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HOW TO TAKE YOUR BODY MEASUREMENTS ACCURATELY
Taking error-free body measurements is the key to a great fit. Whether you choose to make your pattern block from a commercial templateor draft it from measurements, having precise measurements is critical to the success of your block. (And a well-fitting block is critical to the success of your garment!)
But don’t be alarmed, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. All you need is a tape measure! While it's more practical to have someone else take your measurements, it can be done by yourself. As a precaution, stand in front of a full-length mirror so that you can see and make sure that you have the tape in the right position.
Ideally, you should be measured wearing only your undergarments. However, a leotard or close-fitting clothing will be fine too. DO NOT measure yourself wearing jeans, sweats, or other bulky clothing! It DOES make a difference.
Because the human body is made up of soft tissue, it can be a bit difficult to know exactly how tight to pull the tape around the body. The tape should feel but not tight - it should not "dig in" or make an indentation in your skin. However, it should not be loose, either! Just wrap the tape around the area of the body being measured and hold it in place. You should be able to slip a finger between your skin and the tape, but no more than that.
Please ensure, that you don’t gain or lose too much weight from the date of taking your measurements. Weight fluctuations can lead to a distressing outcome. Little adjustments by your local seamstress are always possible, but taking in a dress will be easier than extending it out.
Please note, that if you have any questions or need clarification on something, we would be happy to arrange a skype consultation (subject to prior agreement).
A Neck - To measure your neck, wrap the tape around the width, coming from the back to the front. It should sit at the base of the neck above the collar bone.
B Bust - To measure your bust, bring the tape around your back to the front encircling it around the apex (or fullest) point of your bust. It should be aligned parallel to the floor, making a straight, horizontal line across both your front and back. If you have someone to help you, it’s best to record the measurement with your hands down at either side.
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C Waist - To measure your waist, disregard where you button up your trousers and focus on the smallest part of your torso, right underneath your rib cage near the belly button. Make sure the tape is evenly across the front and back and parallel to the floor.
D Hip - To measure the hips, keep this in mind: it is not where the top of your hip bone is, it is actually around the largest part of your hip (bottom) area.
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E Front Waist Length - Start at the shoulder (right next to the base of the neck), and measure to the waist, measuring over the fullest part of the bust. Try to keep the tape as straight as possible.
F Bust Hight - To measure bust height, use the same starting point on the shoulder as your front waist length, measuring down to the apex of your bust point.
G Bust Centre - Place the tape horizontally, measure the distance between the two most prominent points of the chest.
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J Back Waist Length - This one is definitely a two person job, so have a friend measure from the nape of the neck down the spine to the waistline.
K Back Width - The back width is measured horizontally between the arm attachment points (underarm).
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N Arm Length - Measure from the top of the arm (find the bone connecting the shoulder to the top of the arm) to the wrist (find the bone at the side of the wrist), WITH THE ELBOW BENT. It’s important to keep the elbow bent to allow for movement when you make a sleeve.
O Side Length - measured from the armpit to the waist line.
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H Bust Width 1 - To measure bust width 1, place the tape horizontally 2-3 cm above the front corners of the axilla and measure this distance.
I Bust Width 2 - Bust width 2 is measured from one side to the other starting at the left or right axilla to the apex of the breast and across to the opposite side.
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L Shoulder Length - This is your shoulder seam length. Measure from the base of your neck right across to where your shoulder ends and your arm begins. If you have trouble determining your shoulder tip, find a garment in your closet with a collar and sleeve that fits well. Then measure the shoulder length of the garment.
M Arm Width - To measure arm width, wrap your measuring tape around the fullest part of your arm above your elbow.
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