CYC Standard Women's Measurements: Knitting Sizes and Allowances
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Consult the Craft Yarn Council's (CYC) standard women's body measurements and learn how to apply ease to adjust your knitting or crochet projects. Below you'll find complete size charts in centimeters, from XS to 5X , and practical tips for adapting your projects.
Table of Contents
How to use these tables
The CYC charts are body measurements , not measurements of the finished garment. To obtain the final pattern size, you must add ease , which varies depending on the style (fitted, classic, oversized). Take your measurements with a loose measuring tape and compare them to the chart to choose your size.
CYC Size Chart – Women's (XS–XL)
| Size | Bust (cm) | Center of back neck-wrist (cm) | Back waist length (cm) | Shoulder to shoulder width (cm) | Arm length to armhole (cm) | Upper arm circumference (cm) | Armhole depth (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 71–76 | 66–68.5 | 42 | 35.5–37 | 42 | 25 | 15.5–16.5 | 58.5–61 | 83.5–86 |
| S | 81–86 | 68.5–70 | 43 | 37–38 | 43 | 26 | 16.5–17.5 | 63.5–67.5 | 89–91.5 |
| M | 91.5–96.5 | 71–72.5 | 43.5 | 39.5–40.5 | 43 | 28 | 17.5–19 | 71–76 | 96.5–101.5 |
| L | 101.5–106.5 | 73.5–75 | 44.5 | 42–43 | 44.5 | 30.5 | 19–20.5 | 81.5–86.5 | 106.5–111.5 |
| XL | 111.5–117 | 73.5–75 | 45 | 44.5 | 44.5 | 34.5 | 20.5–21.5 | 91.5–96.5 | 116.5–122 |
Official CYC (women's) measurements. These are body measurements ; remember to add ease depending on the style of the garment.
Source: Craft Yarn Council — Woman Size Charts (cm).
CYC Size Chart – Women's (2X–5X)
| Size | Bust (cm) | Center of back neck-wrist (cm) | Back waist length (cm) | Shoulder to shoulder width (cm) | Arm length to armhole (cm) | Upper arm circumference (cm) | Armhole depth (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2X | 122–127 | 76.5–77.5 | 45.5 | 45.5 | 45.5 | 39.5 | 21.5–23 | 101.5–106.5 | 132–134.5 |
| 3X | 132–137 | 77.5–79 | 45.5 | 45.5 | 45.5 | 43 | 23–24 | 111.5–114 | 137–139.5 |
| 4X | 142–147 | 80–81.5 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 24–25.5 | 116.5–119 | 142–144.5 |
| 5X | 152–158 | 80–81.5 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 49.5 | 25.5–26.5 | 124–127 | 155–157 |
Source: Craft Yarn Council — Woman Size Charts (cm).
Recommended slacks for women
Choose the ease based on the style and the elasticity of the fabric. Typical guidelines:
| Type of garment | Bust allowance (cm) | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Fitted | 0–4 | Better with elastic fibers or structures with drape. |
| Classic/regular | 4–10 | A balance between form and comfort; the most versatile. |
| Oversize/relaxed | 10–25+ | Control lengths (body and sleeves) to avoid visual excess. |
| knitted jacket/coat | 8–20 | Adjust according to inner layers and fabric thickness. |
The ease is added to your body measurement. Always check the pattern gauge/tension .
Adjustment and Gradation Tips
- Between sizes: If your bust falls between two sizes, prioritize the desired fit. For long cardigans, also check your hip measurements.
- Lengths: adjust the garment length and sleeve length to your height; respect the armhole width to avoid straining your arm.
- Arm circumference: if your “upper arm” is larger than the one in the table, increase the sleeve width and redistribute decreases.
- Fiber elasticity: wools with generous block can gain looseness; cotton holds its shape with less give.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the CYC charts final garment measurements?
No. These are body measurements . You must add the ease indicated by the pattern or your preferred fit.
What do I do if my bust size falls between two sizes?
Choose according to your desired looseness . For a fitted look, choose the smaller size; for a looser look, choose the larger size. Adjust lengths if necessary.
Can I use these charts for both crochet and knitting?
Yes. These are reference body measurements; the construction (crochet or knitting) and the tension of the stitch will determine the final ease.
Related articles
- Complete guide: Standard measurements by size (CYC): women, men, children and babies
- Standard CYC men's sizes
- Standard CYC measurements for child
- Standard CYC measurements for baby
- How much yarn do I need for my size?
- View all the skeins at Idealium →
Sources: Craft Yarn Council, Woman Size Charts (cm).
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