Reply To: How Do I Take Body Measurements

[the_professors_assistantKeymaster]

Well, I think the easiest way to think to about full body measurements is to think of the body of having invisible seams.  Conveniently, these invisible seams line up in the exact spot where a garment seam would be.  So for example, chest width is going to go across the chest from side seam to side seam.  Back width is going to go across the widest part of the back from side seam to side seam.  Front shoulder slope is going to measure starting at shoulder seam but starting point should be be edge of the shoulder and end point should be  to waist at the center front seam.  It also helps if you tie strings around each of the three major circumferences (around bust, waist, and hip) before measuring starts as they will be referenced a lot. Also, I recommend doing a good deal of commercial pattern making on yourself before attempting patternmaking.  This way it gives you familiarity with how patterns work and how fit and alteration works.  It’s definitely a good foundation to build on and I feel patternmaking makes a lot more sense if you have this under your belt. If you watch our basic pants and basic skirt patternmaking series I also show you exactly how to take some of these measurements.  We don’t have anything for bodice measurements yet, but hopefully soon.  Good luck!