Standard knitting sizes (CYC): women, men, children and babies
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The Craft Yarn Council (CYC) has developed standard measurement charts that serve as an international reference for designing and fitting knitting patterns. Knowing these measurements will allow you to calculate proportions, choose sizes accurately, and achieve garments that fit exactly the way you want.
Whether you're knitting a sweater, a jacket, or a children's garment, this guide covers basic measurements by size and explains how to apply allowance to tailor your projects.
Table of Contents
What is the Craft Yarn Council (CYC)
The Craft Yarn Council (CYC) is an American organization that unifies standards in the world of knitting and crochet. Its guidelines are used globally to define sizes, swatches, yarn thicknesses, and needle sizes , making patterns understandable and adaptable in any country.
The CYC tables show average body measurements by size and age group: women, men, children, and babies. They are the starting point for calculating the base size of a garment.
How to use tables
CYC charts indicate body measurements , not the final garment measurements. The finished garment is often looser or tighter depending on the design; this difference is called ease .
📏 Basic body measurements
- Bust or chest: widest part of the torso.
- Waist: narrowest part, between ribs and hip.
- Hip: widest part of the lower area.
- Sleeve length: from shoulder to wrist.
- Head contour: important in hats and baby clothes.
Main summary tables
Below you'll find an overview of body measurements (according to CYC) for different groups. You can find the complete tables for each category in the specific articles.
| Cluster | Size / Age | Chest/Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women | M | 94 | 73.5 | 101 |
| Man | M | 99 | 84 | 101 |
| Child | 6 years | 63.5 | 56 | 66 |
| Baby | 6–12 m | 48 | 48 | 48.5 |
Representative average values according to the CYC (Craft Yarn Council) standard for women, men, children and babies.
Idealium Reference (women's sizes)
Idealium uses these measurements as a basis for adjusting its patterns and kits:
| Size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hip (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 83.5 | 65.5 | 90.5 |
| M | 94.0 | 73.5 | 99.0 |
| L | 104.0 | 84.0 | 109.0 |
| XL | 114.5 | 94.0 | 119.5 |
CYC range averages (rounded to the nearest 0.5 cm) for sizes S–XL.
Recommended clearances
Ease is the difference between your body measurement and the finished garment measurement. It allows you to adjust the style and comfort of your design.
| Type of garment | Recommended clearance | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Tight jersey | 0–4 cm | Ideal for stretchy or tight-fitting garments. |
| Classic jersey | 4–10 cm | The perfect balance between comfort and shape. |
| Oversized sweater | 10–25 cm | For a loose and modern effect. |
| Jackets / coats | 8–20 cm | Depending on the thickness and inner layers. |
Looseness is added to body measurement. Adjust according to desired style and fiber type.
References and related articles
- CYC Standard Measurements for Women
- 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 →
Source: Craft Yarn Council (CYC) – Standard Body Measurements.
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