.6 | 40.8 | 42 | 43.2 |
| 8. Upper arm circ. | 24.9 | 26.2 | 27.5 | 28.8 | 30.1 | 31.4 | 32.8 | 34.2 | 35.6 | 37 |
| 9. Back waist length | 40.4 | 40.6 | 40.9 | 41.1 | 41.3 | 41.5 | 41.7 | 41.9 | 42.1 | 42.3 |
Download fill-in size chart (PDF)
Taking the measurements
It is hard to take your own measurements and therefore you need a friend to assist you. It is advisable to take the measurements in front of a mirror so that you can also see the position of the tape measure at the back. You will need a tape measure, a pen and paper.
You will also need two firm tapes, one round the waist and the other round the neck. You can make the tapes from a 4 cm wide strip of cotton fabric by folding and pressing it in three and by cutting it into required lengths.
Place one tape exactly horizontally round your natural waistline and secure it firmly with a safety pin. Place the other tape round your neck so that you can easily slide your finger between the tape and your neck. The tape should be positioned at the base of your neck.
For taking the measurements, you should stand upright with a relaxed posture with the arms hanging free at the sides. The measurements are taken on top of underwear (panties and a light-weight camisole or a bra) close to the body, yet not too tight.
Height
Stand up with your back and heels against a wall and let your assistant make a mark on the wall at the top of your head, using a straight angle (e.g. a book). Your height is the distance measured from the floor to the marking.
1. Bust
Measure horizontally round the body with the tape measure running under the arms across the full bustline and across the shoulder blades.
2. Hip
Measure horizontally round the seat (the fullest part of the hip lies 19–22 cm below the waistline).
3. Waist
Measure around the natural waistline without the firm tape.
4. Outside leg length
Measure the distance from the waistline to the floor (measure from the lower edge of the waist tape).
5. Shoulder length
Measure the distance from the base of the neck to the tip of the shoulder.
6. Arm length
Measure from the tip of the shoulder to the wrist, with the tape measure running over the elbow. Take the measurement with the arm slightly bent.
7. Back width
With the arms hanging relaxed at your sides, take the measurement across the shoulder blades between the points where your arms meet the body, placing the tape measure 10–12 cm below the base of the neck.
8. Upper arm circumference
Measure the circumference halfway down the upper arm.
9. Back waist length
Measure from the base of the neck to the waist, to the lower edge of the waist tape.
Choosing the correct pattern size
Adults’ sizes are chosen either according to the bust/chest measurement (e.g. blouses, jackets, coats) or the hip measurement (pants, skirts). When choosing the pattern size for a dress, a coat or a longer jacket, take note of both the bust and hip measurement.
The measurements in the size chart are taken on the body. The patterns include the necessary allowances for ease of movement. The patterns in the magazine have been designed for a person with a height of 164–172 cm. If you are considerably shorter or taller, make the necessary alterations to the patterns before cutting the garment pieces out. Points to be checked are the center-back length of a blouse or top as well as the sleeve and leg length.
