How to Measure Yourself for Sewing Patterns

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One of the most important things to learn before you start sewing clothing is how to measure yourself and others accurately.

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You’ll need a soft measuring tape and you ideally want to be naked or in your underthings.

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How to Measure Your Waist

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How to Measure Your Hips

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How to Measure Your Inseam

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How to Measure Your Bust or Chest

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Confusing Aspects of Fit

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Sewing Patterns

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Handy Reference Chart

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For more tips and ideas, visit DIY Danielle

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Danielle Pientka

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How to Measure Yourself for Sewing Patterns

One of the most important things to learn before you start sewing clothing is how to measure yourself and others accurately.

You’ll need a soft measuring tape and you ideally want to be naked or in your underthings.

How to Measure Your Waist

How to Measure Your Hips

When you measure your hips, you need to measure around the fullest part of your butt.

How to Measure Your Inseam

How to Measure Your Bust or Chest

Measure your bust/chest around the biggest part of your chest.

Confusing Aspects of Fit

Your measurements may not fit into one perfect size for a pattern. This is normal. It’s the reason why handmade is better than ready-to-wear clothes in terms of fit.

Sewing Patterns

Most sewing pattern makers offer their own instructions on taking your measurements for their patterns.

Handy Reference Chart

I created this handy reference chart for how to measure yourself. You can print it and hang it in your sewing room to reference.

For more tips and ideas, visit DIY Danielle

For more tips and ideas, visit DIY Danielle

More stories

Danielle Pientka