Tips for Measuring Yourself & Figuring Out Pattern Sizing
One of the most baffling things I run across at my workplace is people not knowing their measurements for picking the size of pattern to make. Sewing patterns run on the old style of sizing yet, so it doesn’t work to go with the size you buy at the store (interestingly, wedding dresses are still sized this way too). Usually you have to go up a couple sizes (I know, I know… unflattering!). So far, I haven’t actually measured anyone at work (please note: mostly because it is most effectively done in your skivvies. People always want to be measured with their clothes on, which doesn’t work. Think about how much room a sweater or pair of pants takes up when it’s folded in a drawer - definitely not possible to get an accurate measurement with them on), but here is me encouraging you to figure out your sizing without expecting too much of an innocent clerk! Here are some hints for measuring yourself at home, if you don’t have someone to help you.
1. Strip! Seriously - it will always end up too big otherwise. Exceptions to this might be things like winter coats, which might be worn over bulky sweaters, so having some extra room is okey. Otherwise, get down to your undergarments before you start!
2. Stand in front of a mirror. That way you can look straight ahead at yourself instead of bending as you look down (try that in front of the mirror too, so you can see why it doesn’t work), and you can see what you’re doing. You will see if the tape measure is straight across your hips or if it’s dropping in the back!
3. When measuring down (ie.: for skirt, shorts, shirts, etc.), don’t hold the tape measure by the starting end. Instead, hold it closer to where you think it will end up (or on the number the pattern lists as the “finished garment length”) so you can see where it will end. For example, if you are wondering how long a 24” skirt will look, hold by the 24” mark and drop the 1” end down while looking in the mirror. Now you can play around with the length while still keeping track of the numbers.
4. Cheat, and use a garment you already have and like the fit of! Like where a pair of pants falls? Measure the inseam. Like the length of a skirt? Measure it! Is your favorite tee shirt a certain number of inches across the bust? How does the pattern piece compare? This isn’t 100% accurate, as styles and fits can vary, but often it’s a good place to start.
5. Know how you like your clothes to fit. Are you a fitted or relaxed fit type of person? If the shirt hangs a little looser, do you care, or is that more your style? Remember, it is almost always easier to take something in than it is to add to it!
6. Lastly, be sure to look at the “finished garment measurements” in the pattern. This should help you decide which size to make, especially if you’re deciding between sizes. Remember this sweater? I was tempted to make a medium until I read the finished sizing and realized I needed a small. Definitely something to take into consideration!
