When you want the freedom to sew your own clothing, it is so important that you know your accurate body measurements. Inevitably, whether you want to know or not…you will need to determine your size. You’ll start with an existing pattern or garment and intimately knowing your bodies shape and size makes all the difference when it comes to having the freedom to make design, fit, and style adjustments. Accurate measurements are essential to making sure your finished pieces fit you perfectly!
Are you ready to take your home sewing to the next level?!
Tips
- Have someone else take your body measurements. This will ensure the measurements are accurate. Trust me…contorting your body to get the measurement does not yield accurate results!
- Wear next to nothing, or maybe just your underwear. This will give you true measurements.
- Use a flexible tape measure, like this one from Dritz. And measure loosely, meaning do not pull the tape so tight that your clothing would be uncomfortable.
- Print the free Isn’t that Sew Measurement Guide below to keep track of your body measurements. (download link below)
How to take Body Measurements
Height: Stand with your feet slightly apart and your back against a wall. Have a helper measure from the floor to the tip top of your head.
Bust: Relax your arms at your sides, measure the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
High Bust: Again, relax your arms at your side and measure just above your breasts.
Waist: Measure loosely around your natural waist. Your natural waist will be between your belly button and your rib cage.
Hips: Measure the fullest part of your hips and back side, making sure to keep the tape level. Again, make sure to measure loosely.
Rise: Holding the tape at the center back of your natural waist. Run the tape between your legs, pulling comfortably at the crotch, and up to your natural waist in front.
Inseam: Measure from your crotch to the bottom of your ankle. You can also measure the inseam of your best fitting pant to get your inseam measurement.
Arm: Bend your elbow 90 degrees and place your hand on your hip. Hold the tape at the center back of your neck. Measure across your shoulder to your elbow, and down to your wrist. The total length in inches is your sleeve length.
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When measuring for a man, what changes?
I assume the bust measurements are somewhat different but do you also leave out one measurement?
When measuring for a man, what changes?
I assume the bust measurements are somewhat different but do you also leave out one measurement?
i want to learn sewing pl guide me
kumardmani81@gmail.com
great job god bles you
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Hi, I was wondering if how can I make a pattern for a size 14 body I’m having a hard time to fit for me in all skirt, pants, bodice and sleeve so if you can help me on that
Hi Shannon,
Have you made a fitting shell yet?
I noticed this is a women’s guide, I was wondering if you had a men’s measurement guide
I’m sorry, I do not. I highly recommend Metric Pattern Cutting for Menswear by Aldrich
How can I place an order ?
I’m sorry, I do not sell anything.
Hello mam…thank you so much for spreading your love in the form of this knowledge…i really appriciate…i want to know that is there any youtube channel of yours..? thank you.
Hi, thank you so much. Yes, you can see it here. https://www.youtube.com/user/IsntthatSew
Like which craftsy course?
I dont want to poke around before i find a good one. They cost money?
Any class by Suzy Furrer would be worth the money! Plus, they are on sale right now! http://bit.ly/suzy-furrer
I love sewing! Now with this information at last, I can make my own patterns and adjust the patterns I have to fit my body. I have a long body and slightly bigger breast and hardly any waist or hips. I’m so looking forward to this. thank you for the helpful information.
Thanks
You’re welcome!
dommage que je puisse traduire en français . Sinon c’est génial cela motive vraiment .
Google should be able to translate.
How can I get full details of pattern drafting onblouses skirt and trouser construction using person or individual measurement
I think your best bet would be to purchase a book on pattern drafting and tailoring. There are also some really great Craftsy courses that are well worth the time and money!
gracias como motiva todo su contenido