CYC Standard Women's Measurements: Knitting Sizes and Allowances
Share
Check out the Craft Yarn Council's (CYC) standard body measurements for women and learn how to apply allowance to fit your knit or crochet garments. Below you'll find complete charts in centimeters, from XS to 5X , and practical tips for tailoring your projects.
Table of Contents
How to use these tables
CYC charts are body measurements , not finished garment measurements. To obtain the final pattern size, you must add the allowance (ease), which varies by style (fitted, classic, oversized). Take your measurements loosely with a tape measure and compare them to the chart to choose your size.
CYC Size Chart – Women (XS–XL)
| Size | Bust (cm) | Center back neck–wrist (cm) | Waist-back length (cm) | Back width shoulder to shoulder (cm) | Arm length to armhole (cm) | Upper arm contour (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 measurements (women). These are body measurements ; remember to add allowance for garment style.
Source: Craft Yarn Council — Woman Size Charts (cm).
CYC Size Chart – Women (2X–5X)
| Size | Bust (cm) | Center back neck–wrist (cm) | Waist-back length (cm) | Back width shoulder to shoulder (cm) | Arm length to armhole (cm) | Upper arm contour (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 clearances for women
Choose the slack based on the style and the elasticity of the fiber. Common guidelines:
| Type of garment | Clearance over bust (cm) | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Fitted | 0–4 | Better with elastic fibers or draped structures. |
| Classic/Regular | 4–10 | 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 | Adjusts according to inner layers and fabric thickness. |
Looseness is added to your body measurement. Always check the pattern swatch/tension .
Fitting and Gradation Tips
- Between sizes: If your bust falls between two ranges, prioritize the desired amount of room. For long cardigans, also check your hips.
- 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 chart, increase the sleeve width and redistribute decreases.
- Fiber elasticity: Wools with generous blocking can gain slack; cotton holds its shape with less give.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CYC charts final garment measurements?
No. These are body measurements . You'll need to add the allowance indicated by the pattern or your fit preference.
What do I do if my bust is between two sizes?
Choose based on your target slack . If you want a fitted look, choose the smallest size; for a looser fit, choose the largest. Adjust the length if necessary.
Can I use these charts for crochet and knitting?
Yes. These are reference body measurements; the construction (crochet or knit) and the stitch tension will determine the final slack.
Related articles
- Complete guide: Standard measurements by size (CYC): women, men, children and babies
- CYC Standard Men's Measurements
- CYC Standard Measurements for Children
- CYC Standard Baby Measurements
- How much wool do I need for my size?
- See all the balls at Idealium →
Sources: Craft Yarn Council, Woman Size Charts (cm).
Ready to knit your next garment?
Choose your favorite skeins and calculate the ideal skein length for your style. Find inspiration in our collection.
See balls of yarn