Re: Newbie question

Hi Cookie, and welcome to the fun of sewing for little girls. That's how I started. A nightgown is an excellent project.
You will find that pattern sizes not only differ from "off the rack" sizes, they will vary hugely among the different brands.
What I'd suggest doing is measure one of the gowns you have, and find the pattern size that will give you something in the right ballpark. Also, measure your daughter's chest, and check the pattern envelope for her size. You'll be able to compare the chest size to the finished garment size and see how much ease has been designed into the pattern. That'll tell you if the designer expects it to be tent-like or more fitted.
The flannel will shrink some when washed, so if you were making something in which shrinkage would be a problem, it's recommended to wash and dry the yardage first. I wouldn't worry about that for a nightgown - I never did.
Have fun! There's nothing like the feeling when your child proudly tells someone that you made it for her.
Liz

Cookie wrote:
Although I've done lots of embroidery, I'm about to embark upon my first clothing sewing project. I've selected a simple pattern to make a flannel nightgown for my daughter, choosing one that had several sizes close to their "off the rack" size. Most of their store bought nightgowns are size 3-4, so I bought a pattern that contained sizes 2, 3, 4 and 5. However, when I look at the finished garment measurements on the envelope they seem WAY larger than the store bought garments. Am I doing something wrong or is it normal to require a much smaller pattern size than "off the rack" size?

TIA
Cookie


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