Grading is the art of increasing or decreasing a sample size pattern proportionately, according to the standard body measurements. the method of grading a pattern from one size to another is by shifting the pattern piece from point to point, tracing each step as you go along. the instructions for grading the pattern as shown on this page is merely fundamental, and should as a basis for grading style patterns. note: many manufacturers grade the width of front and back only 3/8” instead of 1/2”, from center front or back to side seam. in this case . . .