Are you a passionate hobbyist with a love for sewing? Have you ever found yourself scrolling through gorgeous sewing patterns, only to be disappointed when the final garment doesn’t quite fit as expected? Well, fear not, because you’re not alone in this common struggle! Many sewing enthusiasts face the same challenge, and the solution lies in the very first step of your creative journey – accurate body measurements.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to unravel the mysteries of taking your own body measurements with a tape measure. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned seamstress, knowing how to measure yourself for sewing patterns is an essential skill that will revolutionize your sewing projects.
But how do you measure yourself accurately? What are the key measurements you need for different sewing patterns? These questions will be answered, and accompanied by clear video examples, so there’s no more room for mistakes! By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to take measurements for sewing patterns that will fit you like a glove. You can find all tutorials on how to measure yourself for sewing on our Picknsew® YouTube channel.
Content:
- How to Measure Total Body Height for Sewing
- How to Measure Upper Body Circumferences for Sewing
- How to Measure Upper Body Lengths for Sewing
- How to Measure Arms for Sewing
- How to Measure Lower Body for Sewing
- How to Measure Legs for Sewing
- How to Measure Head Size for Sewing
How to Measure Total Body Height for Sewing
For this measurement, it’s important to be in bare feet. Wearing footwear can alter your height. Stand up straight against a flat surface like a wall, with your heels together and your back against the wall. Ensure that your body is in a natural, upright posture. Imagine a string pulling you upward from the top of your head, elongating your spine. This will help you achieve the most accurate measurement.
Hold the tape measure vertically, starting from the highest point of your head. This is typically the crown of your head, where your skull curves upward. Gently press the tape measure against your head, so it’s in contact with your skin but not pulling your hair. Let the tape measure drop naturally, following the contours of your body, all the way down to the floor. Once the tape measure reaches the floor, note the measurement in inches or centimeters, depending on your preference.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have someone available to assist you in taking this measurement, don’t worry. You can still get an accurate measurement on your own. Simply stand against a wall, as previously described, and use a pencil to make a small mark right on top of your head. Then, step away from the wall and measure the distance from the mark to the floor in a straight line.
How to Measure Upper Body Circumferences for Sewing
How to Measure Bust Size for Sewing Patterns
The bust measurement is a critical component when creating sewing patterns for tops, blouses, and dresses. It plays a significant role in determining the fit and comfort of your garments. Let’s dive into how to measure your bust accurately.
Before you start, ensure you’re wearing the bra you intend to pair with the garment you’re sewing. The type of bra you wear can affect the measurement, so it’s essential to replicate your typical undergarments. If you don’t intend on wearing a bra with the garment you are measuring for, do not wear a bra while taking this measurement.
Stand naturally with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your arms relaxed by your sides. To achieve the most accurate measurement for sewing, take a moment to inhale and exhale deeply, allowing your chest to settle into its natural position. This helps ensure your bust measurement reflects your true size
With the tape measure in hand, place it under the lower edge of your shoulder blades, ensuring it wraps around your back comfortably. Bring the tape measure around to the front, positioning it over the fullest part of your bust. This is typically at the center of your breasts. Ensure that it rests flat against your skin without compressing the breast tissue.
Note: Depending on your body shape, the measurement may have a slight slant. For larger busts, the tape measure might angle slightly downward, while smaller busts may cause it to slant upward. This variation is entirely normal and reflects the natural contours of your body.
How to Measure Neck Size for Sewing Patterns
Measuring your neck circumference is important when you’re making sewing patterns for garments like shirts, blouses, or dresses with collars. It helps ensure that the neck opening fits comfortably and looks just right.
First, locate the center back of your neck. You can feel for the bony part at the base of your neck—it’s called the cervical vertebrae. That’s where you’ll begin your measurement.
Hold the tape measure and place it at the center back cervical vertebrae. Then, gently bring it around your neck, making sure it sits flat against the back of your neck without twisting or folding. The lower edge of the tape measure should line up with where you want the collar of your garment to attach in the front.
Make sure the tape measure isn’t too tight; it should rest gently against your skin without squeezing your neck. You should be able to fit a finger between your neck and the tape for a comfortable fit.
The Slim Fit Blouse Chelsea especially benefits from the neck measurement, because of the collar, that should never be too tight or too loose.
How to Measure Waist Size for Sewing Patterns
When it comes to sewing, one of the key measurements you’ll need to create well-fitting garments is your waist measurement. Whether you’re sewing skirts, pants, or dresses, knowing how to measure your waist accurately is essential.
Start by locating the smallest part of your waist, which is usually the narrowest point between your ribcage and your hips. This is where your natural waistline sits. You can find it by bending sideways; the crease that forms is a good indicator.
Take the tape measure and wrap it around your waist at the smallest point. Make sure the tape measure is parallel to the ground and snug but not tight against your skin.
Pro Tip: Maintain comfortable and natural breathing throughout the measurement process. You should be able to inhale and exhale easily. This ensures that your waist measurement accurately reflects your relaxed state and will be suitable for sewing patterns. This measurement is most important for dresses like the Sheath Dress Sydney, because it should fit perfectly around your waist.
How to Measure Upper Body Lengths for Sewing
How to Measure Bust Height for Sewing Patterns
The high point shoulder to apex measurement is an important dimension for sewing patterns, especially when you’re creating garments that require precise shaping around the bust area. This measurement ensures a proper fit.
Begin by finding the highest point of your shoulder. This point is often at the base of your neck, where your shoulder meets your neck. It’s the spot where you can feel the bone or a bony prominence. Next, you need to locate your apex. Your apex is the fullest point of your bust, which is usually where your nipple is but this point can vary from person to person.
With the starting point (high point shoulder) and the endpoint (apex) identified, take the tape measure and measure the distance between these two points. The tape should run straight along your body.
Pro Tip: Enlist a friend’s help. Measuring the high point shoulder to apex by yourself can be a bit tricky. It’s often easier and more accurate to have a friend assist you. They can ensure that the tape measure is perfectly straight and that it runs along your body without any twists or distortions.
How to Measure Shoulder Width for Sewing Patterns
The across shoulder measurement is a crucial dimension for sewing patterns, especially when crafting garments like tops, blouses, and jackets. This measurement helps determine how wide the back of your garment should be, ensuring a comfortable and well-fitting shoulder area.
Begin by finding the shoulder point on one side of your body. This point typically coincides with the high point where a sleeve attaches to the garment. It’s the spot where your shoulder seam would sit if you were wearing a well-fitted top. Next, locate the same shoulder point on the opposite side of your body, along the upper back. With both shoulder points identified and aligned, take the tape measure and measure the distance between these two points along the upper back.
Note: It’s important that you do not arch your back or puff out your chest as this will influence this measurement. Stand comfortably and relaxed how you would normally.
How to Measure Distance Between the Breasts for Sewing Patterns
In the realm of sewing, precision is paramount to achieving a flattering and comfortable fit for garments like bodices and swimsuits. Measuring the distance between your breasts, often referred to as the bust point, apex to apex, or bust separation measurement, plays a pivotal role in this process.
Before you begin, consider the type of garment you intend to make. If you plan to wear it without a bra, proceed with the measurement as you are. However, if you intend to wear a specific bra with the garment, ensure that you’re wearing that exact bra during measurement.
Locate the bust points, which are the fullest parts of your breasts, often corresponding to your nipple area.
With the bust points identified, take the tape measure and measure the shortest horizontal distance between them. Ensure that the tape measure is perfectly level and straight. The measurement should be taken without any tension or compression on the breast tissue.
How to Measure from Neck to Waist for Sewing Patterns
Measuring from the neck to the waist is a vital dimension for creating sewing patterns that perfectly fit your upper body. This measurement helps ensure that garments like dresses, blouses, and tops have the right length and proportions.
To start, you’ll need a ribbon or a flexible measuring tape and a friend’s assistance, if available. Begin by attaching the ribbon or measuring tape around your waist at the smallest part. This step helps identify your waistline clearly. Maintain a relaxed and comfortable posture.
Now, identify the starting point for your measurement. This point is at the center of your sternum, just below your neck, where your collarbone meets the chest.
Using the ribbon or measuring tape as a guide, measure from the starting point at your sternum straight down to the height of your waist. This is typically where the ribbon or tape is positioned, and it should align with the smallest part of your waist.
How to Measure Arms for Sewing
How to Measure Biceps for Sewing Patterns
When sewing garments with  sleeves, it’s crucial to have accurate measurements for the bicep area. This ensures that your sleeves are neither too tight nor too loose.
Identify the armpit level on your arm. It’s the hollow area just beneath your armpit. This is where you’ll start the measurement. Position the tape measure directly in your armpit, making sure it’s snug but not tight. The tape measure should rest against your skin.
Ensure that the tape measure encircles the thickest part of your bicep. This measurement should include the lower end of the shoulder muscle as well.
Note: Avoid flexing or tensing your bicep muscles, as this can lead to an inaccurate measurement.
How to Measure Elbow and Wrist for Sewing Patterns
Accurate measurements of the elbow and wrist are essential when you measure yourself for sewing, especially for crafting sewing patterns for sleeves, cuffs, and accessories like bracelets. These measurements ensure a comfortable and well-fitted finish.
Start by standing in a relaxed posture with your arm slightly bent at your side. Ensure that you can move your elbow and wrist comfortably throughout the process.
Identify the center of your elbow joint, which is the bony part that protrudes when your arm is bent. This is the point you’ll measure fort he elbow measurement. Identify the thinnest part of your lower arm, which is typically where your wrist joint is. This is where you’ll measure the wrist circumference. Hold the tape measure horizontally and take your measurement.
The Blouse Dress Turin is one sewing pattern where this measurement is key. Due to the slim sleeves and the cuffs, these measurements will give you the perfect fit on your sewing pattern.
How to Measure Lower Body for Sewing
How to Measure High Hip Circumference for Sewing Patterns
Accurate measurements of the high hip circumference are crucial for sewing patterns that involve fitted waistbands, skirts, and pants. This measurement ensures that your garments will sit comfortably on your upper hips.
Locate your high hip area, which is the horizontal line across your body at the level of your hip bone. You can find this area by feeling for the bony prominence that sits slightly above your hip joint.
Hold the tape measure horizontally and wrap it around your body at the high hip area. Ensure that the tape measure is parallel to the ground and sits snugly but comfortably against your skin. Measure the circumference.
How to Measure Hip Size for Sewing Patterns
When it comes to sewing patterns, precise hip measurements are key to creating garments that fit comfortably and flatteringly around your hips and buttocks. This measurement is key when you measure yourself for sewing pants, trousers or skirts.
To measure the low hip, identify your low hip area, which is the horizontal line across your body at the thickest part of your bum. Take a flexible tape measure and wrap it horizontally around your body at the level of your low hip area. Make sure the tape measure is parallel to the ground and rests comfortably against your skin. Measure the circumference.
How to Measure from Waist to High Hip for Sewing Patterns
Understanding the distance from your waist to your high hip is essential when crafting sewing patterns, particularly for garments that require a tailored fit around the waist and upper hip area.
To begin, you’ll need a flexible measuring tape or a ribbon and a friend’s assistance, if possible. Start by attaching the ribbon or measuring tape securely around your waist at its narrowest part. This will help identify your waistline clearly.
Identify your high hip area, which is the horizontal line across your body slightly above your hip bone. This point is typically the fullest part of your upper hip and may be just below your waist ribbon.
Use the measuring tape to measure yourself vertically from your waist to your high hip. Ensure the tape runs straight along your body without any twisting or bending.
How to Measure the Rise for Sewing Patterns
Accurate measurements of the rise are essential when crafting sewing patterns for pants, shorts, and other bottom-wear garments. The rise measurement helps ensure that your trousers will sit comfortably at your waist and hips.
Start by attaching a flexible measuring tape or a ribbon securely around your waist at its smallest part. This will serve as a reference point for your waistline.
Identify your low hip area, which is the horizontal line across your body at the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. This point is typically just below your waist ribbon. Use the measuring tape to measure vertically from your waist down to your low hip. Ensure that the tape runs straight along your body without twisting or bending. This measurement is very important for pants, so if you want to make e.g. The Leslie Pants sewing pattern, be sure to accurately measure your rise.
How to Measure Legs for Sewing
How to Measure Thigh Circumference for Sewing Patterns
When you measure yourself for sewing with patterns that involve pants, shorts, or fitted skirts, knowing your thigh circumference is essential for achieving a comfortable and well-fitting garment.
Locate the thickest part of your thigh, which is typically the area between your hip and knee. This is where your thigh circumference will be measured. Take a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around your thigh at the thickest part. Ensure that the tape measure is snug but not tight. Measure the circumference.
How to Measure Knee and Calf Size for Sewing Patterns
When crafting sewing patterns for fitted pants, skirts, and other lower-body garments you will need the calf and knee measurements. These measurements ensure your creations will provide comfort and ease of movement.
Locate the thickest part of your knee, which is typically the area right across your kneecap. This is where you’ll measure the knee circumference.
How to Measure Inseam Length for Sewing Patterns
The inseam length is a critical measurement for sewing patterns involving pants, shorts, and other legwear. Accurate inseam measurements ensure that your garments will have the right length and proportions for your legs.
Start by wearing the type of shoes or footwear you intend to pair with the garment you’re making. This helps ensure that the inseam measurement is appropriate for the desired look and fit.
Locate the starting point for your inseam measurement. This point is typically at the top inside of your thigh, where your leg meets your groin area. This is where the inseam begins.
Using a flexible measuring tape or ruler, measure yourself vertically from the starting point (top inside of your thigh) down along the inside of your leg tot he floor.
How to Measure Head Size for Sewing
When drafting sewing patterns that involve head wear such as hats or headbands, knowing your head size is essential for achieving a comfortable and well-fitted accessory.
Identify the widest point on your head. This is typically across your forehead, just above your eyebrows. It’s the part of your head where the hat or headband will rest.
Take the measuring tape or string and wrap it horizontally around your head at the widest point. Ensure that it’s snug but not too tight. If you’re using a piece of string, mark the point where it meets the starting end and then measure the length with a ruler.
Measure Yourself for Sewing with the 3D Sewing Pattern Designer
If you want to try to measure yourself for sewing patterns, try the 3D Sewing Pattern Designer! After you buy your customized sewing pattern you will be able to insert all the measurements into an easy to understand form. After that our pattern specialists will create the sewing patterns to your measurements!