The Complete Guide to Taking Body Measurements for Sewing

One thing I really hate about using different pattern companies is that there is no standardized sizing chart. I could be a size 12 in one brand, an XL in another, or apparently a "size yellow" in some alternate universe. It's genuinely frustrating!

That's exactly why knowing how to take your own body measurements is so important. Your measurements are the one consistent thing across every pattern company, and they're what help you pick the right size to sew every single time.

What You'll Need

All you need is a flexible measuring tape that won't stretch over time, a piece of paper, and a pencil. I keep several measuring tapes in my sewing room because they're such a basic, essential tool.

Tips for Getting Accurate Measurements

Getting your measurements right the first time saves you from frustrating fitting problems later. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Wear the right clothes. Measuring over a bulky sweatshirt will throw everything off. Measure in your underclothes or a thin, fitted layer. If you plan to wear a padded bra under your finished garment, wear it while measuring.

Don't suck in. Stand relaxed and breathe normally. Measurements are meant to reflect your actual body so your clothes fit you perfectly. Now is not the time to hold your breath or suck in!

Don't pull the tape too tight. The tape should lie snugly against your body without digging in.

Don't estimate. Write down your actual numbers. If your measurement falls on a fraction, you can round to the nearest whole number, but don't add or subtract inches to get the number you want.

Get a helper if you can. It's hard to measure some parts of your body on your own, such as your back. Having someone help ensures the tape is lying accurately, especially for bust and hip measurements.

Measure twice. Your measurements can vary slightly depending on the time of day, so consider measuring in the morning and again in the evening to get the most consistent number.

Which Measurements to Take

Most sewing patterns ask for your bust, waist, and hips at minimum. Some patterns also need your height, shoulder width, arm length, or neck measurement. Your pattern instructions will tell you exactly which ones are required.

Bust (Chest)

Wrap your measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust. Make sure the tape is completely parallel to the floor and not dipping down in the back. The type of bra you wear will affect this measurement, so always measure wearing the same underclothes you plan to wear with the finished garment.

Waist

Wrap the tape around the narrowest part of your torso, which is usually around the belly button. Keep it parallel to the floor and stand up straight. Don't lean or bend while measuring.

Hips

The hip measurement is taken around the widest part of your hips, not up near the hip bones, but lower, around the fullest part of your bottom and upper thighs.

This one can be tricky to get right on your own. Here are two methods that help:

Poster board method: Wrap a strip of poster board around your hips so it sits completely level. Tape it in place, then measure around the poster board.

Yard stick method: Hold a yard stick vertically from your belly button down to the floor to keep yourself aligned, then measure around the widest part of your hips, going around the stick too.

Height

Many patterns are drafted for a specific height range. Knowing yours helps you determine if you need to lengthen or shorten the pattern. Remove your shoes and measure from the top of your head to the floor.

Shoulder Width

Shoulder width is most useful when drafting a bodice or when you need to measure sleeve length. It's the distance from one shoulder point to the other. To find your shoulder point, feel for the edge of the shoulder bone on each side and measure between those two points.

Arm Length

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Arm length is measured from the shoulder point down to your wrist. This measurement is helpful any time you need to adjust sleeve length on a pattern.

Once you have all your measurements written down, keep them somewhere handy. You'll use them every time you start a new sewing project!

Also read: How to Read a Sewing Pattern: A Beginner's Guide