Simply Sewing FRESH IDEAS WITH FABRIC THE GUIDE
HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF ACCURATELY
ALWAYS MEASURE YOURSELF BEFORE you choose a pattern size to cut out. The sizes do vary greatly from pattern to pattern, so it’s always best to measure yourself accurately and then refer to the pattern’s size chart to find your size. The chart will usually be printed on the pattern envelope or on the instructions inside.
Measure yourself in your underwear and preferably in the bra you’ll be wearing underneath your garment as this can alter the measurements slightly. Use a fabric tape measure as it’ll curve around your body well for accuracy. You can measure on your own if you stand in front of a mirror, but, for best results, ask a friend to help so they can check the tape measure is sitting in the right places. Make sure the tape measure sits snugly around you but is not pulled tight.
Take the measurements shown in the diagram and note them down.
BACK WAIST LENGTH
From the top of your spine at the base of your neck to your natural waist
BUST
Around the fullest part of your bust
HIPS
Around the fullest and widest part of your thighs and bottom
HEIGHT
Stand against a wall, barefoot, then measure from the top of your head to the floor
HIGH BUST/CHEST
Across the back,
