Taking accurate measurements is crucial for achieving a perfect fit when sewing garments. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned sewist, knowing how to take measurements correctly is a skill that can make or break your sewing project. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of taking the most common measurements needed for sewing any Sunflower Seams pattern, ensuring that you get the perfect fit every time you sew. From chest to inseam, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions to ensure that your measurements are accurate, consistent, and reliable. So grab your measuring tape and let's get started!
How To Take Measurements For Sewing
When taking measurements for children's clothing, it is essential to ensure that the measurements are accurate and taken correctly. Before starting, it's best to have your child wear their underwear or a form-fitting garment like a leotard to ensure that there are no bulky or loose-fitting clothes that could affect the measurements. In this tutorial, we will be demonstrating with a leotard for ease of understanding.
Posture is very important, so make sure that your child is standing upright and relaxed, with their feet together for most of the measurements. Have them breathe normally (no holding their breath). Holding the measuring tape snugly against the body will ensure that you get the most accurate measurements possible. With these tips in mind, let's get started with taking the measurements!
CHEST MEASUREMENT
The chest measurement is one of the most important measurements that you'll need for most dress and top patterns. It's important to take this measurement accurately to ensure that the finished garment fits well and is comfortable to wear.
To take the chest measurement, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of the chest, just under the arms. Make sure that the measuring tape is straight and level across the back, and snug but not too tight. You should be able to slide one finger between the tape and the body. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters, depending on your preference. Remember to take note of any changes in posture or breathing, which could affect the measurement. With the chest measurement done, you're ready to move on to the next measurement!
WAIST MEASUREMENT
When taking the waist measurement for your child, it's essential to measure their natural waist. This is the smallest part of their torso, located just above their belly button, and typically at the bottom of their ribcage. If you're having difficulty locating this spot on your child, here's a simple trick: have them bend to the side at their waist. The point where their waist bends is where you want to take the measurement. In the image below, you can see an example of this, where my daughter is pointing to the point where her waist bends.
For young children who do not have a well-defined waist yet, you can measure around their front and back at belly button level. Make sure the measuring tape is snug but not too tight, and record the measurement in inches or centimeters, depending on your preference. As with all measurements, ensure that your child is standing upright and relaxed, and not holding their breath. With the waist measurement done, you're ready to move on to the next step.
HIP MEASUREMENT
The next measurement to take when sewing for your child is the hip measurement. To get an accurate measurement, have your child stand straight with their feet together. Measure around the fullest or largest part of their hip area, making sure that the measuring tape is straight and level across the back. The measuring tape should be snug but not too tight, and you should be able to slide one finger between the tape and the body.
INSEAM MEASUREMENT
The inseam measurement is the distance from the crotch to the bottom of the pant leg, and it's typically only found on pants patterns.
To take the inseam measurement, have your child stand straight with their feet together. Using the measuring tape, measure from the crotch area down to the bottom of the pant leg. Make sure that the measuring tape is straight and level, and snug but not too tight. You should be able to slide one finger between the tape and the body.
TRUNK MEASUREMENT
The next measurement I want to discuss is the torso or trunk measurement. This measurement is commonly used for leotards and swimsuits. The torso measurement is the distance from the shoulder to the crotch, passing through the center of the back.
This is the most common measurement that people have trouble with so I will go a bit more in depth than the other measurements here.
To take this measurement, have your child stand straight with their arms down at their sides. Place the measuring tape at the top of the shoulder and measure down the front of the body, through the center of the crotch and up the back to the starting point at the top of the shoulder. Make sure that the measuring tape is straight and level, and snug but not too tight. You should be able to slide one finger between the tape and the body.
Record the measurement in inches or centimeters, depending on your preference, and take note of any changes in posture or breathing that could affect the measurement.
By taking an accurate torso measurement, you'll be able to sew leotards and swimsuits that fit comfortably and allow for easy movement.
We hope this post has given you the confidence to properly measure your children and ensure that each time you sew, the fit will be spot on!
Until Next Time,
