Practical guide: how to take measurements for your patterns

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, taking the right measurements is the first step toward making a custom garment. It is essential so the model you have in mind fits your shape perfectly, and so you avoid unpleasant surprises during construction.

A simple guide to measuring correctly

• Bust circumference: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the bust, keeping it parallel to the floor. Do not pull the tape too tight, or the garment will end up too small.
• Waist: The natural waist is the narrowest point of the torso. It is always better to leave a little ease in the waist measurement for optimal comfort.
• Hips: Measure the fullest part of the hips, usually around the seat. This measurement is fundamental for skirts and pants, because it affects fit directly.
• Length: To measure the length of a skirt or dress, start at the waist and measure to the desired length. For pants, measure from the waist to the ankle.

Quotes from my book Introduzione alla modellistica femminile

In my book I underline how important precision is when it comes to measurements: “A difference of a few millimetres may not seem relevant to the naked eye, but on a tailored garment it makes all the difference, turning a perfect fit into a garment that is too tight or too loose.”

Taking accurate measurements means making sure the garment fits the body perfectly, without last-minute adjustments.

There is also a key step I always remember:

“Not only must the measurements be precise - the way you take them must be consistent every time. Always use the same tape and take the measurements in the same position to avoid errors.”

(English translation of Marco Bagalini’s Italian original.)