I'm trying my hand at clothes construction.  I just want to make a simple a-line skirt.  However, I find that the sizing on the patterns seem to be way off.  I'm a size 14 dress and in a pattern I have to buy a size 22 according to their sizing chart.  Is this correct? 

Help...lost in pattern land.

I'm not sure what the pattern to ready to wear difference is, but you must measure yourself to get an accurate idea of what size (in patterns) you wear. You also need to notice the ease of the pattern because that will tell you how loose it will be.

Waist measurements are not the "low rider" waist a lot of people think about. Your true waist is above your belly button. Your hip measurement is the fullest part of your hips (no matter where that is located; high or low). You may be measuring your hips and mistaking it for your waist.

yes, I have found that what I wear ready-to-wear is smaller than what I wear when I have to sew it...

Valerie, I did check the sizing chart and measured where they specified.  The problem is that I got a size 22 and most of the patterns I like only go up to a size 20.  So now I'm thinking that I might have to alter the pattern to match my size...a very daunting task.

Julie, you are right about different manufacturers and sizing, it drives me crazy. 

Thank you all for your help.  I'll keep you posted.

A couple of suggestions for larger patterns:

Clotilde.com - This is mainly a sewing and crafting notions supplier, but they do  have some basic patterns. I have not used their patterns, but have ordered supplies from them, and it's a very reputable company.

Kwik-sew - This is a pattern company that can occasionally be found in stores, but also has a web site (kwiksew.com).  Also very reputable.

Good luck!

Thanks Julie. I'll give the sites a look.

Thanks everyone!  Joanne had patterns on sale, so I bought one for a simple summer dress.  Wish me luck.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

If you aren't a B cup, tiny waisted person, than generally you WILL have to alter a pattern. Yes, it is a daunting task, I have to agree with you there. I'm still working on how to alter garments because apparently I'm not shaped like what tha patterns are modelled after (which *is* a B cup in the bust). Simplicity has some new patterns out that are in cup size rather than using the standard B cup sizing that a lot of the pattern companies use. I just bought one the other day, but haven't tried using it yet. It is from the Kahliah Ali line, which is a nice flattering line for "plus" sizes or large busts.

Try measuring your "high bust" which is above the fullest part of your breast. It's basically your chest measurement. Then you will probably have to do what is called a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA). You will have to alter your pattern if you need an FBA. Not being nosey, but if you have a large bust and a smaller waist usually you have to do a bit of altering, sometimes by many sizes. Like, you are a size 18 (high bust), do an FBA and then blend the lines between the bust measurement and a 14 waist measurement on the pattern.

I notice that it's been about a month. Have you tackled your dress yet?