One of the first things you’ll notice about BurdaStyle patterns is the European sizing. But even if you’re a old hand at shopping in Milan and Paris and know your European dress size like the back of your hand (or like the rest of us have just Googled a quick conversion chart), this isn’t enough information for you to start cutting!

BurdaStyle pattern sizes differ from retail pattern sizes and the UK equivalents are only ever a rough guide. The first step is to download the BurdaStyle size chart relevant to you.
 

• If you are of average height (between 168–176cm) the regular size chart is your starting place.

• If you are between 160–167cm you’ll need the petite size chart – the only thing that differentiates these sizes from the regular sizes is the length.

• If you are taller than 176cm, you’ll need the tall size chart. Depending on your height, you may need to do minor altering when using a petite or tall pattern.

As you’ll see on the size chart, you can find your UK size and the corresponding BurdaStyle size. However, this is not still not sufficient to be sure of the size. The only way you can be certain that your pattern is going to fit is by taking exact body measurements.
 

How to take your body measurements

First, download our cut-out-and-keep body measurements card. Next find a friend willing to help and a measuring tape.

Take the following measurements to the nearest centimetre.

Height Bust Waist Hips Back length Sleeve length Neck width Side leg length Front waist length Bust point Upper arm circumference

There is a knack to taking all these measurements and it is really important that you get them right. Luckily we’ve prepared this quick step-by-step guide that you can download to help you.

Record all the measurements on your card. Then come back to your size chart and mark where your measurements fall on the chart.

Now that you have marked off all your sizes, unless you are a miracle of nature, you will probably have a few marks which don’t fall on the same size. These are your Burda sizes, you may be mainly a 42 with one mark that is a 44 and another that’s a 40. If this is the case you will have to adjust between the sizes on the pattern itself to get that perfect fit!