We’re also so excited to have liZ and Elizabeth from Simple Simon and Company here as our Sew for ME! guests today- their directions for taking your own measurements are perfect for this series!
Hello.
For a while we have been trying our hand at designing and drafting our own patterns. Sometimes we are successful and sometimes we fail…miserably. Either way it’s been an adventure and something we’ve wanted to pursue. So a while back we decided that if we were going to continue drafting and designing we wanted to learn how to do it the “right” way. (Don’t get us wrong we think self-teaching and experimentation is AWESOME—that’s how I (liZ) started—but we also felt a need to be “trained” in the classical art of technical sewing.
As you all know, there is a big difference between sewing for girls and sewing for women. And what we’ve discovered is that when sewing for women the ability to take correct measurements can make all the difference. It’s like the foundation or the canvas for what you are going to create—and if it’s not right nothing you make will be either. (Trust us…we know from experience—one of us, who shall remain nameless, is on her third body draft!)So today we want to share with you how we’ve learned to take a few (of the seemingly endless measurements) one needs to take to draft a pattern and hopefully this will help you in your sewing pursuits.
First things first. Our teacher is switching us to the metric system in this drafting class. It’s been hard. But we think it will be worth it. But, we are showing you in inches today just because it is convenient and ultimately more of what we know here in the States.
Also, you want to measure yourself in your underclothing….and nothing else.
Now, put your measuring tape around your back and up under your armpits. You should be able to hold the measuring tape tight with your arms down because it is being held so tight right in your armpits. Next, have someone bring the measuring tape around the front to the fullest part of your bust. And record the measurement. For this dress-form lady, the bust is 34 inches.
Taking a waist measurement.
Ok, this may sound simple but first—you have to find your waist. And well most of us are using the wrong measurement….because we don’t wear things at our waists!
So, here’s how to find your waist. Stand with your hands on your hips and bend to the side. (Think Richard Simmons here.) Where your side bends (and it is probably a lot higher than you think) is your ACTUAL waist. Mark that spot with your finger. Now take the tape and measure around this line. Record your measurement. This little dress lady is 26.5 inches.
Taking your hip measurement.
