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How to Take Body Measurements + Free Printable Size Chart

September 23, 2015 by AllFreeSewing 77 Comments

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National Sewing Month 2015

Have you ever been sitting at the fabric store, having just found the PERFECT fabric for someone, but you don’t know their measurements offhand?  I know I have.  I’ll find the perfect fabric, or the perfect pattern for someone and then struggle over guessing how much fabric to buy or what size pattern I need.

We’ve come up with a great solution for you.  Take a little time to measure the people in your life that you sew for often, fill in the free printable below and keep it in your purse.  Then you’ll know what size you need, how much fabric to buy and even their current shoe size.  The free printable chart is perfect to send to grandma, as well!

nsm-graphics-03

How to Take Body Measurements

First, it’s important to have a flexible (non-stretchable) tape measure.  You need the flexible nature of the tape measure to wrap around body parts.

Remember to:

  1. Shoes off, standing up straight!
  2. Make sure the tape measure is level around the body and parallel to the floor
  3. Keep tape close to the skin without depressing it.

 Measurements:

  • Chest: Measure directly the armpits, as high up as possible.
  • Waist: Measure at its narrowest point width-wise, usually just above the bellybutton.
  • Hips: Measure around the widest part of the hips.
  • Inseam: Measure from where you want your pants to end up to the crotch.
  • Outseam: Measure from where you want your pants to end up the outside of the leg waist.
  • Arm length: Measure from where you want your long sleeve to end (wrist) up the arm to the cap of the shoulder.

 


You may also like:

  • Quick Tips: How to Alter a Pattern for…
  • Quick Tips: How to Dress for Your Body Type

 

 

Today’s Prize is a great package of DesignFoam, OlyFun Fabric rolls and more!

Day29-fairfield-kit

To enter the daily giveaway, leave a comment below telling us:

What is one sewing technique you’d love to learn?

Official Rules for Daily Contest

  • There is a maximum of one entry per person. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied.
  • Winner will be selected at random from the comments on this blog post below.
  • You have until tonight, September 29th, 2015 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment on this post. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
  • Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.

 

NSM-03Enter daily for your chance to win the National Sewing Month 2015 Grand Prize Giveaway.

  • About
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AllFreeSewing

Editor at AllFreeSewing at AllFreeSewing.com
AllFreeSewing is the ultimate resource for quick and easy sewing patterns, tutorials, and charts. You'll find dress and bag patterns, alteration guides, even instructions to help you with that pesky sewing machine. The best part? It's all absolutely free. Come and join our community!

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Filed Under: Giveaways & Contests Tagged With: Accessories, AllFreeSewing, National Sewing Month 2015

Comments

  1. Kathy E. says

    September 23, 2015 at 12:54 am

    I am very interested in learned the trapunto technique when appliqueing. I love the look, but need to learn how to do it! It would make a super post here.

    Reply
  2. Dawn Jones says

    September 23, 2015 at 5:32 am

    I want to learn Applique.

    Reply
  3. Chris says

    September 23, 2015 at 5:37 am

    My FMQ is pretty sad. It needs work so I would say that would be the one.

    Reply
  4. Claire Ross says

    September 23, 2015 at 6:44 am

    I want to learn how to sew buttonholes with my new sewing machine x

    Reply
  5. Tashianna Sumey says

    September 23, 2015 at 8:34 am

    I just got my first sewing machine this year and Im working on building my sewing kit. I would LOVE to be able to add this to my craft/sewing area to use. Im also still learning alot of a little bit of everything…

    Reply
  6. Diane E. says

    September 23, 2015 at 11:32 am

    I would really love to win this sewing machine.

    Reply
  7. Barbi Johnson says

    September 23, 2015 at 11:53 am

    I have an awful time of making button holes in garments that I make. would love to accomplish this.

    Reply
  8. Lee says

    September 23, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    I need to learn free motion quilting! thanks!

    Reply
  9. Susan Spiers says

    September 23, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    I have just bought my first serger, and I would love how to use it to finish seams. It is a little intimidating, but am looking forward to learning the different techniques that a serger can be be used for.

    Reply
  10. Samantha Stevens says

    September 23, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    I am teaching myself to sew, not an easy task! I would like to learn how to do everything the proper way. I have a terrible time with my seams coming apart, I know I should leave more room but the pattern pieces are so small, there wouldn’t be anything left of it. lol

    Reply
  11. Linda Arner says

    September 23, 2015 at 12:38 pm

    How to do machine embroidery.

    Reply
  12. Deby at So Sew Easy says

    September 23, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    I’d love to learn more free motion quilting. I’ve tried it and it looked like drunken ants has rambled over my fabric!

    Reply
  13. knittingdancer says

    September 23, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    I would like to learn applique.

    Reply
  14. Donna Lee says

    September 23, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    I’d like to learn how to do a rolled hem on my serger.

    Reply
  15. Vickie McCoy says

    September 23, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    I’d love to learn Free Motion Quilting.

    Reply
  16. Mom C says

    September 23, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    art quilts, making pictures with fabric. Thanks.

    Reply
  17. Jennifer Muise says

    September 23, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    I’ve never tried quilting! I think that would be fun to learn.

    Reply
  18. Carmen says

    September 23, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    I would like to learn some basic hand stitches so I can do can learn how to do hand application.

    Reply
  19. Vicki H says

    September 23, 2015 at 4:26 pm

    I would like to learn applique.

    Reply
  20. Trini says

    September 23, 2015 at 4:27 pm

    I would love to learn how to design my own clothing patterns.

    Reply
  21. Sandy K says

    September 23, 2015 at 4:28 pm

    I would like to lean more embroidery stitches to embellish some of my quilt blocks.

    Reply
  22. Delaine says

    September 23, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    I would love to learn how to do hand smocking. Thanks!

    Reply
  23. Gail Beam says

    September 23, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    I would love to learn how to use my serger beyond the basics such as rolled hems, gathering, putting in a zipper, sewing on elastic and any other techniques that one can use a serger for.

    Reply
  24. joyce says

    September 23, 2015 at 5:57 pm

    I would love to learn to make a quilt, so I would need to learn many things to accomplish that.

    Reply
  25. LeAnne Osburne says

    September 23, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    Good variety pack

    Reply
  26. Lynne Meyers says

    September 23, 2015 at 6:15 pm

    I started a quilt as you go minky blanket and had to tear it apart. Help please!

    Reply
  27. Kristy says

    September 23, 2015 at 6:26 pm

    I would like to learn more about paper piecing.

    Reply
  28. Rebecca says

    September 23, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    I’d like to learn Richeliu machine embroidery the old way, where you become the zigzagger. I couldn’t find this entry. Today was supposed to be a video on how to alter clothes I was kind of excited about.

    Reply
  29. Sarah says

    September 23, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    I would love to learn how to do smocking.

    Reply
  30. Cary says

    September 23, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    I want to learn machine embroidery.

    Reply
  31. Deanna says

    September 23, 2015 at 7:44 pm

    How do you print the printable measurement cards above?

    Reply
  32. Donna M Baker says

    September 23, 2015 at 8:02 pm

    I would like to learn better techniques with sheer fabrics, such as hemming, cutting, measuring.

    Reply
  33. Genevieve Caswell says

    September 23, 2015 at 8:02 pm

    I would love to learn how to do free motion quilting on my sewing machine. I try but for some reason I just can’t get what is in my head to what I am making. Oh well, we just keep trying and remember that perfect is not the answer. Doing your best and the rest will come.
    Thanks for the contest and may God Bless 🙂

    Reply
  34. Cindy Shaul says

    September 23, 2015 at 8:07 pm

    I would love to learn how to machine stipple quilt for garments and quilts.

    Reply
  35. Brenda Wallace says

    September 23, 2015 at 8:54 pm

    I would love to make button holes that do not look homemade!

    Reply
  36. Doreen S says

    September 23, 2015 at 9:25 pm

    I’d like to learn more about free motion quilting. I’ve tried it and really like it but need lots more practice.

    Reply
  37. Shirley E. says

    September 23, 2015 at 9:45 pm

    I’d love to be able to make good buttonholes–that actually fit the buttons! I’ve done so much, at least to try things, that I’m not sure what’s left to learn.

    Reply
  38. Nelda McKenzie says

    September 23, 2015 at 10:36 pm

    No particular technique but I would love to be a better seamstress. I can do most things okay but I would like to have my sewing projects look more professional. It is frustrating, I know how to do it, but it is never great!

    Reply
  39. nan duffer says

    September 23, 2015 at 10:37 pm

    I would love to learn to apply binding to edges.

    Reply
  40. Jacqueline Gould says

    September 23, 2015 at 10:53 pm

    Free motion quilting is what I would like to master!

    Reply
  41. Barbara Bailey says

    September 23, 2015 at 11:07 pm

    Oh gosh! There is such a list! Button holes, paper piecing quilts, there is a never ending list of things I want to learn!

    Reply
  42. Janie says

    September 23, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    I would like to learn trapunto quilting.

    Reply
  43. Christina Gonzalez says

    September 23, 2015 at 11:33 pm

    I would like to learn how to use clothes patterns.

    Reply
  44. Suzy says

    September 23, 2015 at 11:50 pm

    I am just starting out and would love to learn hand embroidery techniques as well as button holes.

    Reply
  45. Diane says

    September 24, 2015 at 12:01 am

    I have been trying all day to get to this entry for today………….kept getting that this page is no longer available. So I had to find another way to get here.

    Anyway I would like to learn how to do a rolled hem on a regular sewing machine.

    Reply
  46. Jennifer Fryman says

    September 24, 2015 at 12:18 am

    Machine embroidery

    Reply
  47. Joyce Santoni says

    September 24, 2015 at 12:44 am

    There are many techniques I would like to learn, but number one would be
    When I do a satin stitch around an appliqué and I come to a corner do I place the needle on the inside or outside of the corner, and how far in advance do I shorten the stitches and when do I lengthen the stitches again I have been sewing for close to 60 years, and I ne ear seem to get the hange of this techinique. Thank you for the contest entry
    Js

    Reply
  48. Joann P says

    September 24, 2015 at 12:53 am

    Learning to use a computerized sewing machine would be nice one of these days.

    Reply
  49. Carole @ From My Carolina Home says

    September 24, 2015 at 1:29 am

    I would like to learn how to use more rulers in quilting and sewing.

    Reply
  50. Rose Santuci-Sofranko says

    September 24, 2015 at 1:37 am

    I’d kind of like to learn how to do small quilting projects! Thanks and God bless!

    Reply
  51. Renea says

    September 24, 2015 at 2:35 am

    I would like to learn how to do a miniature quilt. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  52. stanleybeagle says

    September 24, 2015 at 2:39 am

    I would love to learn applique

    Reply
  53. Shirley Gonzalez says

    September 24, 2015 at 2:53 am

    I would like to learn how to do the zig-zag stitch by hand.

    Reply
  54. Liz Anderson says

    September 24, 2015 at 2:53 am

    I would love to learn how to fitted shirts and pants with knit fabrics.

    Reply
  55. Glynda says

    September 24, 2015 at 3:35 am

    I would love to master my narrow hemmer.

    Reply
  56. Debby says

    September 24, 2015 at 3:44 am

    I have only been sewing for a couple of months. I feel like I have everything to learn!!!

    Reply
  57. Nancy Hilderbrand says

    September 24, 2015 at 11:54 am

    Would love to learn how to use my serger.

    Reply
  58. Mona says

    September 24, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    I want to learn applique, and so much more.
    Love quilting!

    Reply
  59. Jean R says

    September 25, 2015 at 7:19 am

    I did a lot more sewing in my younger years but I’d love to learn machine embroidery because I think it is so pretty!

    Reply
  60. Connie Janowski says

    September 25, 2015 at 6:03 pm

    I would love to learn how to do free motion quilting that comes out in an even sort of pattern that looks like something it was intended to look like instead of just random craziness.

    Reply
  61. Tracy Reed says

    September 25, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    I wanted to learn how to sew curved shapes in quilts.

    Reply
  62. Nicola Tarbox says

    September 26, 2015 at 8:46 pm

    I would love to sew many things properly as I’ve never made anything that I haven’t bodged! Help please ……… !

    Reply
  63. Ann L. says

    September 29, 2015 at 4:22 am

    These look like so much fun and have endless possibilities. Fun and colorful isn’t just for kids anymore.

    Reply
  64. Stacey says

    September 29, 2015 at 5:15 pm

    I am trying to print out the body measurements chart.
    I just found this link.
    Some really useful information.

    Reply
  65. Mary Lemos says

    September 29, 2015 at 5:57 pm

    I would love to learn how to make quilts, so that I can make quilts for my 15 grandchildren

    Reply
  66. Leslie Oliver says

    September 29, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    I would like to re-learn hand stitches so I can do better hand rolled hems on sheer and delicate fabrics.

    Reply
  67. Nina says

    September 29, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    I would love to learn machine quilting.

    Reply
  68. Nina says

    September 29, 2015 at 9:51 pm

    I would love to learn machine quilting

    Reply
  69. Cheryl says

    January 21, 2016 at 11:40 pm

    want to learn quilting…I get the basics and the putting them together is where I get stuck

    Reply
  70. Lolly Wildharber says

    January 22, 2016 at 12:25 pm

    I would love to learn how to do art quilting

    Reply
  71. Ruth Benien says

    August 17, 2016 at 1:36 am

    Making bust alterations to your pattern.

    Reply
  72. Melissa Boyd says

    August 17, 2016 at 2:46 am

    I’m a quilter. I want to learn to make clothes. I see so many clothes that I can’t afford for me or my three boys but every time I go to try and make something I end up wasting a lot of fabric because I done it wrong. Oh well maybe one day. I’m going to keep trying.

    Reply
  73. Susan says

    September 22, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    I have a serger and don’t know how to use it? Can we start from the beginning?

    Reply
  74. Judy De Armond says

    September 27, 2016 at 6:21 am

    I would love to learn to customize a pattern to accomodate my quirky body parts! Thick arms (think wings–thanks grandma, I’ll never wear sleeveless again!), thick middle, and short. I adapt all sleeves to be longer, but with my big bust (44 F bra) sometimes the sleeve holes seem to pull and not fit right.

    Reply
  75. Donna says

    December 1, 2016 at 5:13 pm

    Serging Techniques–I have a Baby Lock—Love love it!!

    Reply
  76. Diane Rogers says

    May 17, 2017 at 3:15 am

    I have a passion for sewing for others. Make pillowcases for the local hospital Children’s wing and quilts for Linus Project. Been sewing since I was 7 years old and I found you still can learn something new each day

    Reply
  77. Cindy S says

    September 28, 2017 at 4:22 pm

    Trapunto! I’ve done a machine embroidery version. I’d like to do it the “real” way.

    Reply

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