Taking body measurements needs extreme accuracy.Getting perfect fitting starts with proper body measurements.In this blog post I will be talking about how to take accurate body measurements for dress making.
By now I believe you have bought your sewing machine, and your sewing accessories
The human body is a 3 dimensional form.Measuring any 3D form has many challenges .But that not withstanding,accurate measurements are important and worth the time invested in it.
A good accurate measurement will produce a well balanced nicely fitting garments.The amount of body measurements you make depends on what you want to use the measurements for.
BASIC TIPS BEFORE BODY MEASUREMENTS FOR DRESS MAKING
If You are taking your body measurements yourself, its a lot of work.
If possible, get help. You can download my body measurement illustrations HERE. which means that a person with no sewing skills can take your measurements for you..
Get someone, family or friend to help you if possible..
If however you are measuring somebody else, ask participants to stand with their weight evenly distributed throughout the session.
When doing the actual measurements try not to stiffen your shoulders in tension or straighten your figure. Keep yourself comfortable and relaxed.
It can take some time to get the correct measurement the first time it is advisable that you take each measurement at least three times and take the average.
There are some measurements that are virtually impossible to take accurately by yourself
Best tape to use is a dress makers measuring tape
Remove all of your clothing except of course your undergarments .If You are not comfortable with your undergarments you could wear a leotard .This will give you a measurement close to your exact body size.
bare in mind that our sizes fluctuate throughout the day.
keep this in mind as you measure. Taking a huge lunch or breakfast is actually going to expand your waist measurement a little.
This blog post contains affiliate links, which when you click and purchase a product will earn me a commission at no cost to you.Please not that I have worked with this products and that is why I recommend them to you.I have found them to be quite useful in my sewing projects
BASIC ITEMS NEEDED TO TAKE BODY MEASUREMENTS
What you need to take your body measurements is quite minimal.
First and foremost you need a measuring tape .you also need some pieces of elastic
The elastic could be any colour white or black it is important however that it is not too wide. 6mm width is ok .
If you can afford it, I strongly suggest you use a circumference measuring tape if you’re taking your own measurements by yourself .
If you want to insist on using the standard measuring tape then it is really advisable to take at least 3 measurements at a time and then get the average
You need of course a Biro to write down your measurements. Finally you need to download my measurement illustration sheets if you have not done so yet.
On the sheet you will see how to measure every section of your body and also a section to write down your measurements.
BAGEL Pie Labs Smart Tape Measure for Your Body
Tape Measure Body Measuring Tape 60inch (150cm),
2 Pack Tape Measure Measuring Tape for Body Fabric Sewing
HOW TO TAKE BODY MEASUREMENTS FOR DIRECT SEWING
Taking body measurements for direct sewing is quite simple as compared to taking body measurements for pattern drafting
the major difference is in the amount of body measurements you really need to take.
It also depends on if you are drafting your pattern manually or using a pattern making software
Please use the diagrams provided in my measurements illustration sheet to be able to get the body landmarks .
Body landmark can be detected on your Body by positioning sticker tapes on your undergarments.
On the other hand,you can use the white or black elastic bands on particular sections of your body as illustrated by my video below
TAKING BODY MEASUREMENTS FOR PATTERN DRAFTING
The amount of body measurement you take for pattern drafting is usually more than what you take for normal manual cutting and sewing.
When using a pattern making software example the pattern maker pro the number of measurements increases more.
taking accurate body measurement takes a bit of practice
it is therefore better to try your hand on something that doesn’t move or fluctuate in size.
Using female dress form with breast will give you the best challenge for learning how to measure accurately
advised you to try your hands on that for some time as a practice to actually learn the act of good measurements for pattern drafting .
In my video above, I went through all possible ways of taking all necessary measurements you will need .
Not just to create manual patterns.but also when using a pattern making software.
I also give some formulars you can use particularly if you are measuring yourself .
So get all the tips by watching the video from beginning to end
Below are some females body forms you can buy to practice your body measurements
Dritz 20420 Sew-You Dressform
PDM WORLDWIDE Female Mannequin Torso Pinnable Dress Form
Female Mannequin Torso Dress Form
BODY LANDMARKS FOR PROPER BODY MEASUREMENTS
When practicing body measurement it is best to use adjustable dress forms since they are ideal models to start with. The dimensions can be easily adjusted to match your own or a friends measurement .
Solid dress forms on the other hand only available in standard sizes that cannot be adjusted .
The next thing is to identify the various body landmarks on your adjustable dress form .This is a very important step in proper body measurements.
Knowing where to start and where to end with your tape measurement ,is very crucial.As a beginner, its best to locate the various body landmarks that are very essential in body measurements.
Here is a link to a detailed explanation of the various body points
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BODY MEASUREMENTS FOR CHILDREN
Body measurements for children is quite simple much more simpler than for adults
children’s clothing is quicker and easier to construct than adults because the designs are usualy simple and they also allow for unrestricted movement of the child.
The actual method of measurements for a child is the same as for the method used for the adult
the pictures below actually show the body landmark for the child’s body
Picture source
Lee Hollahan;How to use,adabt
and design sewing patterns
IN CONCLUSION
Taking proper body measurements is very essential for creating ultimately fitting garments.Please feel free to comment or add other ideas you may have.
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