Measurement Chart: The ABC's of Pattern Making

Hi, I'm Flor Tregnaghi, and through this article I'll share some of the secrets behind creating perfectly fitted garments, plus, I'll share with you a totally free pattern making chart.

Get ready for a journey full of tricks, tips and a lot of good vibes, here we go! 🌟

When we venture into creating a full body pattern, whether it's an elegant dress or a trendy jumpsuit, measurements take center stage. But, mind you, in this fascinating game of shapes and proportions, the measurements of the bust darts always prevail over those of the skirt. It is like the perfect balance in the creation of garments that adapt to the diversity of the human body.

However, the geographic market sets its own tune in this concert of measurements. What is standard in Asia could be totally different in Latin America. Each region has its own codes of beauty, and that is reflected in the measurement tables that guide designers and pattern makers in their creative journey.

If we get into the realm of commercial production, size 38 becomes the starting point, the epicenter from which we climb to larger and smaller sizes. It is like a journey through the fashion spectrum, adapting to the various silhouettes that inhabit the world of textile creativity.

In education, many fashion schools use mannequins for students to bring their creations to life. However, this is where reality and fantasy can collide. Mannequins, while useful, are often far from replicating the actual diversity of the human body. This is why some institutions choose to create their own sizing charts, based on industry but adjusted to the reality of real people.

On the other hand, when we talk about industrial patternmaking, we enter a field where simplicity and complexity dance to the beat of fashion. We have standard sizes for every market sector, from evening gowns to sportswear. But herein lies the challenge: these measurements are fixed for a while, until fashion and customer feedback require them to be updated.

Choosing the right sizing chart for the industry is a collaborative art between designers, pattern makers, creatives, fashion technologists and, of course, consumers. Fitting sessions are crucial, and from that process emerges the chart that will guide the creation of garments that will conquer the fashion world.

Now, a special gift! Below you can download for free a table of standard measurements used in the industry, with their equivalents in different countries. It's a tool that has helped me a lot, and I hope you find it useful too.

Also, I invite you to join my course in Domestika: "Patterning with Adobe Illustrator". You will learn how to create patterns in Illustrator, ready to print at home. Upon completion, you will be able to trace the pattern of a blouse from scratch directly with the computer.

I look forward to seeing you on this exciting creative journey! 😊👗🎨 See you soon! ✂️💖