This unit seeks to enable learners to understand the importance of taking accurate body measurement and also know how to take body measurement for accurate fit in sewing and pattern drafting.

1. BODY MEASUREMENT
Ms. Peace Akosua Tsekpo
Vocational and Technical Education
Home Economics Unit
(Clothing and Textiles)

2. Unit 1
BODY MEASUREMENT

3. BODY MEASUREMENT
Taking of body measurement is a skill that is acquired over time. The use
of the correct measurements is however very crucial to getting a good
block and garment that fits correctly. Accurate body measurements mark
the beginning to the making of well-fitted garments. Body
measurements are used for different purposes. For our purpose we are
going to use them for making patterns and during sewing.

4. Importance of Taking Accurate Body
Measurement
❑ It prevents wastage of fabric. Your body measurements can help determine
the quantity of fabric needed for making a particular garment.
❑It can be used to purchase already made garment. Besides good fitting,
personal measurements are required for buying readymade garments and
commercial patterns.

5. CTND.
❑Correct measurements can also contribute towards saving time and energy in
constructing a garment. The measurements taken will guide you to cut what
you want with ease without imagining or thinking through how big or small the
garment will be for a particular person.
❑It helps to make garment that fits the wearer. Taking your body
measurements guide you to use the exact measurements you want to achieve a
perfect fit.

6. Points to Consider When Taking Measurement
❑A good quality measuring tape should be used for taking the body measurement.
❑Persons giving the measurement should stand upright, but in a natural pose and
preferably in front of a mirror.
❑ A well fitted foundation garments should be worn while giving measurements.
❑Another person is needed to take the measurement.
❑Basic lines of the body are to be taken into consideration while measuring the body
parts.

7. CTND.
❑Before body measurements are taken, a cord or tape is fastened around the waist and
left until all measurements have been completed. The tape should be kept parallel to
the ground while taking girth measurement s like bust, waist, hip, etc.
❑The accuracy of several measurements depends on the exact waistline location. Add
to these measurements the suggested amount of ease.
❑The amount of ease needed varies with the type of fabric used. More ease is needed
for woven fabrics than knits.

8. CONT.
❑A proper order and certain sequence should be followed in taking the
measurements to make it more systematic.

9. Tools and equipment required for measuring
To enable you take accurate body measurements, you need certain tools. These tools are discussed below.
❑Tape measure: the tape measure should be clearly marked on both sides and have brass tips at both ends.
❑Mirror: a full-length mirror positioned behind the subject is useful for checking circumference
measurements that need to be parallel to the floor.
❑Measurement form /Book: a measurement form lists all the measurement required in the measuring
sequence for various part of the body.
❑Cord: the cord is to be tied around the waist to determine the natural waistline of the figure.

10. Body Parts Measurement Needed for Pattern Making
The drafting of basic blocks is based on certain body measurements
Horizontal Measurements
❑ Bust
❑ Waist
❑ Hips
❑Top/upper hip
❑ Across back
❑ Across chest
❑ Shoulder
❑Nipple to nipple
❑ Chest circumference
❑ Upper arm
❑ Neck
❑ Elbow
❑ Wrist
❑ Thigh

11. Vertical Measurements
❑Nape to waist
❑Nape to bust
❑Nape to armhole depth
❑Nape to ground
❑Bust height from nape
to nipple
❑Shoulder to waist
❑ Top sleeve length waist to hip
❑ Waist to hip depth
❑ Waist to knee
❑ Waist to floor
❑ Full length
❑ Crotch depth
❑ Crotch length

12. How to Take Measurements
Accurate body measurements are of vital importance for obtaining best results in garment
construction. Every individual has his/her own figure type. Since two people cannot have the
exact figure, it is necessary to study an individual’s figure carefully by taking body
measurements.
❑Bust; Place tape measure around the fullest part of the bust with the tape slightly raised at
the back, inserting two fingers under the tape measure for ease.
❑Waist; measure firmly where the body curves in at the waist or as desired by the client but
with fingers inside the tape to be sure it is not too tight.

13. How to Take Measurements (CTND)
❑Hip; measure around fullest part, the widest part of the lower body, approx. 21cm (7”- 9”) from the
waistline.
❑Hip depth: measure from waist to depth approximately 21cm from the waist.
❑Chest width or across chest; Measure across the chest from one hollow of the armhole to the other.
❑Back width or across back; Measure from armhole to armhole from the back. (where the arm joins)
❑Nape to waist: measure from the nape (the first back neck bone) down to the centre back to the natural
waistline.

14. ❑Shoulder length; measure from base of neck to shoulder bone.
❑Shoulder to waist; measure from the base of the neck down to the waist.
❑ Around arm; place the tape around the largest portion of the upper arm keeping
two fingers inside the tape for ease.
❑Dress length: measure from the shoulder to a desired length
❑Skirt length; measure the skirt length from the waist down to the required length

15. ❑Waist to floor: measure from waist to floor at the centre back and front to
check that the balance of the figure is even.
❑Sleeve length; place tape measure at the shoulder bone (arm socket) and
measure the required length.
❑Arm circumference/ Around arm: measure around the fullest part of the arm.
Keep two fingers inside the tape for ease.

16. Measurement Needed For Drafting
BODICE / UPPER BODY
1. High bust Sleeve
2. Bust 1. Upper arm circumference
3. Centre front body length 2. Sleeve length, shoulder to elbow
4. Length from centre from over bust to waist 3. Arm length, shoulder to wrist
5. Centre back body length
6. Across back width
7. Shoulder length (neck to arm socket

17. LOWER BODY
Pants Skirt
1. Pant length 1. Waistline
2. Leg circumference (calf) 2. High hip
3. Crotch length 3. Hip depth ( waist to fullest part of the hip)
4. Crotch depth 4. Waist to floor

20. Guidelines for taking measurement
❑Tie a cord around the client’s waist; this done to determine the natural waistline of the figure. It should not
be too tight and should not be applied to pregnant women.
❑Use well-marked tape measure.
❑Measure accurately. It should not be too tight or too loose. Taking body measurement is important in order
to have a well fitted garment and it must be accurate.
❑Take measurement over foundation garment.
❑Stand beside the client when measuring the bust to make sure the tape does not drop at the back or front of
the figure
❑Record each measurement as soon as it is taken.

21. REFERENCE:
Gavor et al. clothing and textiles for schools and colleges, Adwinsa Publications (GH) Ltd (2014),
pg 140-146.
Modesta E. Gavor. Flat pattern Designing for Women, Adwinsa Publications (GH) Ltd (2011).