How do you take your measurements correctly?

A Step By Step Tutorial

If you’re making your own clothes, the chance is that you’re keen to create something that flatters you. You’ll start to look more closely at how something fits you and perhaps get more than a little frustrated, so hopefully, this post will help! 

The first step is to take your body measurements

You're probably used to measuring the body circumference of your bust, waist and hips, as this is something we often do before ordering ready-made clothes online.

However, before you invest time in creating a garment, there are some more measurements to check.

You Will Need

• You’ll need a piece of ribbon or string long enough to tie around your waist, a tape measure, a pen and paper, or you can download a handy chart on which to record your measurements here. 

• And unless you have a trusted friend to measure you, a mirror is helpful to check the tape measure is level. 

• To wear the underwear, you’re likely to wear underneath.

• And unless you have a trusted friend to measure you, a mirror is helpful to check the tape measure is level. 

Top Tip

For measurements around your body, keep the tape straight, untwisted and parallel to the floor. And although it might seem obvious, make sure that you are measuring from the right end and don’t pull the tape too tightly!

Which measurements do I need?

• Bust - Your bust measurement is at the highest and fullest point of your bust

• High bust is not usually detailed in size charts but is a helpful reference if you are small or large-busted. You measure your high bust across your back, under your armpits and above your bust, keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor.

• Ribcage or underbust - some patterns will be designed for a range of bra cup sizes, e.g.lingerie. In which case, measuring around your ribcage just under your bust will help you decide which bra cup size to choose.

• Waist - your waist measurement is at the narrowest part of your torso (and usually slightly higher than you imagine). If you tie a piece of string or ribbon around your middle where it sits happily is the level you take your measurement at.

• Hips are your hips at the widest point, anywhere from your lower tummy to your upper thighs.

• Depth Of Hips taken from your waist to the level of the widest point of your hips, usually 22 - 28 cm.

• Nape to waist - from the bony bump at the back of your neck to your waist level.

• Shoulder length - from the side of your neck to the shoulder point, a bony prominence at the side of your shoulder.

• Arm length - from the shoulder point to your wrist, measured down the side of your arm.

• Top arm, or biceps - is the widest circumference of your upper arm.

Two other measurements from the side neck point to hem and centre back length are helpful for comparing the length of the garment on the sewing pattern. 

If you’re planning to make a full-length dress or skirt from the centre back waist to the floor is helpful too.  

And don’t forget to record your measurements so you can find them easily. You can download a handy chart here. 

Happy sewing!

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