How to take measurements for sewing
You need a flexible tape measure, a mirror and, ideally, someone to help you.
Before you start
- Measure yourself in underwear or close-fitting clothes, barefoot.
- Keep the tape level and snug against the body, without pulling.
- Breathe normally and do not suck in your stomach.
- Tie a string around your waist to mark your natural waist for all vertical measurements.
- Do not add ease: every pattern already calculates it for the garment.
Torso and bust
- Chest/bust circumference
- Around the torso at the fullest part of the chest, tape level.
- High bust circumference
- Around the torso, under the armpits and above the bust.
- High bust front
- Front part of the high bust, side to side.
- Bust front
- Side seam to side seam across the front, over the fullest part of the bust.
- Underbust circumference
- Around the torso, just below the bust.
- Bust span
- Horizontal distance between the two bust points.
- Bust point to underbust
- Vertically, from the nipple to the crease under the breast.
- Shoulder to bust
- From the high point of the shoulder (next to the neck) to the bust point.
- Waist circumference
- Around your natural waist, the narrowest part of the torso.
- Waist back
- Back part of the waist circumference, side to side.
- Front length
- From the high shoulder point, down the front, to the waist.
- Back length
- From the high shoulder point, down the back, to the waist.
- Waist to underbust
- At the front, from the waist to the underbust line.
- Waist to armpit
- Vertically along the side, from the waist to the armpit.
Neck, shoulders and arms
- Neck circumference
- Around the base of the neck, where a shirt collar sits.
- Shoulder width
- From one shoulder point to the other, across the back.
- Shoulder slope
- Shoulder angle in degrees (usually between 10 and 15).
- Shoulder to elbow
- From the shoulder point to the elbow, arm slightly bent.
- Arm length
- From the shoulder point to the wrist, arm slightly bent.
- Biceps circumference
- Around the widest part of the relaxed upper arm.
- Wrist circumference
- Around the wrist, over the bone.
Hips and legs
- Hip circumference
- Around the hips, at the level of the hip bones.
- Seat circumference
- Around the fullest part of the buttocks.
- Seat back
- Back part of the seat circumference, side to side.
- Waist to hips
- Along the side, from the waist to the hip line.
- Waist to seat
- Along the side, from the waist to the fullest part of the buttocks.
- Waist to thigh
- Along the side, from the waist to the thigh line.
- Waist to knee
- Along the side, from the waist to the knee.
- Waist to floor
- Along the side, from the waist to the floor, barefoot.
- Crotch depth
- Seated on a flat chair: from the waist to the seat, along the side.
- Cross seam
- From the front waist, between the legs, to the back waist.
- Front cross seam
- From the front waist to the crotch point.
- Inseam
- From the crotch to the floor along the inside of the leg.
- Thigh circumference
- Around the top of the thigh.
- Knee circumference
- Around the knee, with the leg straight.
- Ankle circumference
- Around the ankle, over the ankle bone.
- Heel circumference
- Around the heel and instep, with the foot pointed.
Head
- Head circumference
- Around the head, above the eyebrows and ears.