Porch goose size: how to measure for 17, 23 and 27 inch

The most common reason a goose outfit does not fit is simple: the goose was never measured. Porch geese look similar, but their molds differ, and a 23 inch goose can have a rounder body than you expect. Measure height, body and head before you cut; it takes a few minutes.

Height: base to top of the head. Body: around the widest part (fits = the size it is drafted for, max = the most it takes). Head: around the head and beak.

From the size page of the Sewzy goose outfit guides. Bigger than the Body max or Head max number? Take the next size up.

The three common goose sizes

Lawn and porch geese are usually sold at 17, 23 and 27 inches tall. Goose clothes patterns are drawn in three matching sizes, so each size lines up with one of those heights. Use the list below as a quick guide, then confirm with your own measurements.

• 17 inch goose: the smallest, often used on steps or tables.
• 23 inch goose: the standard size seen on many porches.
• 27 inch goose: the large size, often used by a front door or on a lawn.

Even if the label says one of these, measure anyway. Labels can be rounded, and some geese are slightly different from their packaging.

What you need

Grab a soft tape measure, the kind used for sewing, because a stiff metal tape will not bend around the body. Have a notepad and pencil nearby. Place the goose on a flat, level surface so you are not measuring on a slope.

Measurement 1: height

Measure from the base, where the goose touches the ground, straight up to the very top of its head. Keep the tape vertical and do not follow the curve of the neck. This is the number that matches the 17, 23 or 27 inch sizes.

If the goose stands on a separate base, decide whether you are measuring with or without it, and write that down. Measure from the same place every time.

Measurement 2: body around

Wrap the tape around the widest part of the body. This is usually the belly area, below the wings. Keep the tape level all the way around, parallel with the ground, and snug but not tight. This measurement controls how well the body part of the outfit fits, so be generous with your attention here.

Measurement 3: head around

Measure around the head at its widest point. Many outfits slip over the head through a back slit, so the head measurement tells you whether the opening will pass over it comfortably. Hats and collars also depend on this number.

Check your numbers

Write the three measurements together: height, body around, head around. Compare them against the size chart in the pattern you chose. If the three numbers point to the same size, you are done. If they disagree, let the body measurement lead, since a body that is too tight is hard to fix and a short hem is easy to adjust.

It also helps to measure twice. If the second round gives different numbers, take the average and make a note of why, for example if the tape slipped.

What if the goose is between sizes?

Go up a size. Goose outfits have a bow-closed back slit, so a slightly larger garment can still be tied to look neat, while a too-small one will gape. You can also adjust skirts by hemming them shorter. If the goose looks lost in the outfit, pad it lightly with a thin layer of batting inside the garment before closing the bow.

Keep a goose measurement card

Once you know your goose, keep the numbers somewhere safe. If you sew a Halloween outfit now and a winter one later, you will not need to measure again. Some people tuck a card in their sewing box with the goose's name and size, because yes, many geese have names.

Where to go next

With the size known, choose your outfit. A good first look is the easy porch goose dress pattern or the classic Porch Goose Outfit. For the full building process, see our porch goose outfit sewing guide.

Make it with Sewzy

In Sewzy you pick a goose outfit, choose Small, Standard or Large from your measurements, print the pattern and follow the written guide step by step. The size table in each guide also lists the largest body and head each size fits, so you can check before you cut. Download Sewzy on the App Store and try the Porch Goose Accessories Set, or browse all 21 porch goose outfit patterns.

FAQ

What size is a standard porch goose?

Many porch geese are around 23 inches tall, but 17 and 27 inch geese are also common. Measure from the base to the top of the head to be sure.

Which measurements do I need for goose clothes?

Three: the goose height from base to top of head, the body around at its widest part, and the head around.

What if my goose is between two sizes?

Choose the larger size. The back slit closes with a ribbon bow, so a slightly roomy outfit can still look neat, and hems are easy to shorten.

Should I measure with a metal tape?

A soft sewing tape is better because it bends around the round body. If you only have a stiff tape, use a string, mark it, then lay it flat against a ruler.