The key step underlying any successful project is taking accurate measurements when sewing.
Here, we explain why this is important and share all our tips for measuring them correctly.
Table of Contents
The Importance of Measurements in Sewing
When you start sewing a garment pattern, the first step is to choose the size in which you’ll be sewing your pattern. For example, at Majam, our patterns range from size 34 to 58, and you’ll select the size to cut out and sew based on your measurements.
So, if your measurements aren’t accurate, you might end up sewing your pattern in a size that’s too large—resulting in a baggy, shapeless garment—or in a size that’s too small—which will make it impossible to put on! That’s why they say that taking accurate measurements is the foundation of a successful sewing project.
In sewing, there are three key measurements that will help you choose the right size for your pattern: bust, waist, and hip measurements.
Chest circumference
It is measured at its widest point, across the tips of the breasts.
Waist circumference
It is measured at the narrowest part of your waist.
Hip circumference
It is measured at the widest part of your hips.
How to Take Your Measurements Correctly
As we’ve said (and repeated 😁), having a solid foundation is key to sewing beautiful clothes. So let’s take a look at how to take your measurements correctly.
First of all, you should take your measurements while wearing only underwear. This is because patterns are designed based on a “bare” bust. Patternmakers then add ease depending on the garment and the desired fit. For example, when creating a coat pattern, we’ll add extra centimeters of ease because we know you probably won’t be wearing it without anything underneath!
A quick note for women: the type of bra you choose can affect your bust measurement. So be sure to take your measurements while wearing the type of bra you plan to wear with the garment you’re sewing.
Second, measurements must be taken with a measuring tape to accurately follow the curves of your body.
With these points in mind, here are our best practices for taking accurate measurements for sewing:
- Tie it securely without tightening it too much or leaving too much slack.
- Don't add or subtract any centimeters! The goal is to be accurate, not flattering.
- The tape measure must be flat and straight, parallel to the floor.
With these measurements, you'll be able to find the right size for a pattern using the pattern's size chart. And remember, each pattern has its own size guide.
A concrete example
Let's take the example of Julie, whose measurements are as follows:
- Chest: 87 cm
- Size: 70 cm
- Hips: 93 cm
Referring to the Majam size chart below, she will choose to sew her pattern in size 38, since that is the size closest to her measurements.
| 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | |
| Chest circumference | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 | 96 | 100 | 104 | 108 |
| Waist circumference | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 84 | 88 | 92 |
| Hip circumference | 86 | 90 | 94 | 98 | 102 | 106 | 110 | 114 |
Further Reading
We’ve explained here how to take your measurements correctly so you can choose the right size for a pattern. However, it’s very common for certain measurements (such as bust and waist, for example) to indicate that you shouldn’t choose the same size according to the size chart. In that case, you’ll need to adjust the pattern.
If you want to take it a step further and learn when and how to make these adjustments, we've created a comprehensive course on this topic at Majam Academy called " Adjusting Your Patterns: The Essentials."
