Originally Posted by Carol W
I was happy to see this thread as I was thinking of trying to make summer dresses for my granddaughters and shorts for my grandson.
I was going to look at easy to sew patterns because we live in different parts of the country. It will be hard to size them.
I asked my daughter what sizes the kids are. I guess I should probably buy patterns a size large?
If you can, get her to measure them. I have found, though, that kids' sizes on the pattern envelope more accurately reflect ready-to-wear sizes than adult patterns.
Buying a size large would at least mean that if they can't wear it now, then they can someday, anyway. Another thing I've found - patterns ask you to cut elastic for the waist the exact measurement of the waist, but for me it seems to work better if I cut it an inch or so shorter. The first pair of pants I made my daughter were just hanging off of her, so I had to undo the waistband and take some of the elastic out.
I've never heard anyone else mention this, though. I do the same when sewing for myself, and also for pajama pants for my husband.