Blending Sizes for Panty Patterns

Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and very rarely do we fit perfectly into a pattern straight away.  Pattern designers create patterns with a measurement chart of "standard sizes", but each size chart will vary by company.  You might fit perfectly into a single size, or you might find that your individual measurements span several sizes.  In the tutorial below, I will share you with how to adjust your panty patterns when your waist and hip measurements fall between two different sizes.

Blending Sizes

When the waist and hip measurements fall between two different sizes, we will need to create a new side seam and blend the two sizes together.  We don't want any sharp curves or angles, but a gentle curve that will mimic the natural shape of the body. 

Larger Waist and Smaller Hip

In the image below, we blend a larger size waist into a smaller size hip.  Adjust both the front and back pieces, and check to make sure the shaping matches.  Use the smaller hip size for the leg opening and gusset shape.

Smaller Waist and Larger Hip

Now we will adjust for a smaller waist and larger hip size.  Adjust both the front and back pieces, and check to make sure the shaping matches.  Use the larger hip size for the leg opening and gusset shape.

Useful Tools

Image from Wawak

A hip curve ruler is very helpful when drawing gentle curves to blend between sizes.  Here is a link to one from Wawak; I am not an affiliate, but I frequently purchase sewing supplies from them and am always happy with my shopping experience.

Other Pattern Adjustments

I hope you found this brief tutorial helpful.  Below are some of my previous tutorials for altering panty patterns to get the best fit for your body shape.  If there are any other fitting tutorials you'd like to see, leave me a comment below!  Happy Sewing!

Fitting Underwear: Full Tummy Adjustment
Fitting Underwear: Changing the rise for a different torso length 
​Fitting Underwear: Help! My bum is eating my undies!
​Fitting Underwear: Gusset Too Wide