HOW TO TAKE MEASUREMENTS FOR DRESS MAKING.

Hello Fashionistas and Sewistas,

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In this post, I talk about how to take measurements if you have a garment to make with respect to gowns, blouses and skirts.

There are some measurements that need their vertical measurements first before the horizontal can be made on fabric such as bust, underbust, waist and hips. You will see a detailed measurement on paper here. To measure on a body, measure the length first and at the end of the length measurement, take the round measurement.

So let's get into the details.

*The thick blue lines represents your tape measure.

1. Armscye or Armhole: Take your tape measure over your shoulder to meet at your underarm. It is a round/circular measurement.
2. Length of garment: Measure from where the slope of shoulder begins, across your bust and to where you want the length of your garment.
3. Waist to hip: This is needed if you are sewing a 2 piece dress, trouser or skirt. You measure from the waist to the widest part of the hips on the side of the body.
4. Round sleeve at upper arm: This is also a round measurement. If your garment will need a short, elbow length, three-quarter or long sleeve, this measurement is needed.

5. Shoulder: This is a horizontal measurement and is measured from collar bone to collar bone at the back of the body

6. Bust size: Measure around your chest, at the fullest point of the bust (not under the bust)

7. Under bust: Measure round under your bust so your dress doesn't float across your bust.

8. Waist size: This can differ according to types of garment and preference of the wearer. You may want either a low waist or high waist (half length). Measure round the area you want your waist to be.

9. Hip size: Standing with your feet together, measure around the fullest part of the hips.

10. Length of sleeve: This is a vertical measurement and is measured from the collar bone on top of the shoulder to where you want your sleeve to be. The measurement can be taken straight or the way the hands are curved in the picture above.
11. Round sleeve at elbow: This is used if you want your sleeve to be fitted at the elbow. 
12. Round sleeve at wrist: This is used if you want your sleeve to be fitted at the wrist.

Feel free to ask your questions and drop your comments.

xoxo,

'Cisca elle.