Ideally you should be measured wearing only your undergarments. Your thumbs should be. Measure the circumference of your waist. In this video you will learn how to take your accurate body measurements which will in turn make sewing easier for you. Again make sure the tape measure is horizontal and pulled together firmly but not too tight and not too loose. Just stand in front of a mirror so that you can see that you have the tape in the right position.
Use the tape to circle. Check out the easy to follow instructions for getting accurate measurements for each body part below. While its easiest to have someone else take your measurements it can be done by yourself. All you need is a tape measure. To measure your neck pull the tape around the middle coming from the back to the front. To measure your bust bring the tape around your back and around to the front.
Measure the circumference of your chest. Taking accurate body measurements is one of the keys to great fit. How to measure your arms put your thumb on the opposite shoulder and stretch out your pinkie to find the center of. How to measure your chest wrap the measuring tape around your chest at the nipple line with your arms down. How to take your body measurements. Place one end of the tape measure at the fullest part of your bust wrap.
Do not measure yourself wearing jeans sweats or other bulky clothing. Measurements are taken at either 3 or 7 different sites on the body. All you need is a tape measure. The specific sites used vary in men and women. Pull it around the apex or fullest point of your bust. It should sit at the base of the neck above the collar bone.
Whether you choose to use a commercial pattern or draft it from measurements having accurate measurements is critical to the success of your final garment. Here are some tips for taking accurate measurements. Bust measure all the way around your bust and back midway measure between the widest part of your hips and waist knees measure just above the knee around the leg. For women the triceps area above the hip bone and either the thigh or abdomen. However a leotard or close fitting clothing will be fine. Stand with your hands resting on your hips your 4 fingers at the front and thumbs at the back.
If you want to take a full body measurement to track your progress do the above from the quick measure as well as the following.