Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what size to order?

All sizes are in one envelope.  Buy the pattern according to the style you like, and all sizes and cup sizes will be in one envelope. These measurements are finished garment measurements, not body measurements. 


We also recommend once the pattern is received to create a  muslin so that once you have done your best to choose your correct size, a muslin will make sure of your decisions. Below are the instructions for making up blouses, dresses, jackets, skirts and pants. For knit tops, you can simply add extra seam allowance to the side seams and shoulder seams.

Click on the categories below for the muslin instructions: 

blouse muslin

dress muslin

jacket muslin

skirt muslin

pant muslin

Why don't you have body measurements?

Because they do not help us learn what we like on our bodies. Our clothing is what is important to measure, not us, as we do not wear leotards. 

Our clothing has our ease built in and that is what we need to know. What if I don’t have anything I like in my closet to measure? Then shop. Or you will have to guess. Guessing takes up more time, so we suggest that you take some time out, use our chart at the URL below, and fill it out. When it is complete, you will know more about the clothes you like on yourself and will help you become more successful as you make and buy clothes for yourself. Click Here for the chart.

What is the difference between regular and W Sizes?

Regular sizes are what have been around for quite some time, not the same size, but the way those sizes grade. This size structure is based on the fact that as women get larger, the bones are getting larger and so the size grades according to bone structure. For example, shoulders get a bit wider, hips get a bit wider, and all bones increase in size. The W size, stands for Women’s sizing, is based on weight gain and that the bone structure is not increasing. And if you notice, the size 14W is smaller than the size 18 because this is a small-boned woman who has gained weight. To know if this size is for you, the upper arm should measure approx. 15 inches or more. The w sized sleeve is larger, again because of weight gain, but the shoulders have not gotten wider, nor has the neck increased in size. 

 Some of our patterns, you will not see much difference between regular and w sizing like the yoga pant, as the bottom half of the body does not see the much difference between regular and w sizing. Overall, this difference is unique to Silhouette Patterns and will yield fewer changes in your pattern.

What is a French Dart and why do you have them?

The French dart is the combination of the bust dart and the waist dart, combined into a dart that starts in the lower third of the bodice front and extends into the bust circle. They are quicker to sew and get great results in flattering a woman’s shape. They are also easy to mark as they are cut out as a seam rather than having to be marked. Quick, easy and non-visible, as they are on the side of the body, that is why we use them. For a short YouTube on them, click Here.

What should I know about your patterns that will help me?

Our pattern numbering system is for a reason. The 100 series is tops, both woven and knit. Any knit top has the same base, #195 and any changes I did when fitting that pattern to me, I can do the same to any of the other knit bodies. Any woven top has the same base, #600 and any changes I did when fitting that pattern to myself, I can do to any other of the woven bodies. Also #900 sleeve will fit in #600 armhole because both are woven and in the 100 series. #195 sleeve will fit into #117 because bother are knit and in the 100 series. The same is true for the 1000’s. All those jackets are the same base, off 1900 and the same changes can be made. 

 There will be some exception based on fabrics and we also suggest a quick muslin to check yourself. The same is true for the 2000’s as those are skirt. The same is true for the 3000’s as those are pants. The same is true for the 4000’s as those are dresses. The only exception with dresses is that dresses are in 3 categories, knit dresses that are tops bases. Woven dresses that are blouse bases and then woven dresses that are jacket bases. Each of those will vary.

What should I use to knit fusible interfacing for?

Fusible Interfacing is for 4 main purposes. 

1.  Adding body to a fabric where we want more drape. 

2. Retarding wrinkling in a fabric that wrinkles easily.

3. Making sheers opaquer. 

4. Reinforcing a loosely woven fabric to stabilize. 

Fusible should not be used on knits as it will not stretch with the knit it is fused to.  You can use fusible on knits if you are willing to give up the stretch and just use the fabric in a non-stretch capacity such as a jacket. 

To see our tips on fusing fabric, click Here. 

Be sure to watch our webcasts every other Monday night by clicking Here. 

Sign up for our YouTube channel as a subscriber by clicking Here. 

If you have any questions, please contact us!