How to take body measurements

1. Take body measurements
2. Add ease at required points
3. Measure the pattern
4. Compare your body measurements (including ease) with those of the pattern measurements. Enter differences, which determine where alterations are needed. 

You’ll Need: A flexible measuring tape, pencil, paper, eraser, helper and a commercial pattern of your choice.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR BODY
·The Length of back (back waist length): Take from the bottom of the bone in back of neck straight down to the bottom of the tape measure at the waist.

·Length of front (front waist length): A fairly loose measurement taken from the bottom of the hollow of the neck to the bottom of the tape at the waist.

·Underarm measure: Taken from the lower edge of the armhole, or the hollow of the arm, to the bottom of the tape at the waist.

Another way to take this measure is to fold the tape measure over a fairly long pencil, which is then placed under the arm. The number of inches from the top of the pencil to the lower edge of the waistband in a straight line will give the correct measure.

NOTE: In taking the underarm measure the shoulder must be kept in a natural position and the arm held down close to the figure.

·Underarm Seam: The top of this seam, which is directly below the end of the shoulder line, gives the last point of location for the armhole; at this point, the curve rises about one-half inch above the actual underarm measure. At the waistline, it falls toward the back a little, rather than at right angles to the waist line.

· Bust: Take this measure standing behind the person being measured. Take around the fullest part of the bust. The fullest part of the bust in generally, one-half way between bone in back of neck, and the waist, keeping the tape straight across the back.

·Waist: Taken around the waist. A comfortable snug measure.

·Upper arm: Take around arm, 1” below armpit; if one arm is larger, use larger measurement.

·Width of Back: Across the back 4” (about 1/4 away from neck to waist in center back) down from neck bone, between body folds formed by arms hanging straight.

·Front Width: Taken 1 1/2” or 2” below the hollow at the base of the neck, across the widest part of the chest from armseye to armseye. In other words, from the middle of shoulder over point of bust to waistline tape. Usually 2 inches below hollow of neck.

·Sleeve Length: From edge of shoulder, where sleeve would be set in, over bended elbow to desired length.

·Point of elbow: Above measurement to point of elbow only.

· Hips (around the fullest part, 9” below waist for Misses, Women and Junior; 7” below waist for Half size, junior petite and Young Junior/Teen.Skirt Length: Measure center front of a garment for correct length, from bottom edge of waistband to hem of skirt

· Neck or Collar Measures
i. Base of Neck: A close measure taken around the neck at the base of the neck.

ii. Top of Neck: A close measure.

iii. Height at Back of neck: Taken from above the bone at the base of the neck to req. height.

iv. Height at Front of neck: Taken from the hollow at the base of the neck to req. height.

v. Height at Side: Taken back of the ear. Measured from base of neck req. hgt. Should not be more than 1/4” or 3/8” higher than the back.

ADD EASE TO THE FOLLOWING POINTS
i. Bust: 3” to 4” for fitted bodice 5” to 6” for loose top or jacket.

ii. Hips: 2” to 2 1/2” for straight skirt.

iii. Front Waist Length: about 1/4”.

iv. Back Width: 1/2” to 1”.

v. Upper Arm: 1” to 2” for fitted sleeve

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