A Note on Sizing and Fit
When sizing garments I start with the measurements found below and add or take away inches or fractions thereof to reach the desired amount of ease. Ease is what allows you to move in your clothing. Knitted fabric is different from woven fabric in that it stretches, allowing you to have negative ease (the garment is smaller than your actual body measurements). My garments will have one of four types of ease- very close fitting, close fitting, standard fitting, and loose fitting (see definitions below). At the beginning of my patterns you’ll see a description of how the garment fits, such as “a close-fitting cardigan” or a “loose fitting pullover.” This is an indication of how I envision the garment to be worn, but if you are more comfortable in a different fit, choose a size that will roughly equate to one of the ease amounts below.
Very Close Fitting: Negative ease, garment is 1-2”/2.5-5cm smaller than your actual body measurements (think Mariah Carey dress)
Close Fitting: No ease; garment is the same as your actual body measurements (think pencil skirt)
Standard Fitting: Positive ease; garment is 2-3”/5-7.5cm larger than your actual body measurements (most sweaters are standard fitting)
Loose Fitting: Positive ease; garment is 4”/10cm or more larger than your actual body measurements (think sweatshirt)
