The principle

Finished measurements, not body measurements

Most size charts are based on the body: bust, hips, waist. But a pattern is always a little larger than the body. This ease decides whether a garment fits closely, loosely or oversized.

When you measure a finished garment, you don't get a body measurement but a finished measurement – body plus ease. That's the trick: compare your measurement not with the body measurements but with the finished measurements of the pattern. At SEAMONE you'll find them in the measurement chart on every product page.

Step 1

Find the right garment to compare

Pick something from their wardrobe that fits well and is worn often, and that is as similar as possible to the gift you're planning:

• For a hoodie or jumper: a hoodie, sweatshirt or quarter-zip jumper.
• For joggers: joggers or casual trousers with an elasticated waist.
• For a gilet: a gilet or jacket that is worn over a jumper.

Make sure the fabric is similar. A thin jersey T-shirt is no guide for a sweatshirt hoodie. If you can't get to the wardrobe unnoticed, someone else in the family can often help.

Step 2

Measure flat and double it

1. Lay the garment flat on a table without stretching it. Close any zips.
2. Tops: measure the chest width straight across from side seam to side seam, about 2 cm below the armhole.
3. Trousers: measure the hip width at the widest point, usually at crotch level or just above.
4. Multiply by two. That's the circumference – the finished measurement.

Step 3

Compare with the finished measurements

In the pattern's measurement chart, find the size whose finished measurement is closest to your value. Two examples with real figures:

If your value falls between two sizes, go for the larger one for a gift. A hoodie that's a little roomy gets worn. One that's tight stays in the wardrobe.

Step 4

What about length?

Length is easier to correct than width. Measure the sleeve length or inside leg of the garment and compare it with the finished measurements too. If the person is clearly taller or shorter than average, adjust the length before cutting.

My tip: sew on cuffs and hems right at the end. Then you can still take off a few centimetres after the gift has been opened without unpicking half a seam.

Choosing a pattern

Which sewing patterns work best for handmade gifts

For gifts without a fitting – for women and men alike – choose sewing patterns with plenty of ease and stretchy edges:

• Hoodies and jumpers with cuffs, e.g. Kalix women and Kalix men (oversized), Kvill as a quarter-zip jumper or Spliid as a hoodie or zip-up sweat jacket.
• Trousers with an elasticated waist and drawstring, e.g. the Hålin women and Hålin men joggers.
• Gilets, e.g. the reversible Vendla women and Vendla men – without sleeves, arm length doesn't matter.

Fitted styles, trousers without an elasticated waist and shirts or blouses with a collar and a fixed shoulder width are less suitable. Here a few centimetres decide the fit.

Most SEAMONE patterns come in women's sizes EU 30–60 and men's sizes up to EU 74. The exact sizes for each pattern are listed on the product page.

Plan B

If you can't find out the size at all

Then give the joy of sewing itself. With the SEAMONE gift voucher, the recipient chooses their own pattern. You choose the value, and the voucher can be used for all digital patterns and paper patterns.

To the gift voucherTo the size calculator