I find most patterns in children's sizes run with ready to wear but adult sizes in patterns tend to be smaller than ready to wear.

Thank you for the reply, Joan. It seems no matter what I sew for the GKs, if I go by measurements, it always ends up a bit big. I guess I'll try a size 6 and hope for the best. She doesn't look like she's grown two sizes since last summer. I'll be making matching skorts and tops for the two oldest girls, so I'll get lots of fabric just in case.

Noinwi, I hope this will help. I have a 5 year old grandaughter that wears a 5-6. I have been making her sundresses in a size 5. It fits her great. The pattern that I have been using is a Butterick See and Sew pattern # 3889. It is super easy. It looks so cute on.. Also, I think she will wear it next summer, too.

Thanks, Susie. That's a cute pattern. I used McCalls 4422 for her last summer, and made a matching dress for her doll.
{{!gwi}} {{!gwi}}
I tend to go with the simpler styles since I can't be there to do fittings.
I use more McCalls than anything else. I think they might run a bit large. I used a size 12 Simplicity pattern(4572) for the oldest girl last summer(using her measurements) and it was almost too small. Then I used a size 14 McCalls pattern for her at Christmas time and it was huge! I just wish the sizes were more consistent. The pattern I will be using for the summer outfits is M9369(for both girls). The measurements I have for the younger girl from last fall are between a McCalls 5 and 6, so I think I will be safe using the 6. Thanks again to both of you!

What cuties. I am lucky that my grandkids (3 girls and 1 boy ) live close by. I see them almost every week.