Sew Simply: measurements & patterns

Making clothes is really, really fun.  As long as we can remember, going to the "fabric store", walking down each aisle, running our hands over every kind of fabric, and finally settling on the perfect piece has been a tradition-- something we love doing together!  So we do make a lot of our own clothes.  And we make a lot of clothes for others.  Because it is something we enjoy doing-- a way to minister to those we love!

  

But it's hard to get started sometimes, isn't it?  Knowing what size of pattern to buy can be tricky... especially when you don't know how to take your own measurements.  First, buy yourself a tape measure.  You can't take accurate measurements without one.  (We have a friend who tried to measure her waist with one of those metal tape measures from the hardware store-- she said that doesn't work very well, so purchase the soft cloth-like kind!)

measure me!  here's how...

 

Let's pretend this is you.  When taking your measurements, always wear the undergarments you intend to wear underneath your clothes.  It is very helpful to have someone else measure you, so if you have your mom, sister, or close friend nearby, ask them to do you this favor! 

Here are some things to remember when taking measurements:

::always, always, always measure around the fullest part of your bust and hips!

::always measure around the smallest part of your waist (usually right around your navel-- your "natural" waist), no matter where you like to wear your skirts.

::wrap the tape measure snuggly around your body, but not tight enough to press into your skin.

::when measuring your back-waist length, start at the base of your neck and measure down to your natural waist.

Also, you will want to know the length of dress/skirt/pants you prefer.  We suggest you measure your favorite pieces to get approximate lengths.  Keep in mind, when measuring for a dress or jumper, to start at the base of your neck and then measure down to the hem.

Even if you are not a seamstress, having your measurements handy is so helpful!  We like to carry around little tape measures and lists with our measurements in our bags when we shop... knowing our measurements has helped us not to make mistakes when purchasing clothes.  (When we don't feel like trying them on, that is!)

pick a pattern, any pattern...

Now that you have your measurements (right?), you're ready to shop for a pattern!  If you are a beginning seamstress, start out small.  Try a simple elastic waist skirt, or another skirt without a zipper.  Zippers are not as difficult to install as they may look to you, but still-- get the feel for using a clothing pattern first.  Skirts are the easiest thing to make!  Here's one of our favorite quick-n-easy skirt patterns...

     

(For more pictures, go here.)   

Look at the sizing chart on the back of your pattern.  Compare your measurements to those on the chart.  Most of the time, your's will be slightly off or between sizes-- and that's okay.  Virtually all sewing patterns come multi-sized for that reason!  One thing we ought to warn you about: you won't wear the same size in handmade clothes that you do in ready-made clothes!  If you wear a size 6 in purchased clothing, you will probably end up with a size 10 or 12 pattern.  So we like to just forget about the size and concentrate on a good fit.  Also, always check the finished garment measurements (usually at the bottom of the chart on the back of the pattern)!  That will help you to determine how much "ease" (extra room) you will have in your finished product.  

Any questions?  Please send them our way!  Don't forget to sign up for the sewing basket giveaway!     

Comments

[Nan]

Long Girls, You are still my girl Kristie! I am loving these posts about sewing. Who would have thought that dragging me past the fabric stores would ever have turned into this. Love you all a bunch, NAN

[Yafiah Abdul Rahman]

What a wonderful site this is. It will be very helpful to the novice seamstress and to the expert seamstress as well. Keep up the good work.

[www.myspace.com/carollynnnapora]

Thank you for the insiration. The basket is so lovely and so kind of you to offer it as a giveaway.
Good luck to all.

:)

Thank you,
Carol Lynn

[www.myspace.com/carollynnnapora]

I am new at sewing. I plan to get a sewing machine and my first project is going to be a skirt just like the ones on your site.

The favorite thing I have hand sewn is a purse which has a secret garden theme.

I love your site and it is very motivating and I plan to make a bit of everything on here. I love the aprons.

Thank you for the insiration. The basket is so lovely and so kind of you to offer it as a giveaway.
Good luck to all.

:)

Thank you,
Carol Lynn

[Puma Shoes]

This really is an great written article, Thanks for yet yet another insightful post, as continually!

[mbts on sale]

I took them out of the box, put them on my feet and didn't take them off for the rest of the day. Perfect fit, comfortable. My second pair of MBT sandals.