Burda Style For people who sew

What do you do when you are between sizes and not great a adjusting patterns???

I have been looking at some simplicity patterns and notice that I can get close body measurements for my bust, and hips it’s the waist that causes problems. It’s about 2 inchs or so too small when I select the correct size based on my actual body measurements that match my bust and hips. ( need to lay off the cakes I think lose a few inches on my waist). Also the finished garment sizes which I know is what you should go by to select your size really for the ’’ease’’ of wearing when the garments is complete, what I am finding is that if I go with the finished garment size based on the bust which is good for me rather than the body measurements size ( which is normally the size smaller based on the finishes garment measurements), I worry that the waist will be way too small!

My questions are:
What do you do select the body measurements size or finished garments size even though they don’t give finished garment size for the waist on dress patterns

Any advice on how you go about selecting your simplicity pattern sizes ? Any waist adjustment tips when making dresses? I have never used a simplicity pattern but I have one I am keen to use.
Thanks

Dec 9, 2012, 03.18 PM by mskelly

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  Dec 9, 2012, 05.50 PMby mskelly

  After some thought I have sussed this one out. I will go with the finished garment size that’s good for my bust and hips and then try to alter the pattern to give a few inches on the waist..Now my question is….

  If I select the finished garment size that’s good up top and below, with the middle when I expand it to fit my waist do you think I’ll be OK just to add the inches needed for my exact waist + seem allowance and say 1 inch for ease? ….
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  Dec 9, 2012, 06.40 PMby harrietbazley

  Don’t see why not in theory – I do the same on my hips and it doesn’t seem to cause problems.

  Won’t the pattern have seam allowance included at this point (or is it a Burda pattern?)
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  Dec 9, 2012, 06.46 PMby katexxxxxx

  Simplicity have seam allowance included.

  Choose the pattern that is the best fit size for your measurements. Alter the bit that doesn’t fit… Measure the pattern pieces and deduct the ease allowed for the style (see here for standard ease allowances: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/KatePages/Learning/vintage+body-sizes/size%20charts.htm). What you have left SHOULD match your body measurements. If it doesn’t adjust until the pattern MINUS ease matches your measurements.
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  Dec 9, 2012, 07.05 PMby mskelly

  Thank you both ! This is helpful I think I should be OK to make use of the pattern with your help. Cheers