Measurements you need
Tape horizontal around the narrowest part of your torso, usually ¾–1⅝ in above the navel. Snug but not tight; don't pull in your stomach.Tape horizontal around the narrowest part of your torso, usually 2–4 cm above the navel. Snug but not tight; don't pull in your stomach.
Usually 22⅞–43¼ in.Usually 58–110 cm.Tape horizontal around the fullest part of your buttocks, allowing for the curve of your stomach. Stand straight, feet together.Tape horizontal around the fullest part of your buttocks, allowing for the curve of your stomach. Stand straight, feet together.
Usually 33⅛–51⅛ in.Usually 84–130 cm.At the side, from the waistline down to the level where you measured the hip. It helps to tie a ribbon at the waist and measure from it.At the side, from the waistline down to the level where you measured the hip. It helps to tie a ribbon at the waist and measure from it.
Usually 7⅛–8⅝ in.Usually 18–22 cm.Sit on a hard chair. At the side, straight down from the waistline to the seat. This measurement determines whether the pants will pull or hang loose at the crotch.Sit on a hard chair. At the side, straight down from the waistline to the seat. This measurement determines whether the pants will pull or hang loose at the crotch.
Usually 9½–11¾ in.Usually 24–30 cm.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 23⅝ in, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 60 cm, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.
Skirt 15¾–39⅜ in, pants 35⅜–43¼ in, shorts 11¾–21⅝ in.Skirt 40–100 cm, pants 90–110 cm, shorts 30–55 cm.This is not a body measurement but your preference: the circumference of the pant leg at the hem. Slim pants — about 14⅛ in, straight — 17⅜–18⅞ in, wide — 21¼ in and more.This is not a body measurement but your preference: the circumference of the pant leg at the hem. Slim pants — about 36 cm, straight — 44–48 cm, wide — 54 cm and more.
Usually 14⅛–22 in.Usually 36–56 cm.How the kids' pants and shorts are drafted
Choose a height — the tool inserts that child's measurements from the standard body measurements tables: waist and hip, hip depth, and crotch depth (rise) — from the waist to the under-buttock fold. The draft is the same as our elastic-waist pants and shorts: the top is no narrower than the hips so it pulls on over them, there's an elastic casing at the top, and no darts or fastenings. Kids' hip ease is larger — a child needs freedom to move.
We checked the draft against proven commercial patterns of the same style: the main dimensions match.
The tool checks the draft itself: hip circumference, matching side seams and inseams, side length, hem width and the casing. The results are in the "Draft check" section.
How to print and tape
Download the PDF on Letter or A4 sheets and print at 100%, not "fit to page". The first sheet has the test square: measure it with a ruler. Sheets are taped with an overlap along the strips ⅜ in1 cm; sheet numbers and the assembly diagram are on the first page. For a copy shop or plotter, choose "One-sheet PDF".
What you get
Full-size front and back pants, an elastic casing, grainline, seam allowances and hem allowance. Below the drawing: elastic length and crotch seam length.
FAQ
How do I make them room to grow?
Choose one height size up, but keep the pants length as yours or add a wider hem allowance — 1⅝–2 in4–5 cm, so you can let it down later. Elastic-waist pants are already roomy at the hips.
What fabric should I use?
French terry, interlock, brushed knit — for loungewear and sporty pants; cotton, corduroy, non-stretch denim — for everyday. Elastic-waist pants pull on over the hips, so they can also be made from non-stretch fabrics.
What if the child is between heights?
Choose the nearest larger height and adjust the circumferences if you know them. You can shorten the length by ⅜–¾ in1–2 cm.