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If you've never been quite sure how to measure yourself for a vintage pattern, we'd like to help. Taking the time to determine the correct size pattern you need will save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. Measuring carefully is critical to the success of your sewing project.
First, start by wearing the appropriate undergarments. Remember that in years past, women wore foundation garments, so it may be necessary to wear a waist cincher, corset, or girdle in order to achieve the desired silhouette. Remember that we don't live and die the same size, so it's very important to check your measurements at least each season, and to believe the tape measure.
It's easiest if you have someone else measure you. Hold the tape measure taut, but not tight, and write your measurements down.
Standard measurements changed over the years, so a size 12 in the 1930s will not be the same as a size 12 in 1970, or now. Compare your measurements with patterns you like, and select a size that most closely approximates your measurements. It will most likely not be your ready-to-wear size, especially if you are considering a vintage pattern. Use the same size for all garments -- if you measure for a bust size 36 dress, then use a similarly sized period pattern for coats or slips. Pattern makers know that you wear a coat over a dress, and take this into account when they create the pattern. Choose dress, suit and coat sizes according to bustline measurementsChoose skirt and slacks sizes by hip and waist measurementsMaternity sizes should be chosen by bustline measurements.Half sizes are good choices for shorter, fuller figures.If you are larger in hips than in bust, or vice versa: buy a pattern to fit the fuller measurement. It's much easier to grade your pattern down than up. It's also easier to buy the pattern in the size you need, in the most complicated part -- for dresses, this is usually the bodice, for example.
1. Bust - measure fullest part, slightly higher in back
2A: shoulder to shoulder
2B: Underarm to underarm at side seam
3A: Neck to natural waistline (Back)
3B: Neck to natural waistline (Front)
4A: Entire natural waistline at smallest part (front)
4B: Entire natural waistline at smallest part (back)
5. Neck circumference
6. Hip, fullest part, 8 inches below natural waistline
6A. Back hip from side to side
7. Shoulder length, neck to tip of shoulder
8A. Sleeve length, shoulder to elbow
8B. Sleeve length, elbow to wrist
8C. Sleeve length, inside from underarm seam to wrist, with arm slightly bent
9A. Sleeve width, upper arm
9B. Sleeve width, lower arm
9C. Sleeve Width at wrist
10A. Full length, start at prominent vertebra at the back of the neck and measure to floor
10B. Full length, back waist line to floor
11. Skirt length, floor to hemline
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