Taking Body Measurements
You will need the following materials:
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Band of elastic (with buttonholes)
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Measuring tape
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Assistant
Please note: Patterns cannot be compared to standard sizes. Therefore, it is very important to measure correctly before you begin. Take your measurements smoothly, but not too tightly, over fitted lingerie. Tie a band of elastic around your waist and leave it in place while measuring. Never take your own measurements; ask for assistance.
Taking Body Measurements
Height: Stand barefoot with your back against a wall, place a book on your head and against the wall. Measure your height from the bottom of the book to the floor.
Chest circumference: Place the tape measure across the fullest part of your bust, under your arms, and towards your back. Measure the chest circumference, make sure the tape measure is horizontal and let your arms hang straight down.
Waist circumference: Place the tape measure over the elastic band and measure the waist circumference.
Hip circumference: Place the tape measure approximately 18 to 20 cm below the waistline and measure the hip circumference across the fullest part of your butt.
Back length: Measure the back length from the lump in your neck down to the elastic band, measure the back length.
Upper arm circumference: Place the tape measure over the fullest part of your arm, measure the upper arm circumference.
Sleeve length incl. shoulder length: Measure from the neckline over the shoulder in one go to 1 cm below the wrist joint, measure the sleeve length incl. shoulder length
Determining your clothing size
Once you've noted your measurements, you can determine your clothing size. The measurements are based the back length, if you have a different height, you can adjust the patterns by shortening or lengthening it at the noted location on the patterns.
Always compare your body measurements with the “Body Measurements” chart, never with the pattern itself. Circle the measurements in the size chart that most closely match your measurements. The circles will usually be in different columns, meaning that different sizes are chosen for different garments, and sometimes the patterns might need to be adjusted slightly for the perfect fit.
If you're less experienced with sewing patterns I recommend going with the size where the waist measurement falls in, unless that's the only lowest value. Adjust your project whilst test fitting before sewing the permanent seams.
