To make clothes that fit, you only need three body measurements to start with: chest or bust, waist and hips. Men, women and children are all measured the same way.
Where to measure
- Chest or bust: around the widest part of the chest.
- Waist: just above the hips, where a belt would sit.
- Hips: around the widest part of the lower body, over the hips and bottom.
Top tips for measuring
- Wear thin clothes, or measure over your underwear.
- Keep the tape measure level all the way round.
- It should be neither too tight nor too loose, like fitted clothing. You should be able to take a deep breath.
- Making a skirt or trousers? Also measure from your waist down to where you want the hem.
Overarm measurement
If you’re making something that goes on over your head, take an overarm measurement too. Put the tape measure around your body over your arms, across the fullest part of the chest. It tells you whether the garment will fit over your shoulders.
Choosing your pattern size
Pattern sizes are not the same as shop sizes, so always choose by your measurements, not the size you usually buy. If you fall between sizes, go by your biggest measurement, then take it in where needed.
See my free Measure Body card and Patterns card. Ready to start? Read sewing clothes for beginners or try my free pyjama trousers.
Learn to sew with Nanna Betty
Nanna Betty Sewing School teaches you one skill at a time, with simple sewing cards and short videos for your phone. Every make takes 2 hours or less, and it’s all free.
Leave a Reply