Taking Measurements 101

One of the first things you do before drafting a pattern or choosing a size in a commercial pattern is taking measurements. There are up to 40 plus specific body measurements you can extract prior to pattern drafting. In this post we will cover 3 essential measurements and how to accurately extract them. Hear me chat about these measurements in below YouTube video or scroll down for photo instructions.

Important Points to Remember when Measuring

• Try to have someone else measure you. When measuring yourself, it is not always accurate.
• Wear undergarments that you would ideally wear under your design in mind.
• Do not wear bulky garment when being measured. Ideal is a leotard, if you have one of those kicking around!
• Do not round up or down with your measurements. Measure to the nearest 1/8".

3 Key Body Measurements

Three essential horizontal measurements include the bust, natural waist and hips. They represent the largest and smallest horizontal measurements for fit. While measuring try to imagine the measuring tape parallel to the ground.

​Bust

Measure all the way around the largest part of the bust placing your tape parallel to the ground. Have your model breathe in and out and record the largest measurement of the two.

Natural Waist

You might be familiar with waist, but not 'natural' waist. This is not where your pants sit, rather, this is the smallest part of your torso. All designs are derived from the natural waist. Please be aware that for some people it sits higher to the bust and others it sits lower on the torso. To find your natural waist, bend to your left or right. Where you hinge is where you natural waist line sits. Measure all the way around at this line. Have your model breathe in and out and record the largest measurement of the two.

Hips

Face your model at their side, find the largest part of their bottom and measure all the way around ensuring your tape is sitting parallel to the ground.

​Created and written by Sheila Wong
Filmed and edited by Samantha Quon

Happy Sewing!
​Sheila Wong Studio Team