When you take body measurements, it’s necessary to follow the correct procedure to ensure accuracy. To take circumference measurements, make sure that the measuring tape is parallel to the floor. The measuring tape should not be so loose that it drapes down, nor so tight that it digs into your flesh.

As you take each measurement, make sure you write it down. Take your measurements and enter them into a measurement reference chart.

Take your time recording your measurements, and enlist the help of a friend, if possible. If you and a sewing friend take your measurements together, you’ll find more accurate results, faster.

This detailed tutorial is one video in the comprehensive Teach Yourself to Sew series.

Teach Yourself to Sew

Judith got her first taste of sewing when she took the free lessons that came with her mother’s sewing machine purchase. Judith was 9 at the time. Soon after, she was sewing her own clothes and feeding her passion for the craft. In her Teach Yourself to Sew series, Judith shares her enduring love of sewing and her invaluable years of sewing experience.

Getting started

She starts with discussing the equipment and the essential sewing notions for anyone who sews. You’ll learn about shopping for fabrics, choosing patterns (including selecting the correct size), and planning the perfect pattern layout. From machine-sewing simple seams to inserting zippers and stitching buttonholes, Judith demonstrates the key steps to making a custom garment.

Discover methods for clean-finishing seam allowances and applying facings so all edges are neat. To add shape to garments, Judith explains how and why to sew darts, and how to gather fabric for volume. Other garment elements, such as sleeves, pockets, and elasticized waistbands, are shown in easy-to-follow video tutorials.

Advancing your skills

When you’re ready…