Standard knitting measurements by size (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 adapting knitting patterns. Knowing these measurements will help you calculate proportions, choose sizes accurately, and create garments that fit exactly as you want.
Whether you're knitting a sweater, a jacket, or a children's garment, this guide brings together basic measurements by size and explains how to apply ease to adapt your projects.
Table of contents
What is the Craft Yarn Council (CYC)?
The Craft Yarn Council (CYC) is an American organization that standardizes practices in the knitting and crochet world. Its guides are used globally to define sizes, knitting gauges, yarn weights, and needle equivalents, making patterns easy to understand and adapt in any country.
CYC charts list average body measurements by size and age group: women, men, children, and babies. They are the starting point for calculating a garment's base size.
How to use the charts
CYC charts indicate body measurements, not the finished garment measurements. The finished garment is usually looser or more fitted depending on the design; this difference is called ease.
📏 Basic body measurements
- Bust or chest: the widest part of the torso.
- Waist: the narrowest part, between the ribs and hips.
- Hip: the widest part of the lower body.
- Sleeve length: from the shoulder to the wrist.
- Head circumference: important for hats and baby garments.
Main summary tables
Below you'll find an overview of indicative body measurements (according to CYC) for different groups. The specific articles include the complete tables for each category.
| Group | Size / Age | Chest/Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women | M | 94 | 73.5 | 101 |
| Men | 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) | Hips (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 |
Averages of the CYC ranges (rounded to the nearest 0.5 cm) for sizes S–XL.
Recommended ease
Ease is the difference between the body measurement and the finished garment measurement. It allows you to adjust the design's style and comfort.
| Garment type | Recommended ease | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fitted sweater | 0–4 cm | Ideal for stretchy or fitted garments. |
| Classic sweater | 4–10 cm | The perfect balance between comfort and shape. |
| Oversized sweater | 10–25 cm | For a loose, modern look. |
| Jackets / coats | 8–20 cm | Depending on yarn weight and inner layers. |
Ease is added to the body measurement. Adjust it according to the desired style and fiber type.
References and related articles
- CYC standard measurements for women
- CYC standard measurements for men
- CYC standard measurements for children
- CYC standard measurements for babies
- How much yarn do I need for my size?
- View all yarn balls at Idealium →
Source: Craft Yarn Council (CYC) – Standard Body Measurements.
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