Replies

1. 
   starzoe | Apr 13, 2008 08:18pm | #1

   Yes, you go by your measurements. RTW sizes are not the same as pattern sizes - although there are some patterns out there that advertise themselves to be "in RTW sizes". If the pants you tried were RTW 14, yes they would be large, but in a 14 pattern, perhaps with tweaking here and there, they should fit. Let's face it, RTW uses vanity sizes and they vary considerably.

   There are special patterns for knit fabric but don't expect to have any pattern fit you right away. Most people who sew have to tweak patterns to get a good fit, you will notice that most of the postings here are about alterations to patterns.

   You are lucky to be 6'....I always wanted to be 6' tall and was over the average height but now when old age is creeping up, my height is creeping downwards!

2. 
   Teaf5 | Apr 14, 2008 02:24am | #2

   The rule of thumb is to start with a pattern that is two sizes bigger than your rtw size.  But then, if you check all the posts in the Fitting thread on this forum, you'll find that you need to do lots of alterations to make any size pattern fit you well!

3. 
   From my Stash.... | Apr 14, 2008 06:12am | #3

   The other respondents are correct.  When you sew, you quickly learn not to relate any pattern sizes to RTW.

   As to knits, in addition to the measurements, you also have to take into account the amount of stretch in the knit.  Obviously a knit that stretches 50% is going to fit differently than a knit that stretches only 10%.  Therefore, once you have found the right size of pattern for your measurements, check the pattern envelope for a stretch measurement (if I remember correctly, it should be a gauge that a stated size piece of your knit stretches to match).  If your knit doesn't fit the gauge, then your knit won't work on that pattern.