CYC standard measurements for children: sizes and allowances for knitting
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Discover the Craft Yarn Council's (CYC) standard sizes for children . These charts will help you calculate sizes when knitting children's garments, from ages 2 to 12, and how to apply the appropriate allowance (ease) for comfort and freedom of movement.
Table of Contents
How to use these tables
The CYC charts show actual body measurements for boys and girls by age, not final garment measurements. When designing or choosing a children's pattern, remember to add allowance to allow for movement and growth. Measurements are in centimeters .
CYC Child Measurement Chart (2–12 years)
Reference body measurements for children's clothing, in centimeters. The ranges reflect natural variations between boys and girls of the same age.
| Age (years) | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) | Center back neck–wrist (cm) | Waist-back length (cm) | Armhole depth (cm) | Head circumference (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 53 | 51 | 53 | 51 | 23 | 11.5 | 49.5 |
| 4 | 58.5 | 53.5 | 61 | 56 | 25.5 | 12.5 | 50.5 |
| 6 | 63.5 | 56 | 66 | 61 | 28 | 13.5 | 51 |
| 8 | 68.5 | 58.5 | 71 | 66 | 30.5 | 14.5 | 52 |
| 10 | 73.5 | 61 | 76 | 71 | 33 | 15.5 | 53 |
| 12 | 78.5 | 63.5 | 81 | 76 | 35.5 | 16.5 | 54 |
Source: Craft Yarn Council — Child Size Chart (cm). Body measurements are approximate.
Recommended clearances
The looseness in children's clothing is greater than in adult clothing, to facilitate movement and allow the garment to last longer:
| Type of garment | Clearance (cm) | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Sweater or light jacket | 4–8 | Daily comfort and mobility. |
| Sweatshirt or coat | 8–15 | Allows you to wear clothes underneath without squeezing. |
| Tight-fitting clothing (vest, top) | 2–4 | Better with elastic threads or stitches with give. |
Always add a few extra inches if your child is growing rapidly or is between sizes.
Adjustment and growth tips
- Growth: Children grow several inches per year; knit with extra allowance if the garment will be worn for several seasons.
- Mobility: prioritizes looseness in sleeves and chest to avoid limiting movement.
- Blocking: Cotton may sag slightly after washing; avoid making garments that are too tight.
- Age vs. actual measurement: If your child's measurements differ from the average for their age, always choose by chest circumference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should I choose if the child is between two ages?
Choose the larger size and adjust the length (bodice and sleeves) as needed. This will help the garment last longer.
Do CYC measures also apply to girls?
Yes, CYC boards are unisex through adolescence. You can use them for boys or girls.
Should I add slack if I use ribbing?
If the knit or fiber has good elasticity, you can reduce the slack a little (2–4 cm instead of 6–8 cm).
Related articles
- Complete guide: Standard measurements by size (CYC): women, men, children and babies
- CYC Standard Measurements for Women
- CYC Standard Men's Measurements
- CYC Standard Baby Measurements
- How much wool do I need for my size?
- See all the balls at Idealium →
Main source: Craft Yarn Council (CYC) — Standard Body Measurements for Children .
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