General sewing/pattern question

[kibosh]

I bought a Burda pattern for an overcoat for my Joker costume. it's not a "costume" pattern, rather a pattern for an article of everyday clothing.

Assuming I have a 46" inch, would I use the 46" size on the pattern? Would you assume the 46" pattern has enough room built in to accomodate a shirt, jacket, etc. to be won under the overcoat?

Thanks!

 

[Guri]

I've had patterns be too big and others be too small so I never trust patterns based only what it says on the package.

I know it sounds like a pain, but make the jacket first in muslin or some other cheap fabric first leaving a wide seam allowance. Then you can alter the fabric pattern to fit you before you cut your real fabric.

 

[Darth Mule]

I second Guri's statement. Most patterns run big. Simplicity patterns say on the pieces what the finished chest measurement is, and it's usually too much.

Overcoats tend to run 6" larger than your chest size to accomodate the layers of clothing underneath. When you purchase a pattern in size 46, the pattern should, in theory, be scaled up accordingly. But again, I refer to Guri's post. Mock it up.

-Chris