HOW DO I GET MY MEASUREMENTS???: FOR BEGINNERS!!!!

MEASURING MADE EASY!

Measuring is crucial to know when you are learning how to sew and dressmaking. In order to properly fit your client into a garment you will need their measurements. It may sound scary at first but this guide is to make it easy for you to learn! If you’re up for the challenge scroll down for more information.

TOP MEASUREMENTS 

Step 1) The most important measurements to look for when you are measuring someone is the horizontal measures. The horizontal measures are measurements that go across the body. The three main measures to look for are the bust, waist, and hip. These measurements are usually used for when you're measuring someone for a shirt (except hip, hip is used for top and bottom garments). The additional measures that you can look for are the across front and across back measures.

• Waist = Measured around the narrowest part of the stomach.

• Bust = Measured around fullest part of your bust (Across the nipples)

• Hip = Measured around the fullest part of your buttocks. (Middle of buttocks)

• Across Front & Back = Measured halfway between shoulder and armpit. Then measure from armpit to armpit

Follow these diagrams below in order to fully understand where you should be measuring.

BOTTOM MEASUREMENTS

Step 2) Thigh, Ankle, Knee

Now we will focus on the bottom measurements needed to make a garment. These are still horizontal measures. These measurements will ensure a fitted bottom garment for your client (REMEMBER THAT HIP MEASURES IS ALSO USED FOR BOTTOM MEASURES) 

• Thigh= Measured at the fullest part of your thigh.

• Knee = Measured around the middle of your knee.

• Ankle= Measured at your ankle bone.

• Hip = (look above for measurement placement) 

SLEEVE MEASUREMENTS 

Step 3) Sleeve length, Bicep, elbow, wrist and hand 

The sleeve measures can be tricky but once you get familiar with measuring your sleeves it’ll all be easy.

• Sleeve length = the full length desired for your sleeve. It is measured from top of shoulder down to the desired length.

• Bicep = Measure at where your bicep is located Make sure your client flexes the arm so you can get a comfortable fit.

• Elbow = Measured at the elbow. Make sure the client bends arm to get a comfortable fit.

• Wrist = Measured at the wrist. To ensure sleeve fit over the hand you may also want to measure the hand.