Filling in the sizing table
If your final project is one size only, include its dimensions and unit of measurement in the ‘one size only’ box. If it’s a multiple size project, select this box and fill in the sizing table:
Label What you are measuring against e.g. Complete garment or waist
Units Measuring unit used e.g. Inches. When choosing a label such as age, please select n/a for unit.
Sizes Numerical or S, M, L
Examples:
| Label | Units | Sizes | ||
| Age | n/a | 9-12 Months | 1-2 Years | 2-3 Years |
| To fit Bust | Inches | 32/34 | 36/38 | 40/42 |
Getting sizing right for your customers
Helping customers to pick the right size to knit/crochet of your garment is really important, and will reduce the need for customer care and possibly refunds, later down the line. Firstly the measurements need to be relevant for the garment/accessory type. For example, hat patterns need to detail brim circumference, so that makers can find out if it will fit their head. Bust circumference is often used to determine a good fit for sweaters, but as these are more complex garments, length and sleeve length details are also needed. If the sweater is shaped and/or long we might also need to know the hip circumference.
There are so many different standards in displaying sizes, some logical, some less so. S, M, L are fairly universal, but they have no uniform definition so unit measurements are also needed for clarity. Size 10 means something different in the UK and the US, so again, more information is needed to make this size understandable. Some parts of the world use metric units, and others use imperial, so it’s always a good idea to give the measurement in both centimetres and inches.
If you look at your patterns from a customer’s perspective, can you figure out what size to knit from the sizing information on the pattern page? Adding finished size(s) and/or measurements is important for the customers to build up their expectation of the pattern. You can find an example of how multiple sizes/measurements can be displayed here.
For more tips on how to display the sizes and measurements of your patterns, read Kate Atherley’s blog post here!