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Taking the basic body measurements for women’s tops
Even if you already have experience with measuring, please take a look at our instructions. The way we measure may differ in some details from other pattern makers, and it is these details that make the difference in the end. It is best to have a second person measure you in front of a mirror so that the measurements are as accurate as possible. Make sure you stand upright and relaxed and breathe normally. If you are wearing a bra, put on the one you want to wear under the garment you will be wearing later.
Clothing: Wear close-fitting, thin clothing or underwear to obtain precise measurement results.
Measuring tool: Use a flexible tape measure (e.g. tailor’s tape measure).
Markings: Kajal pencil, narrow adhesive strips or marker dots help to clearly mark measuring points on the body.
2. measure the chest circumference
Run the measuring tape horizontally around the thickest part of your chest. Make sure that the measuring tape is at the same height at the back as at the front and does not slip. The measuring tape should fit snugly but not cut in.
3. measure the waist circumference
Measure the waist circumference at the narrowest part of your torso. This is usually around the level of your belly button or slightly above it.
If there is no clearly visible waist, use your belly button as a measuring point.
4. measure the circumference of the buttocks
The buttock circumference is measured at the widest point of the buttocks. Measurements are taken all around in a horizontal plane. To do this, place the measuring tape around your buttocks, hold it together at the sides and slide it up and down until you have determined the largest value. Measure loosely rather than too tightly.
5. measure the shoulder length up to the 7th cervical vertebra (C7)
The 7th cervical vertebra (C7) is the small bone that protrudes from the lower neck.
You can find it if you tilt your head slightly forwards. Mark it, for example, with an eyeliner pencil or a narrow strip of tape.The lateral shoulder point is at the top of the shoulder where it joins the arm.Place two fingers over the firm bony edge of the shoulder joint — the acromion — and move your arm slightly while keeping the shoulder still.
You’ll feel the spot where the movement separates from the firm shoulder area — that firm edge is your measuring point.
Mark this point on both shoulders.
Measure the length from the 7th cervical vertebra to the right and left shoulder point, and use the larger measurement.
6. measure arm length
The arm length is measured from the side shoulder point with the arm slightly bent over the elbow to the wrist on the side of the little finger.
Measure to just below the wrist bone.
If you move the back of your hand slightly upwards, a small crease will form there. this is your end point.
Measure the length on both arms and use the larger measurement if there are differences.
Determine the 7th arm length up to the 7th cervical vertebra (C7)
This measurement is calculated by adding the arm length and the shoulder length up to the 7th cervical vertebra.
If you have a pattern in ready-made sizes, you can compare this measurement with the corresponding value in the body measurement chart and adjust the pattern by the difference if necessary.