[Nicole]

I am about to draft these off for Tildy. I would like them to fit now, not too bothered about growth room as I have Trixie to hand them down to.

Her height puts her in a 4 but her waist puts her in a 12-18 mnth. Her hip aligns to the 18-24 mnth.
I am leaning towards the size 2T with the length of a 4 but will they be impossibly baggy?

Is there anyone who has made the smaller sizes that can help me?
Thank you!

[vothgirl]

I just finished a size 2T yesterday! Ellie’s measurements are pretty similar: waist 12-18m or 18-24m, hips 18-24m, height 3T+. I made the 2T and just added length to the bottom panels. If I wanted them to fit perfectly right now, I would’ve only added about an inch (I added 3″). I made the elastic in the waist a bit loose too, it won’t fall down below her diaper but I may buy a belt for her for now. They’re definitely a wider-legged pant than the after school, but they’re not awkwardly baggy on her. I am guessing it depends on what kind of fabric you use too. With all the topstitching they’re a labour of love but I definitely want to make them again! I can’t wait to see yours!

[Nicole]

Patricia, thank you, that is just what I was after.
So, you went with her height (+ extra) and that was plenty long enough? Her height, 3T, would have been perfect now?

[vothgirl]

if I would’ve gone with her height, yes I would’ve made a size 3T and they would have been the perfect length. However, she’s so slim that even the 2T is plenty wide, especially since I didn’t cinch the waist elastic really snug. I was concerned that a 3T would be too baggy on her so that’s why I made the 2T with extra length. I think these will fit her for a good while, which is what I wanted since they’re quite the labor of love with all that topstitching!

I hope that makes sense 🙂

[vothgirl]

This project reaffirmed my love for handmade clothing, especially the aspect of being able to customize a pattern to fit non-average-sized bodies! RTW pants are difficult for Ellie bc her waist and height fall into very different “typical” age categories. I love being able to make clothes that fit well and look great! So different to the frustration that often accompanies shopping retail…tho don’t get me wrong, I love to shop too! 😉 (Although fabric shopping is the best shopping!!)

[cybele727]

I have the same concern about the Art Museum pants. Last year I made 8s for Thanksgiving. Alex is still wearing them, but now just a touch short – kind of like 50s short. They were very long last year. However, the butt kind of poofs balloons on them even though he is grown. I am wondering do I do a 7 and add lots of length, or stick with the 8s and just add length. If I go up a size there will be too much ease in the rear. #nobubblebutts

[Stacibennett]

I made them a couple of months ago for J. She is 4 and her measurements are similar: She has a 21.5″ chest, 20.5″ waist, and 21.5″ hips, 39″ tall. From past experience, I know her torso runs long and her legs are short.
For comparison, in the sleepover PJs (the only other pants I have made her), she is wearing a 3 on top and a 2 on bottom and I just uncuffed the pants.

I made the 3 straight up, figuring I could tighten the elastic as much as needed and hoping to get some good wear out of them. They are about 1.5″ too long, which I expected. And they are pretty baggy. I wish I had made the 2 and just lengthened a touch.

Hope that helps.

[with love Heidi]

Last year I made two pairs of these, in pink and purple, for then 4 year old girl. I made them size 3 width with size 4 length which corresponded to her measurements then. They fit really well at the time.
Eighteen months later they still fit really well and are worn regularly. I added a 4″ growth cuff which we let down 2″ this winter. She has grown at leat 4″ since last year but hasn’t grown out much at all!

• This reply was modified 10 years ago by with love Heidi.

[Nicole]

Thank you, so helpful.

@stacibennett that is food for thought!

[Brittney]

When I made them last year for Jack, I was worried about making the straight 4 because I usually add length to everything. I ended up not adding length because I didn’t want to figure out exactly where to add, but they fit perfectly with room to grow height wise. They were definitely a baggy fit, so if you want them a little slimmer I would go with closer to her hip measurement. This is one of my top 3 favorite O+S patterns, you’ll love it!

[Nicole]

This is a great help!
I made her up the tee in a size 2T with the length of a 4 and it is perfect in a very stretchy cotton/lyrca.
As they are for now I am starting to wonder about a straight 2T for the trousers…. I don’t mind them a wee bit cropped.
Hmmm, thanks gorgeous ladies!