Measuring guide
How to take your measurements for a pattern
A made-to-measure pattern is only as good as the numbers you give it. The good news: most of them take a minute with a tape measure and a mirror, and you enter them once, into a profile that every model reuses. This page lists every measurement the engine can use, where the tape goes, and how many of the 62 models need it.
Five rules before you start
- 01
A soft tape, not a metal one
Use a flexible tailor's tape. Check it against a ruler once: cheap tapes stretch and can be off by a centimetre over a metre.
- 02
Underwear or close-fitting clothes
Measure over what you will wear under the garment. A thick jumper adds several centimetres you do not want in the pattern.
- 03
Stand naturally
Feet slightly apart, arms relaxed, breathing normally. Do not pull in your stomach or hold your breath: the pattern would fit the pose, not you.
- 04
Snug, level, not pulling
The tape should touch the body all the way round, sit level with the floor for girths, and not dent the skin. Slide a finger under it: if it does not fit, the tape is too tight.
- 05
Get help for the back
Back length, shoulder width and crotch depth are hard to take on yourself. Ask someone, or take them twice and keep the value that repeats. Save the profile and check it again after a few months.
Every measurement, one by one
Measurements are grouped by body area and ordered by how many models need them. The same note appears next to each field when you fill in your profile.
Torso and girths
- 53 of 62 models
Waist circumference
Measure around the narrowest part of the torso (waist).
- 53 of 62 models
Hip circumference
Measure around the fullest part of the hips, keeping the tape level.
- 37 of 62 models
Back length
From the seventh cervical vertebra to the waistline along the spine.
- 34 of 62 models
Shoulder width
Back shoulder width: from shoulder point to shoulder point.
- 33 of 62 models
Bust circumference
Measure around the fullest part of the bust, keeping the tape level across the centre back and bust apex.
- 33 of 62 models
Neck circumference
Around the base of the neck, just above the collarbones.
- 23 of 62 models
Front length
From the neck point, over the bust apex, to the front waistline.
- 6 of 62 models
Height
Total body height. Used to automatically calculate proportions of other lengths.
- 4 of 62 models
Chest
Chest circumference measured horizontally under the arms, at the fullest point.
- 4 of 62 models
Bust height
From the neck point to the bust apex.
- 4 of 62 models
Bust point distance
Distance between bust apex points.
- 1 of 62 models
Head circumference
Circumference around the temples and above the eyebrows, useful for hoods.
Arms and shoulders
- 15 of 62 models
Arm length
From the shoulder point, over a slightly bent elbow, to the wrist.
- 8 of 62 models
Wrist circumference
Loose wrist circumference.
- 7 of 62 models
Upper arm circumference (biceps)
Biceps circumference at the fullest point.
- 5 of 62 models
Armhole circumference (from bodice)
Armhole circumference measured vertically over the shoulder and under the armpit.
Legs
- 17 of 62 models
Crotch depth (sitting height)
Sitting height: from side waist to the sitting surface.
- 11 of 62 models
Inseam
Inner leg length from crotch to ankle.
- 11 of 62 models
Thigh circumference
Thigh circumference at the fullest point.
- 9 of 62 models
Ankle circumference
Circumference above the ankle at the narrowest point.
- 8 of 62 models
Knee circumference
Knee circumference at kneecap level.
Garment lengths
- 10 of 62 models
Trouser side length
Side seam length from waist to ankle.
- 5 of 62 models
Skirt length
From the waistline down to the desired skirt length.
- 1 of 62 models
Dress length
Length measured downward from the neck point.