How to measure

Total length

Measure from the prominent bone at the base of the neck down the spine to the intended hem.

Armscye depth

Place a ruler under the arm and measure vertically from the high shoulder point to the ruler's top edge.

Keep the measuring arm relaxed so the depth reflects a natural posture.

Back bodice length

Trace from the base of the neck along the spine to the waist tape. This controls bodice balance.

Mark the waist with elastic so the endpoint stays consistent across sessions.

Skirt length

Measure from the center-front waist to the planned skirt hem while standing tall.

Record multiple lengths if you draft both knee and ankle variations.

Bust circumference

Wrap the tape over the fullest part of the bust and shoulder blades, keeping it level and lightly snug.

Note a high-bust reading as well if you frequently adjust cup depth.

Waist circumference

Measure at the waist elastic. Allow natural breathing and avoid cinching the tape.

Log both relaxed and comfortably snug values for woven versus knit projects.

Hip circumference

Circle the tape at the fullest point between waist and seat, keeping it parallel to the floor.

Take a second reading a few centimetres below to understand shaping transitions.

Seat circumference

Position the tape around the fullest part of the seat without lifting or compressing the flesh.

Check the measurement in a mirror to confirm the tape stays level across the back.

Hip position

Measure vertically from the waist elastic to the level where the hip circumference was taken.

Log separate front and back distances if your posture tilts the pelvis forward or back.

Seat position

Drop the tape from the waist at center back to the fullest point of the seat.

Use the same helper each time—the seat level is easiest to confirm from behind.

Back width

Measure horizontally across the back from arm crease to arm crease at the underarm level.

Keep shoulders relaxed—raised shoulders artificially shrink this span.

Neck circumference

Wrap the tape around the base of the neck, resting it where a collar would sit.

Slide one finger under the tape to maintain comfortable ease for stand collars.

Shoulder width

Measure from the base of the neck to the shoulder point where the sleeve seam should begin.

Locate the shoulder point by finding the hinge where the arm lifts vertically.

Sleeve length

With the arm slightly bent, measure from the shoulder point over the elbow to the wrist bone.

Log both wrist and desired finished sleeve hems for variation planning.

Upper arm circumference

Measure around the fullest part of the bicep without flexing the muscle.

Add a second reading for the dominant arm if there's a noticeable difference.

Elbow circumference

Bend the arm to ninety degrees and wrap the tape around the elbow hinge.

Ensure the tape passes over the outer elbow point to capture movement ease.

Wrist circumference

Measure just above the wrist bone where cuffs will close.

For button cuffs, record a second value over any watch you wear daily.

Armcye

Trace the armhole path from the shoulder point under the arm and back to the starting point.

Use a flexible ruler to capture the curve accurately for sleeveless garments.

Bust height

Measure from the shoulder point over the bust apex to the waist elastic.

Mark the bust apex with tape to align apex-to-apex spacing in patterns.

Front bodice length

Run the tape from the center-front neck hollow over the bust apex to the waist.

Record left and right sides separately if the bust sits unevenly.

Bust dart

Measure horizontally from the bust apex to the waist dart point to control dart intake.

Note the difference between left and right sides for asymmetric adjustments.

Pants length

Measure from the waist at the side seam to the desired trouser hem.

Take barefoot and shoe-wearing readings to plan inseam allowance.

Inner leg length

Measure along the inside leg from the crotch point to the ankle bone.

Use a book between the legs to mark the crotch level consistently.

Crotch height

Sit on a flat chair and measure vertically from the seat surface to the waist elastic.

Subtract 1 cm for lightweight fabrics; note the seated ease you prefer.

Knee circumference

Wrap the tape around the knee with the leg slightly bent.

Mark the knee position vertically so hem shaping aligns with the measurement.

Under knee circumference

Measure the leg just below the knee curve.

Capture both legs if your stance makes one calf fuller.

Calf circumference

Measure around the fullest part of the calf.

Stand evenly on both feet—leaning on one leg changes the reading.

Ankle circumference

Measure at the narrowest point above the ankle bone.

Record a second measurement over socks if you sew tapered trousers.

Total length

Measure from the base of the neck down the spine to the desired coat or shirt hem.

Note separate lengths for casual shirts and formal jackets to guide ease choices.

Armscye depth

Support the arm with a ruler and measure vertically from the high shoulder point to the underarm level.

Relax the arm fully—tailoring drafts assume a neutral stance.

Back bodice length

Trace from the seventh cervical vertebra to the waist seam position.

Keep the tape close to the spine to capture posture-related adjustments.

Chest circumference

Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest and across the shoulder blades.

Take a relaxed and an expanded chest reading to plan suit ease.

Waist circumference

Measure at the natural waist or preferred trouser waistband height.

Log the waistband height alongside the measurement for repeatability.

Seat circumference

Measure around the fullest part of the seat without compressing the fabric.

Use a mirror to confirm the tape remains horizontal across the back.

Seat position

Drop the tape from the waistline to the fullest seat level to map vertical balance.

Record front and back distances if you routinely adjust crotch depth.

Back width

Measure across the back between arm creases at the level of the back balance line.

Confirm the tape stays perpendicular to the spine to avoid shrinking the width.

Neck circumference

Measure around the base of the neck where the collar band will sit.

Slip a fingertip under the tape to maintain breathing ease.

Sleeve length

Measure from the shoulder point over the elbow to the wrist while the elbow is softly bent.

Record a second value for shirts that show a half-inch of cuff beyond the jacket.

Sleeve pitch

Capture the distance between the shoulder point and the front balance point to set sleeve angle.

Mark the pitch on the muslin first; transfer the distance here once verified.

Armscye

Trace the armhole seam line from the front balance point under the arm and back to the shoulder.

A flexible ruler makes it easier to transfer the curve to paper.

Jacket length

Measure from the base of the neck down the center back to the planned jacket hem.

Traditional suiting ends around the thumb knuckle—log your preference explicitly.

Vest length

Measure from the shoulder point at the neck down the front to the desired vest point.

Note where the waistcoat should end relative to the trouser waistband.

Tailcoat length

Measure from the base of the neck to the tailcoat hem at center back.

Stand in dress shoes to capture the correct tail clearance.

Coat length

Measure from the back neck to the overcoat hem, following the spine.

Record lengths for both topcoat and raincoat variations if you sew multiples.

Outseam

Measure from the waist or waistband level down the side leg to the floor or hem.

Capture barefoot and shoe measurements to plan break and turn-ups.

Inseam

Measure along the inside leg from crotch seam to floor.

Use a rigid ruler between the legs to mark the crotch level consistently.

Hem width

Record the finished trouser hem circumference at the ankle.

Note separate widths for tapered, straight, and wide-leg drafts.

Knee circumference

Wrap the tape around the knee with the leg gently bent.

Mark the knee height so shaping seams land at the same point.

Under knee circumference

Measure the leg just below the knee curve.

Measure both legs if one calf is more developed.

Calf circumference

Measure around the fullest part of the calf.

Stand evenly across both feet to avoid skewing the reading.

Ankle circumference

Measure at the narrowest point above the ankle bone.

Add a sock-over measurement if you prefer a wider opening for boots.