How to Take Measurements When Making Clothes
Making clothes is a lot of fun, but we want the things we have made to fit right.
In order to do that, we need to take measurements that are accurate.
This is true whether you are using a pattern, or if you are making something from scratch without one.
It is worth remembering that even if you find shop bought clothes in a certain size fit fairly well, the sizes on the back of a pattern are often totally different!
I have made the mistake myself in the past of assuming that the sizing on the pattern would be the same as for shop bought clothes, made the thing and then found it was too small!
Checking your measurements is probably the most important thing to do before you start making anything. If you’re using a pattern, compare them with the size guide on the back.
If you’re not using a commercial pattern but you are using a dress form, check that the measurements on your dress form are the same. If there is a significant difference, you might like to read this post about how to adjust a non adjustable dress form.
Once you’ve taken your measurements, jot them down somewhere so that you have them to refer to when you need them again.
How to Take Your Measurements
Before you Start
You will find it easier if you have somebody to help you. If you don’t, consider using a full length mirror so that you can check that the tape is straight when you are measuring.
Don’t try to take measurements while you’re wearing anything baggy or bulky. Something close fitting like leggings and a vest top is best.
Use a good quality plastic tape measure (affiliate link). The fabric ones sometimes stretch a bit, especially over time.
When measuring from your waist or your hips, dangle the tape measure so that the end of the tape measure is at the bottom. That way you can read your measurements easily.
Don’t be tempted to pull the tape measure too tight! You want to be able to breathe and move about, so keep it loose. If your finished garment turns out to be slightly too big, it’s easier to make something smaller than it is to make it bigger.
What to Measure
Top Half
From shoulder to shoulder
Across your collarbone
Around your chest under your armpits
Bust
Underneath boob area
Waist (where the tape measure sits comfortably)
Shoulder to armpit
Armpit to waist
Waist to hips
Bottom Half
Hips (at the widest point)
Waist to knee
Waist to ankle
Arms
Around the top of your arm
Around your wrist
Shoulder to elbow
Shoulder to wrist
For making trousers
Inside leg
Around thigh
Around the top of the knee
Around the ankle
If you are making a dress or a skirt and you want the hem to be at a mid calf kind of level, you will need to take this measurement too.
Whether you make clothes using a commercial pattern or without, keeping your measurements handy in a diary or a notebook means that you can refer back to them without having to measure yourself all over again.
PS If you want to sew clothes without using a pattern, you might like my ebook!
Linking up here.
Anne says
April 5, 2016 at 19:59Good info about measurements! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow that features your tutorial: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=87418 –Anne
Anne recently posted…Tutorial: Vintage-inspired sun dress
AnnaWilson says
April 5, 2016 at 20:22Thank you xx
Patchwork Fairy says
April 10, 2016 at 19:30Thanks for the information – I like to make things based on clothes I have already and this should make my attempts more accurate!
Patchwork Fairy recently posted…Crocheted Fairy House Tea-Pot Cover!
AnnaWilson says
April 11, 2016 at 05:37Using clothes you have already is a good place to start 🙂
Lucy Blossom says
April 10, 2016 at 19:56Great advice, I have a friend who has just got into making her own clothes, shall show her your post.
AnnaWilson says
April 11, 2016 at 05:37I hope she finds it useful 🙂
Julie says
April 10, 2016 at 21:27Good advice, it’s worth knowing all of this for a good fit. thanks.
Julie recently posted…Kitchen Box Frame Makeover
AnnaWilson says
April 11, 2016 at 05:38Thank you 🙂
Louise says
April 11, 2016 at 07:13Awesome post, thank you! This would also be helpful for a non sewer like me who is crocheting articles of clothing!
AnnaWilson says
April 11, 2016 at 18:08I didn’t think of that! Although I suspect crocheted things might be a bit stretchier 🙂
Jan @ Handcrafted by Picto says
April 13, 2016 at 15:16Great tips, It’s a good idea to have a list like this to hand to ensure all the needed are taken.
Thank you x
Jan @ Handcrafted by Picto recently posted…A Cat & A Mouse Nursery Paintings
AnnaWilson says
April 13, 2016 at 18:11Thank you xx
Teresa says
April 13, 2016 at 18:21Very useful. This is something I’m terrible at. I usually jump into the projects before taking measurements…Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
Teresa recently posted…(Almost) Wordless Wednesday – rainbows
AnnaWilson says
April 14, 2016 at 19:44I’ve done that too, it’s as much a reminder for myself as anything!
Domenica says
April 13, 2016 at 20:23Thanks for sharing over at the DIY Crush Craft Party. Such great tips! We’ve added this to our Pinterest board. Don’t forget to stop by next Thursday to add your tutorials to our next DIY Crush Craft Party!
AnnaWilson says
April 14, 2016 at 19:45Thank you 🙂
vicky myers says
April 14, 2016 at 06:13Great idea to keep the measurements handy – I so agree that it is very frustrating to make an item only to find it doesn’t fit!!
AnnaWilson says
April 14, 2016 at 19:46It is, isn’t it!
MarieLucienneHP@gmail.com says
April 15, 2016 at 18:06Hello Anna,
thank you for helpful post – pinned it right away!
Happy sewing,
Marjan
AnnaWilson says
April 15, 2016 at 19:57Thank you Marjan xx
EJ says
May 6, 2017 at 10:44I would also recommend measuring half and half too, at the back and at the front. I am a size 10-12 around the back, but at the front I am usually a 12-14 for most patterns. I also have a friend who is a size 22-24 at the front, but only a size 14 across her back, causing quite a few pattern cutting problems if she hasn’t thought about it before starting.
AnnaWilson says
May 7, 2017 at 19:54Good suggestion, I hadn’t thought of that 🙂
Teodora Totorean says
May 7, 2017 at 19:31Such a useful post. I can’t sew with a machine, but I can sew by hand, mainly altering thinks, nothing grand. But I have a dress that doesn’t look so good on me and I was thinking the other day that I would either transform it in a top or in a long dress. If I decide to do something with it, I will definitely use your measurements :).
Teodora Totorean recently posted…WIP – Floral Handpainted Trinket Box
AnnaWilson says
May 7, 2017 at 19:48Thanks Teodora, I also have a post about turning a dress into a skirt 🙂
Julie says
May 9, 2017 at 15:20Great tips as always. I don’t recommend getting young sons to help though, I hear they can get inches and cm’s muddled, read 6 and 9 interchangeably and they just shout out any old number to get it all over quickly so they can go back to whatever computer game is calling to them!! (apparently!)
Julie recently posted…Handmade Monday #24
AnnaWilson says
May 10, 2017 at 18:40Lol, I’ve had similar issues with baking!
Bunty says
March 11, 2019 at 09:46Anna,
Can you tell me please how I can access your free printable measurement guide mentioned when I signed up .
i do not seem to be able to find it. I am new to dress making things for myself and it would be so helpful.