As some young designers struggle with this subject i decided to create a little helper here. To take your model's measurements you will need: 1) tailor's tape measure (can be in centimetres or inches, or both if you wish :-) ) 2) string/ cord/ ribbon or anything that you could tie in your model's waist 3) pen and paper 4) chair or other seat (for crotch measurement) Best if you model wears only underwear or fitted clothing for this purpose. Start with tying the string at your model's waist - the narrowest area. Once you start making waist to bust point, waist to knee, waist to hip measurements you will quickly appreciate this little help. Below you will see basic points and circumferences of the body:
Diagram below shows how to take each measurement:
Depending on the garment type you will have to take measurements of different parts of the body. For tops it will be a top part of the body, for trousers bottom part of the body. Dresses, jumpsuits, 2-piece suits will need measurements of the entire body. If you need to provide specific measurements for the entire collection it's better taking more measurements than too little. Ask your pattern cutter which measurements are needed. Don't forget about height as this defines if your collection will be made regular, long or petite. If you want to work on standard measurements not on your specific ones you can go by the regular measurement chart. Below you can find a basic European /UK /US woman size chart. Note! in some countries this measurements will vary, so make sure given measurements suit your needs.
