Comments on: Learn How to Take Measurements

By: Marvene N

Marvene N — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 05:52:34 +0000

Thank you for this helpful information. I am new to sewing and know nothing about how to read patterns and did not know that patterns and ready to wear were sized so differently!

Thank you again,
Marvene
Antioch,IL.

By: Drema Caban

Drema Caban — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:09:44 +0000

lol, jeg elsker dans, det er så god en underholdningsform!

By: Mara

Mara — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:08:45 +0000

Kristin said:
Being an 18/20 in ready-to-wear, I’m VERY, VERY disappointed with the selection of ‘plus’ sized patterns out there. Most of them are boxy and hideous. No Amy Butler, no Vogue, no Betsy Ross. I can’t even make any of those cute Built By Wendy patterns, which I covet! If I do the math and add according to the ratio measurements between the smaller sizes, will that work?
—-

That will work for some parts of your body, but not others. For example, my bicep/upper arm measurements are much larger than you’d expect from the ratio method. (Some of the plus-size patterns make this mistake, which is why they often have tight sleeves.) Thighs don’t match the ratio, either. Also, “misses” patterns assume that you’re relatively straight up and down in front below your waist. That’s never been true for me except when I was skinnier than a rail.

Besides biceps/thighs/tummy, I can’t remember all the things that don’t match the ratio for plus sizes. You might try searching for “grading” (the technical term for making pattern sizes larger/smaller) for plus sizes. Good luck!

By: Bill Ashby

Bill Ashby — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:17:10 +0000

My wife thiks that I have a 52″ waist…I have been purchasing Jeans in a size 38 =>42….I wear my jeans just above my belly-button, and my wife says my “waist” is approx. 2-3″ ABOVE my belly button…..thus the size difference. If I put a pair of jeans; or dress pants or suit the pants fit fine with a 38=>42″ waist. Am I measuring at the incorrect spot on my belly or is my wife correct and my waist is truly 2-3″ ABOVE my belly button?

Please advise as sooh as you can as we have a rather “Formal” affair to attend in the very near future.

Thank you for your help!

Bill

By: Abla

Abla — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:44:47 +0000

Great blog, i am heading over to check out your entire site now. happens all the time

By: Deanne

Deanne — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:05:03 +0000

Great tutorial. I’m preparing to measure my 15 year old daughter so I can sew and rehab clothes for her while she is away from home – now I will have good measurements to use.

By: Chewy

Chewy — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 09:02:42 +0000

Thank you so very much! It answers a lot of questions for me as a beginner. Now to put it to application!

By: JANE LAU

JANE LAU — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:28:32 +0000

How to take shoulder measurement?
Please send your instructions with pictures.

Thanks
Jane

By: Jenn

Jenn — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:57:07 +0000

Thanks for the concise and very helpful info! What a great job you did w/ the photos along w/ their descriptions. Thanks!

By: Carley Struve

Carley Struve — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:44:47 +0000

Very good instructions! Good pictures and very clear. With the back waist measurement, however, you missed out an important step.

After you establish the prominent bone at the back of the neck by bending your head forward, you then need to straighten up your head before taking the measurement at the waist. This will give you a more acurate BW length!!!!!