How to take your measurements
Measure over thin underwear or a fitted T-shirt, with a flexible tape held snug but not tight. Stand straight and relaxed; for lengths, tie a ribbon around your natural waist and measure from it. Every pattern on SewSize asks only for the measurements it needs — the ? button next to each field shows the same picture as below.
Jump to: Bust · Waist circumference · Hip · High bust · Underbust · Neck circumference · Hip depth · Crotch depth (rise) · Back waist length · Front waist length · Garment length · Sleeve length · Upper arm circumference · Wrist circumference · Knee height · Crotch length · Pant leg hem width · Start of flare · Wrap · Foot length · Foot circumference · Toe height · Shoulder width · Head circumference · Hat depth · Head height (arc) · Thigh circumference · Leg width at hem · Height · Dog bust · Dog neck circumference · Dog back length · Front leg circumference · Torso circumference (vertical) · Back width · Sleeve width at hem · Bust width · Shoulder length · Armhole depth
Bust
Tape horizontally across the most prominent points of the bust, at the back — slightly above the shoulder blades, under the arms. In your usual underwear, not pulled tight.Tape horizontally across the most prominent points of the bust, at the back — slightly above the shoulder blades, under the arms. In your usual underwear, not pulled tight.
Usually 31½–51⅛ in.Usually 80–130 cm.Waist circumference
Tape horizontal around the narrowest part of your torso, usually ¾–1⅝ in above the navel. Snug but not tight; don't pull in your stomach.Tape horizontal around the narrowest part of your torso, usually 2–4 cm above the navel. Snug but not tight; don't pull in your stomach.
Usually 22⅞–43¼ in.Usually 58–110 cm.Hip
Tape horizontal around the fullest part of your buttocks, allowing for the curve of your stomach. Stand straight, feet together.Tape horizontal around the fullest part of your buttocks, allowing for the curve of your stomach. Stand straight, feet together.
Usually 33⅛–51⅛ in.Usually 84–130 cm.High bust
Tape horizontally under the arms, in front — above the bust, at the back — across the shoulder blades. The difference from the bust shows how much the bust projects: the bust dart depends on it. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate for an average bust.Tape horizontally under the arms, in front — above the bust, at the back — across the shoulder blades. The difference from the bust shows how much the bust projects: the bust dart depends on it. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate for an average bust.
Usually 1⅛–3⅛ in less than the bust.Usually 3–8 cm less than the bust.Underbust
Tape horizontally right under the bust, snug but not tight; at the back — at the same height. The difference from the bust shows the bust volume: the cup height depends on it.Tape horizontally right under the bust, snug but not tight; at the back — at the same height. The difference from the bust shows the bust volume: the cup height depends on it.
Usually 3⅞–6¼ in less than the bust.Usually 10–16 cm less than the bust.Neck circumference
Tape around the base of the neck: at the back across the prominent vertebra, in front — above the hollow between the collarbones. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate from the bust.Tape around the base of the neck: at the back across the prominent vertebra, in front — above the hollow between the collarbones. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate from the bust.
Usually 13⅜–16½ in.Usually 34–42 cm.Hip depth
At the side, from the waistline down to the level where you measured the hip. It helps to tie a ribbon at the waist and measure from it.At the side, from the waistline down to the level where you measured the hip. It helps to tie a ribbon at the waist and measure from it.
Usually 7⅛–8⅝ in.Usually 18–22 cm.Crotch depth (rise)
Sit on a hard chair. At the side, straight down from the waistline to the seat. This measurement determines whether the pants will pull or hang loose at the crotch.Sit on a hard chair. At the side, straight down from the waistline to the seat. This measurement determines whether the pants will pull or hang loose at the crotch.
Usually 9½–11¾ in.Usually 24–30 cm.Back waist length
Tilt your head: a prominent vertebra can be felt at the base of the neck at the back. Tape from it down along the spine to the waist tape.Tilt your head: a prominent vertebra can be felt at the base of the neck at the back. Tape from it down along the spine to the waist tape.
Usually 14⅝–17⅜ in.Usually 37–44 cm.Front waist length
From the shoulder at the base of the neck down through the most prominent point of the bust to the waist tape. Without this measurement the pattern maker will estimate it from the back length and bust.From the shoulder at the base of the neck down through the most prominent point of the bust to the waist tape. Without this measurement the pattern maker will estimate it from the back length and bust.
Usually 1⅛–2⅜ in more than the back waist length.Usually 3–6 cm more than the back waist length.Garment length
At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 23⅝ in, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 60 cm, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.
Skirt 15¾–39⅜ in, pants 35⅜–43¼ in, shorts 11¾–21⅝ in.Skirt 40–100 cm, pants 90–110 cm, shorts 30–55 cm.Sleeve length
Bend your arm slightly at the elbow. From the end of the shoulder (shoulder bone) along the outside of the arm through the elbow to the desired length: for a long sleeve, to the wrist bone.Bend your arm slightly at the elbow. From the end of the shoulder (shoulder bone) along the outside of the arm through the elbow to the desired length: for a long sleeve, to the wrist bone.
Long 22–24⅜ in, three-quarter 16½–18⅞ in, short 8⅝–11 in. For children, long is about 0.29 of height.Long 56–62 cm, three-quarter 42–48 cm, short 22–28 cm. For children, long is about 0.29 of height.Upper arm circumference
Lower your arm. Tape horizontally around the widest part of the arm above the elbow, perpendicular to the arm. Optional measurement: the tool uses it to check that the sleeve isn't too narrow.Lower your arm. Tape horizontally around the widest part of the arm above the elbow, perpendicular to the arm. Optional measurement: the tool uses it to check that the sleeve isn't too narrow.
Usually 9½–15¾ in, for children 6¼–10¼ in.Usually 24–40 cm, for children 16–26 cm.Wrist circumference
Tape around the wrist over the protruding bone, loose, not tight. The cuff is drafted from it: add 2¾ in ease and ¾ in for the closure.Tape around the wrist over the protruding bone, loose, not tight. The cuff is drafted from it: add 7 cm ease and 2 cm for the closure.
For men, usually 6¼–7⅞ in.For men, usually 16–20 cm.Knee height
At the side from the waistline to the middle of the knee. If unsure — leave 0, the tool will calculate it from the pants length.At the side from the waistline to the middle of the knee. If unsure — leave 0, the tool will calculate it from the pants length.
Usually 21¼–23⅝ in.Usually 54–60 cm.Crotch length
From the front waist, between the legs, to the back waist. Tape not pulled tight. Optional measurement: the pattern maker uses it to check the seat seam.From the front waist, between the legs, to the back waist. Tape not pulled tight. Optional measurement: the pattern maker uses it to check the seat seam.
Usually 23⅝–29½ in.Usually 60–75 cm.Pant leg hem width
This is not a body measurement but your preference: the circumference of the pant leg at the hem. Slim pants — about 14⅛ in, straight — 17⅜–18⅞ in, wide — 21¼ in and more.This is not a body measurement but your preference: the circumference of the pant leg at the hem. Slim pants — about 36 cm, straight — 44–48 cm, wide — 54 cm and more.
Usually 14⅛–22 in.Usually 36–56 cm.Start of flare
This is not a body measurement but a style choice: from the side waist down to where the skirt starts to flare into a bell. Leave 0 — the pattern maker will take a point just above the knee.This is not a body measurement but a style choice: from the side waist down to where the skirt starts to flare into a bell. Leave 0 — the pattern maker will take a point just above the knee.
Usually 17¾–23⅝ in.Usually 45–60 cm.Wrap
This is not a body measurement but a style choice: how far the upper front overlaps the center. Leave 0 — the pattern maker will pick about two thirds of the half front. The wrap edge won't land on a dart: if it does, the pattern maker will shift it.This is not a body measurement but a style choice: how far the upper front overlaps the center. Leave 0 — the pattern maker will pick about two thirds of the half front. The wrap edge won't land on a dart: if it does, the pattern maker will shift it.
Usually 4¾–8⅝ in.Usually 12–22 cm.Foot length
Stand on a sheet of paper, mark the heel and the tip of the longest toe, measure the distance. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate from the shoe size.Stand on a sheet of paper, mark the heel and the tip of the longest toe, measure the distance. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate from the shoe size.
Usually 8⅝–11 in.Usually 22–28 cm.Foot circumference
Tape around the foot at its widest point — across the bones at the base of the big toe and little toe, standing. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from foot length.Tape around the foot at its widest point — across the bones at the base of the big toe and little toe, standing. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from foot length.
Usually 8¼–10¼ in.Usually 21–26 cm.Toe height
Not a measurement but a style choice: from the floor at the heel up the leg to where the sock ends (without the cuff). For four pieces — 2¾–5½ in, ankle length; by profile: crew — 5⅞–7⅛ in, knee-high — from 9⅞ in.Not a measurement but a style choice: from the floor at the heel up the leg to where the sock ends (without the cuff). For four pieces — 7–14 cm, ankle length; by profile: crew — 15–18 cm, knee-high — from 25 cm.
Usually 4¾–9⅞ in.Usually 12–25 cm.Shoulder width
At the back, from one shoulder bone (the bump at the end of the shoulder) to the other, tape across the back. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from the bust.At the back, from one shoulder bone (the bump at the end of the shoulder) to the other, tape across the back. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from the bust.
Usually 13⅜–16½ in.Usually 34–42 cm.Head circumference
Tape around the head: in front above the eyebrows across the forehead, at the back along the most prominent part of the back of the head. Don't pull tight.Tape around the head: in front above the eyebrows across the forehead, at the back along the most prominent part of the back of the head. Don't pull tight.
Usually 21¼–22⅞ in for adults.Usually 54–58 cm for adults.Hat depth
At the side of the head: from the line above the eyebrows (where you took the head circumference) up to the crown. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from the head circumference.At the side of the head: from the line above the eyebrows (where you took the head circumference) up to the crown. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from the head circumference.
Usually 7⅛–9 in for adults.Usually 18–23 cm for adults.Head height (arc)
From the base of the neck at the side (where the neck meets the shoulder) up over the crown to the same point on the other side. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from the head circumference.From the base of the neck at the side (where the neck meets the shoulder) up over the crown to the same point on the other side. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from the head circumference.
Usually 24⅜–28⅜ in.Usually 62–72 cm.Thigh circumference
Feet slightly apart. Tape horizontally around the widest part of one leg, just below the gluteal fold. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from the hip.Feet slightly apart. Tape horizontally around the widest part of one leg, just below the gluteal fold. You can leave 0 — we'll estimate from the hip.
Usually 19⅝–27½ in.Usually 50–70 cm.Leg width at hem
This is not a body measurement but a preference: the circumference of one pant leg at the hem. Leave 0 — the pattern maker will take the thigh circumference plus 2⅜ in. If you make it narrower than the thigh plus 1⅝ in, the shorts will cut into the leg.This is not a body measurement but a preference: the circumference of one pant leg at the hem. Leave 0 — the pattern maker will take the thigh circumference plus 6 cm. If you make it narrower than the thigh plus 4 cm, the shorts will cut into the leg.
Usually 22⅞–29½ in.Usually 58–75 cm.Height
Without shoes, back to the wall: heels, buttocks and shoulder blades touching the wall, head straight. Mark the crown on the wall and measure from the floor.Without shoes, back to the wall: heels, buttocks and shoulder blades touching the wall, head straight. Mark the crown on the wall and measure from the floor.
From height, the pattern maker estimates children's measurements that are hard to take: crotch length, hip depth, upper arm circumference and sleeve length.From height, the pattern maker estimates children's measurements that are hard to take: crotch length, hip depth, upper arm circumference and sleeve length.Dog bust
The dog is standing. Tape around the chest just behind the front legs, at the widest point, not tight — two fingers should fit under the tape.The dog is standing. Tape around the chest just behind the front legs, at the widest point, not tight — two fingers should fit under the tape.
Toy terrier 9⅞–11¾ in, dachshund 15¾–19⅝ in, Labrador 27½–33½ in.Toy terrier 25–30 cm, dachshund 40–50 cm, Labrador 70–85 cm.Dog neck circumference
Around the neck at the base — where the collar sits, loose.Around the neck at the base — where the collar sits, loose.
Usually two thirds of the bust.Usually two thirds of the bust.Dog back length
The dog stands straight, head up. Tape along the spine from the base of the neck (from the collar) to the base of the tail.The dog stands straight, head up. Tape along the spine from the base of the neck (from the collar) to the base of the tail.
Toy terrier 7⅞–9⅞ in, dachshund 13¾–17¾ in, Labrador 21⅝–25⅝ in.Toy terrier 20–25 cm, dachshund 35–45 cm, Labrador 55–65 cm.Front leg circumference
Around the front leg at the top, right at the body. Optional: without this measurement the pattern maker will estimate it from the bust.Around the front leg at the top, right at the body. Optional: without this measurement the pattern maker will estimate it from the bust.
Usually a quarter of the bust.Usually a quarter of the bust.Torso circumference (vertical)
The key measurement for a one-piece swimsuit. Tape from the mid-shoulder down through the bust, between the legs and up the back to the same point on the shoulder. Stand straight, don't pull the tape tight. Without this measurement the pattern maker will estimate it from the back length and circumferences.The key measurement for a one-piece swimsuit. Tape from the mid-shoulder down through the bust, between the legs and up the back to the same point on the shoulder. Stand straight, don't pull the tape tight. Without this measurement the pattern maker will estimate it from the back length and circumferences.
Usually 55⅛–68⅞ in.Usually 140–175 cm.Back width
At the back, at shoulder blade level: from one back armhole corner to the other, tape horizontal. Arms down. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate.At the back, at shoulder blade level: from one back armhole corner to the other, tape horizontal. Arms down. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate.
Usually 12⅝–16½ in.Usually 32–42 cm.Sleeve width at hem
This is not a body measurement but a preference: the circumference of the sleeve hem. For a long sleeve, wrist circumference plus 2⅜–3⅞ in so the hand passes through; for a short sleeve, looser, per the style.This is not a body measurement but a preference: the circumference of the sleeve hem. For a long sleeve, wrist circumference plus 6–10 cm so the hand passes through; for a short sleeve, looser, per the style.
Usually 8⅝–11¾ in.Usually 22–30 cm.Bust width
In front, across the bust points: from one front underarm corner to the other, tape horizontal. You can leave 0 — then the armhole will be calculated from the bust.In front, across the bust points: from one front underarm corner to the other, tape horizontal. You can leave 0 — then the armhole will be calculated from the bust.
Usually 13⅜–18⅛ in.Usually 34–46 cm.Shoulder length
From the base of the neck (where the neck meets the shoulder) to the shoulder bone — the bump at the end of the shoulder. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate it.From the base of the neck (where the neck meets the shoulder) to the shoulder bone — the bump at the end of the shoulder. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate it.
Usually 4⅜–5½ in.Usually 11–14 cm.Armhole depth
Hold a ruler horizontally under your arms. In back, from the protruding vertebra at the base of the neck straight down to the ruler. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate it.Hold a ruler horizontally under your arms. In back, from the protruding vertebra at the base of the neck straight down to the ruler. You can leave 0 — we'll calculate it.
Usually 6¾–9 in.Usually 17–23 cm.