Pattern sizing - help?!

[jazzyp]

Hi,

I'm about to start knitting my first proper garment, up until now I've done ponchos, hats and bags so nothing where sizing is too critical.

I'm going to make a Sirdar jacket in luxury soft cotton DK - http://www.cpu-enterprises.com/sirda...ern/8708_m.htm. I've been eyeing this up for ages and now feel ready to give it a go!

Problem is, I've looked at the pattern measurements and am not sure which size to make... I normally buy size 12 tops, but the pattern puts me in a size 14. However the actual measurement including ease for a size 14 seems like it will be really really loose (not really the style of the jacket).

So I'm wondering what other knitters have done - trust the pattern, or trust your own measurements...???

[Ingrid]

I've always measured something else that fits me well. Clothing measurements are so variable--what IS a medium, anyway?

So I measure a sweater that I like the fit of and use those as my finished measurements.

[jazzyp]

That's a good idea! I've measured another fitted jacket and it comes up at size 12, so I'm going for that!

Thanks Ingrid.