What's Your Size

Although the thought of taking our measurements strikes fear and terror in most of us, it is a necessary evil. Otherwise, all that hard work and money spend can end up wasted because the item is too small or too big and requires much more work to alter successfully if at all.

Taking Your Measurements

You need to take a few essential body measurements to ensure a good fit from your pattern. Wear only your undergarments that you will wear with the outfit (no lycra) and get someone to help you if you can. Take the measurements accurately and snugly but not tightly.

Height

Bust(around fullest part, across the back,under the arms)

High Bust(across widest part of the back, high under the arms)

Waist (around natural waistline, above the belly button)

Hips (around fullest part)

Back Waist Length (from nape of neck to waist)

Back Skirt Length (from back waist to desired skirt length)

Dress Length (from nape of neck to desired length)

Trouser Side Length (from waist to below ankle bone)

Jacket Length (from nape of neck to desired length)

Sleeve Length (from underarm to wrist, with the arm straight)

A good site that outlines the measurements to take and has a printable chart and illustrations is http://www.ez-fit.com/measure.htm. If you prefer text-only with good descriptions of the measurements to take, try Kaldesign's measurement chart at http://member.aol.com/KALCouture/measure....

Dress forms allow you to have a model just your size to work on. This is especially handy when you are trying to make clothes for yourself because it is very difficult to adjust the fit on your own clothes by yourself and you may not have access to a competent helper. Dress forms are not cheap but one lady has come up with a way to make a dress form out of old t-shirts and duct tape. It's worth a look and she illustrates and describes the procedure quite well. http://www.leanna.com/DuctTapeDouble.

Patterns are always slightly larger than your actual body measurements because you need room to move in your clothes. This is known as "ease." The basic ease allowed on a pattern is approximately 2½ inches on the bust; 1 inch on the waist; and 2 inches on the hip.

Chances are once you get your measurements taken, you'll find that you don't totally fit within the measurements given on the back of a pattern for the sizes. If that happens, try to pick the size that your measurements come closest too. In some cases some measurements will be irrelevant. For example, if you are making a skirt then you need to focus on the hip and

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