Taking Your Body Measurements

Correct measurements your body is main condition for drafting an accurate pattern your clothes. Learn how to take your body measurements easily and correctly.
Note: For best results you need use a flexible measuring tape, not a metal one.
Bust/Chest Measurement

The main measure your body is a circumference of chest. Take this measure carefully. The flexible measuring tape must pass along highest points of breast and under your armpits, around your shoulder blades.
Waist Measurement

Place a measuring tape around natural waistline: not tight. Do not retract your stomach. Stay in a natural position peculiar to you all time.
Hips Measurement

To take hips circumference correctly you need to place the tape around fullest part of legs and over largest part of your buttocks. Hips measurement is best done with an assistant.
Inseam Measurement

Measure inner length between legs. This measurement is needed often to drafting kids pants and mens trousers.
Neck Measurement

Neck measure is needed to drafting womens shirts and dresses. Measure this circumference around base of neck: not tight.
Sleeve Length

Sleeve length is measured from shoulder edge to wrist.
Shoulder Length

Shoulder length is measured from neck line to shoulder's end.
Body Rise Measurement

To take a body rise measurement you need to sit on flat chair. Length from waistline to the chair is a body rise measure. This measure is equal to length from natural waistline to crotch level. This measure is needed to drafting of trousers pattern.
Trouser Length

Trouser length is measured on an outside of leg from waistline to bottom line (hemline). Trouser length is measured by assistant.
Skirt Length

Skirt length is measured from waistline to hem line.
Wrist Measurement

Take a circumference around wrist at bone area. Add to this circumference value a slack to make a comfortable cuff fitting.

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