How to Take Body Measurements for Sewing: a Complete Guide for Perfect Fit (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

To achieve the perfect fit for sewing, commence by collecting a flexible measuring tape, full-length mirror, pen, and paper.

Measure snugly yet comfortably, maintaining the tape parallel to the floor. Record the bust around the fullest part, waist at the narrowest, hips around the fullest area, and other key spots such as neck, shoulders, and arms.

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, back straight, and shoulders relaxed while taking body measurements for sewing. Breathe normally and round up to the nearest whole number.

Adhering to these techniques guarantees precise measurements to craft garments designed specifically for your unique dimensions.

However, further knowledge is necessary for true mastery.

How to Take Body Measurements for Sewing?

To take body measurements for sewing, stand straight with minimal clothing and use a flexible measuring tape to measure key areas like bust, waist, hips, and other parts based on the pattern requirements. Record measurements accurately, rounding up to the nearest whole number for a perfect fit.

Measuring Equipment

To accurately capture body measurements for sewing projects, you’ll need a few essential tools: a flexible measuring tape, a full-length mirror to verify proper positioning, and a pen and paper for recording numbers. Optional items like string or the ZoZo.com measuring suit can further simplify the process.

Measuring Tape

You’ll need a flexible measuring tape. Look for a soft, cloth-style tape measure at least 1-2 inches wide for accurate body measurements. Fiberglass tapes provide structure while bending. Position it straight yet snug for garment fitting success.

Full-length Mirror

A full-length mirror is critical for accurate measurements. Position it with good lighting, minimize background distractions, and make sure it’s large, clear, and placed strategically to view your full bust, waist length, and hips while measuring.

Pen and Paper

You’ll also need a pen and paper to record your measurements as you take them. Jotting them down helps guarantee accuracy and prevents you from overlooking the numbers for your waist, bust, hip, neck, and shoulder measurements for future convenience.

Optional: String

You might also use a string for precise measurements. Here’s how:

1. Tie one end around your waist.
2. Hold taut against body.
3. Mark, measure string length.

Using string takes practice but guarantees accuracy for tailoring clothes or fitting patterns to your body shape.

Optional: ZoZo.com Measuring Suit

Another option is the ZoZo measuring suit – take detailed measurements via 3D imaging. Simply order online, put on the suit, and its app captures precise data for great fit. It’s convenient, accurate, and worth considering for serious sewers looking to invest in proper sizing.

Basic Body Measurements

You’ll start with the basic body measurements needed for sewing garments – bust, waist, hips, upper bust, and upper hip. To measure the bust, wrap the tape around the fullest part across the nipples; for the waist, find the narrowest area usually above the navel.

Bust: Around Fullest Part of Bust, Across Nipples

To measure your bust, wrap the tape snugly around the fullest part, across your nipple placement. Breathe normally and keep the tape parallel. Round up the measurement, accounting for breast tissue and desired bra fit.

Waist: Around Narrowest Part of Torso

Continuing on, measure your waist circumference around the narrowest part of your torso. Bend to the side and find where your waist naturally creases; that’s the spot. Keep the tape snug without restricting your breathing.

Hip: Around Fullest Part of Hips/bottom

After measuring your waist, you’ll want to measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom. Keep the tape level as you wrap it around your rear end for an accurate hip measurement.

Upper Bust: Around Body Above Bust, Under Armpits

Measure around your body above the bust, under the armpits. This upper bust measurement helps:

1. Determine ease needed for shoulders/upper chest
2. Adjust pattern for broad or narrow upper torso
3. Guarantee proper fit through the armholes/bodice

Upper Hip: Around 2-3 Below Waist

Your upper hip measurement, taken 2-3 inches below your natural waistline, helps guarantee proper fit for pants and skirts. Measure snugly, keeping the tape parallel to the floor and accounting for your unique curves and body shape.

Additional Body Measurements

To guarantee proper fit when sewing garments, take additional measurements like the neck circumference above the collarbone, shoulder length from base to edge, arm length from shoulder to wrist, wrist circumference above the hand, waist to knee length, inside leg length from crotch to ankle, and waist to ankle length.

Accurately recording these measurements on a body measurement chart provides essential supplementary data for creating well-fitting pieces.

Neck: Around Neck Above Collar Bone

Next, measure around your neck above the collarbone for:

1. Neckline shape
2. Neck length
3. Circumference

Keep the tape snug but not restrictive for accurate neck measurements.

Shoulder: From Shoulder to Top Edge of Shoulder

To measure your shoulder, place the measuring tape horizontally from one shoulder to the other’s outer edge. Keep it parallel to the floor.

Shoulder Start	Shoulder End	Purpose
Neck Base	Top Edge	Garment Fit
Raglan Sleeve	Neckline	Sleeve Length
Arm Length	Shoulder Tip	Body Proportions

Arm: From Top Edge of Shoulder to Wrist

To measure your arm length correctly, follow these steps: bend your elbow, keep arm straight, measure from the shoulder edge to your wrist.

• Make sure tape measure is level
• Mark arm length clearly
• Note any discrepancies
• Compare to pattern guidelines

Wrist: Around Wrist Above Hand

Measuring around the wrist above your hand is essential for getting sleeves and cuffs to fit properly. Wrap the tape snugly but comfortably, just below the wrist bone.

Waist to Knee: From Waist to Just Above Knee

Need to measure from waist to just above your knee? Here’s how:

• Stand straight, don’t bend knees
• Use a flexible tape measure
• Run it from your natural waistline down

It’s an important measurement for trousers, skirts, and dresses. Keep reading for more helpful tips!

Inside Leg: From Crotch to Ankle

To measure your inside leg length, stand with your feet slightly apart, then measure from the crotch seam down to your ankle bone.

Waist to Ankle: From Waist to Ankle

Take your waist-to-ankle measurement for ankle-length pants, skirts, dresses, or shoes. Stand straight, align the tape from waistline to ankle bone.

Recording Body Measurements

To accurately record your body measurements for sewing, download a free beginner body illustration that allows you to mark the measurements directly on the figure. Additionally, obtain a free chart listing the standard 14 body measurements required for most sewing projects; this will guarantee you capture all the necessary data.

Download Free Beginner Body Illustration to Mark Measurements

You’ll want to download a free beginner body illustration for marking your measurements. Search online for body measurement illustration, which should yield blank outlines you can print. Mark your measurements directly on the illustration as you take them, ensuring accurate placement. Having a visual representation helps reinforce measurement locations and provides a handy reference.

Choose Body Shape and Print Illustration

Once you’ve found a beginner body illustration, print out the one that best matches your body shape. This will help you accurately transfer measurements from your body to the illustration for future reference. Take a look at the different body shapes provided and choose the closest match for a proper starting point.

Download Free Chart With 14 Measurements

You’ll also want to download a free online chart with 14 measurements. It’s helpful to have a visual reference for:

• Full bust
• Waist
• Hips
• Back waist length
• Shoulder width

Look for charts designed for different body shapes. Print the one most similar to your measurements for easy reference while sewing.

Measuring Techniques

For accurate body measurements in sewing, make certain the tape measure remains parallel to the floor, measuring at the fullest part around the bust, waist, and hips. Hold the tape snug without excessive tightness, breathe normally without inhaling or exhaling fully, and round up fractions to the nearest whole number.

Keep Tape Measure Parallel to Floor

When taking body measurements, you’ll want to keep the tape measure parallel to the floor. This guarantees accurate readings for your body shape, especially when using a measuring suit or full-length mirror as guides.

Measure at Fullest Part of Bust, Hips, Etc

It’s essential to measure at the fullest parts. For the bust, wrap the tape around the fullest part, across the nipples. For hips, measure the widest part around your bottom/hips. Mark these with:

1. Straight pins
2. Chalk
3. Washable marker
4. String

Precise measurements here guarantee accurate fit.

Measure Snugly but Not Tightly

Wrap the tape snugly around each area – not overly tight. Proper tape alignment guarantees accuracy. Snugness varies by body shape for precise measurements.

Tape Fit	Guidelines
Too Tight	Inaccurate, compresses flesh
Too Loose	Gaps, fabric folds, incorrect
Just Right	Snug but comfortable fit

Breathe Normally, Don’t Hold Breath

You’ll want to breathe normally while measuring—no need to:

1. Hold your breath
2. Tense up
3. Suck in your stomach

This guarantees accurate measurements of your natural body shape and symmetry.

Round Up to Nearest Whole Number

Always round up measurements to the nearest whole number. This rounding technique guarantees consistent fit and accurate pattern sizing. Use a high-quality tape measure for precise results every time.

Divide by 2 for Half Measurements

After rounding up each measurement to the nearest whole number, divide it by 2 to get the half-measurement for:

1. Half-bust
2. Half-waist
3. Half-hip
4. Shoulder seam

These half-measurements provide critical body proportions fitted to your frame for achieving a perfect fit.

Measuring Positions

When taking body measurements for sewing, you’ll want to stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, keeping your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Wear minimal, form-fitting clothing, and use a full-length mirror to verify the tape measure is positioned correctly around your body.

Stand With Feet Shoulder-width Apart

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for a neutral, balanced posture. This foot position allows your weight to distribute evenly, ensuring accurate measurements around your body’s circumferences. A solid stance provides stability as you move the measuring tape around.

Keep Back Straight, Shoulders Relaxed

Stand straight with your shoulders relaxed and back naturally aligned. Avoid slouching or arching your back, which could lead to inaccurate measurements and back strain. Maintain proper posture by releasing muscle tension in your shoulders and spine for ideal spinal health during the measuring process.

Wear Minimal, Form-fitting Clothing

When measuring, wear minimal, form-fitting clothing that skims your body without being too loose or too tight. Loose-fitting clothes can distort measurements, while overly tight garments restrict your natural body shape. The right clothing choice enhances measurement accuracy by allowing the tape to smoothly conform to your curves.

Use a Mirror to Check Tape Placement

You’ll need a full-length mirror to guarantee proper tape positioning. Adjust the mirror and your stance to get the best view. Overhead lighting helps see the tape clearly. Use a string to guide tape placement initially if needed. Keep your posture neutral without exaggerated stances.

Measuring Bust

To measure your bust accurately, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it level and parallel to the floor. Wear your regular, well-fitting bra, and measure at the end of a normal inhalation without pulling the tape too tightly.

Measure Around Fullest Part of Bust

You’ll measure around the fullest part of your bust, across your nipple line. For accuracy:

1. Wear a well-fitting, unpadded bra.
2. Breathe normally, don’t hold your breath.
3. Ensure the tape stays level and parallel to the floor.

The bust measurement is essential for a flattering bra and garment fit. Taking care with proper technique guarantees your sewing projects will complement your shape.

Keep Tape Level, Don’t Pull Tight

You’ll also want to keep the tape level across your bust, not pulling it too tight. Proper tape placement and tension are key for accurate measurements. Keep your posture upright but relaxed, breathing normally throughout the process.

Measure Over Bra, Wearing Normal Bra

Wear your regular, everyday bra when measuring your bust. Choose:

1. An underwire bra for accurate support
2. A full coverage style without excessive padding
3. Your go-to comfy bra, not a minimizer or sports bra
4. The bra you’d normally wear with fitted tops

Wearing the right bra guarantees precise bust measurements for sewing projects.

Measure at End of Normal Inhalation

Breathe normally, then measure at the end of a relaxed inhalation. Don’t hold your breath—you want an accurate bust measurement without excessively expanded or compressed chest muscles influencing the fit. Avoid restrictive clothing that could alter your natural breathing pattern.

Measuring Waist

To measure your waist correctly for sewing, locate your natural waistline by bending to the side and noting where your torso creases. Position the measuring tape snugly but not tightly around this narrowest part of your midsection, ensuring you breathe normally and remain relaxed during the process.

Measure Around Natural Waistline

To measure your waist, wrap the tape around your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso. Keep it:

1. Parallel to the floor
2. Snug but comfortable
3. Smooth, not twisted
4. Breathe normally

Visualize cinching a waist band or cincher there – that’s your true waist size for perfect fit.

Bend to One Side, Waist Creases

To locate your natural waist, bend to one side – you’ll see the waist crease where your ribcage meets your hips. This crease indicates your narrowest point, making it easier to accurately position the measuring tape at your true waistline for precise measurements.

Keep Tape Snug but Not Restrictive

When measuring your waist, keep the tape snug but not restrictive. You want it to:

1. Lay flat against your skin
2. Conform to your body’s shape
3. Allow comfortable breathing

Avoid cinching the tape too tightly, as this can distort your measurements and cause discomfort.

Relax, Breathe Normally

Don’t hold your breath while measuring your waist. Relax and breathe normally to prevent any muscle tension or stress. A good relaxation technique is to take a few deep breaths and briefly meditate before measuring.

Breathe	Relax	Measure
Inhale	Drop shoulders	Position tape
Exhale	Release tension	Take reading
Repeat	Find calm	Record number

Measuring Hips

To measure your hips for sewing, stand with your feet together and locate the fullest part of your hips and seat area. Keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor, wrap it snugly but not tightly around this area while relaxing your hips and avoiding muscle flexing.

Measure Around Fullest Part of Hips/seat

To measure your hips, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. Keep the tape snug but not too tight. Check for the greatest circumference by gently rotating the tape, accounting for any hip dips or curves in your hip shape.

Keep Tape Parallel to Floor

You’ll want to keep the tape measure parallel to the floor when measuring your hips. This guarantees you’re measuring accurately around the fullest part. Hold the tape flat against your body, perpendicular to your hips, and avoid hunching or arching your back to maintain a relaxed posture.

Stand With Feet Together

Stand with your feet together when measuring your hips. This positioning allows for:

1. Maximized accuracy of the tape’s placement
2. Full view of your form in the mirror
3. Proper upright posture for consistent measurements

Clothing shouldn’t restrict, but feet together keeps your stance stable during measurement.

Relax Hips, Don’t Flex Muscles

When measuring your hips, don’t flex or tense them – keep those glutes relaxed. Take a deep breath, consciously release any muscle tension, and let your hips settle into their natural resting position. Consistency is key for accurate measurements, so make relaxation a habit to improve your body awareness and muscle memory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)