How To Take Measurement from Readymade Dress Easily

Learn How To Take Measurement from a Readymade dress. You can duplicate any dress by this method.

It is true that not every sewing enthusiast is expert in taking body measurements.

At times, even experts fail to take correct measurements then how can we expect a beginner to be really good at it initially.

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HOW TO TAKE & USE MEASUREMENTS FROM A READY MADE DRESS

#1. Make note of the measurements you need

• First of all jot down what all measurements are required for your dress.

For upper dress like a top or tunic, you need-

Full Length

Waist Length

Hip Length

Shoulder

Armhole (optional, can be calculated by Chest measurements)

Chest or Bust round

Waist round

Hip round

Bottom of the dress (optional, a few inches can be added to hip measurement)

Sleeve Length

Sleeve bottom round

Neck depth and length (optional, can be calculated by chest/12 formulae) etc.

For lower dress like pajamas or pants, you need at least these measurements -

Full Length

Seat or body rise (for good fitting)

Waist round (for elastic requirement)

Hip round

Bottom round

#2. Iron your dress properly

• Iron and crease out your ready dress and spread it on a flat surface, right side out. Make sure that you smooth all the wrinkles. 
• You can take correct measurements only when your dress is smooth and you can run your measuring tape straight from one point to another.

#3. Take lengthwise measurements

• Now, using the measuring tape, start taking the length wise measurements.
• You need to add stitching seam allowance about 1/4″ to 1/2″ on all lengthwise measurements and 1.5″ to 2.5″ for bottom fold or hem.
• You can keep length of the dress increased or cropped as per fashion or your desire.

#4. Take widthwise measurements

• Don’t add any ease allowance while marking width wise measurements on your new fabric.
• But you need to add seam allowance of 1″ on sides, if you are doing machine stitch on side slits.
• Leave 2″ on side seam allowance if you are going to hem the side slits.

#5. Measure armhole correctly

• If you use this way of using armhole, then add 1/4″ or 1/2″ for stitching. You can keep your armhole round loose or tight.
• Or you can use the formulae Bust/4-1" for women and Chest/4 for men and children's clothing.

#6. Measure width and length of neckline

• If you keep your neck length deeper and wider then keep shoulder width shorter, otherwise your kurti or dress would fall from the sides.
• For example, if you keep front neck length 7″ and back neck length 3/4″ then shoulder width would be same as your shoulder+1/4″. Here, neck width taken is 3″.
• If you make your back neck length 7″ and same with front neck length i.e.7″, then you need to keep shoulder-1/2″ to keep your dress fit on your shoulders.
• If you add collar to your neck, then add shoulder + 1/2″.
• Some people have a flat shoulder that is without slope. In that case you don’t need to take 1/2″ down for shoulder slope.
• You can confirm looking at the customer’s or wearer’s requirement and make changes as desired.

Different Necklines DIY Video Tutorials

This is How To Take Measurement from a Readymade Dress; I hope this information helps you in making your own dress. If you need more help, please visit Stitching Mall YouTube Channels.