Lesson 2

HOW TO TAKE BODY MEASUREMENTS

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

1. Identify the systems of measurements and their basic units.

2. Discuss and show how to take the body measurements which are:
a. Vertical measurement
b. Horizontal measurement
c. Circumferential measurement

3. Explain the Standard Pattern Measurement Charts and the Foundation

Pattern.
4. Enumerate the different kinds of patterns.
5. Attach a project label on the activities made by following the
criteria in evaluating the projects.
 MOTIVATION

https://www.google.com/search?q=quotes+in+taking+body+measurements&hl=en&sxsrf
 HOW TO TAKE BODY MEASUREMENTS

The body measurements are vertical,

horizontal, and circumferential. There are two
systems used: the Metric system wherein
centimeter serves the basic unit and English
system where inches are utilized. The enlarged
centimeters and inches are presented as guide
for the students to ensure accuracy in the
measurement of individuals.
Nowadays, the unit of measurement more
commonly used in centimeter. There are
fashion designers that utilize centimeters in
drafting patterns. A centimeter has 10 equal
parts and these are as follows:
1. The first line is 1 millimeter
2. The second line is 2 millimeters
3. The third line is 3 millimeters
4. The fourth line is 4 millimeters
5. The fifth line is 5 millimeters or one half centimeter
6. The six line is 6 millimeters
7. The seventh line is 7 millimeters
8. The eight line is 8 millimeters
9. The ninth line is 9 millimeters
10. The tenth line is 10 millimeters or one centimeter
Example:
A shoulder measure 33 centimeters and 3 millimeters
will be 33.3 centimeters.

A bust measures 84 centimeter and 7 millimeters will be

84.7 centimeters.
The English system has inches for its basic unit.
However, infrequent in its utilization in dress making.
It is still employed by some designers. An inch has
eight equal parts and these are categorized as:
1. The first line is 1/8
2. The second line is ¼
3. The third line is 3/8
4. The fourth line is 4/8 or ½ of an inch
5. The fifth line is 5/8
6. The sixth line is ¾
7. The seventh line 7/8
8. The eight line is 1 inch
Example:
A shoulder measurement is 15 inches and lines of an
inch. It is read as 15 3/8 inches.

A bust measurement is 34 inches and five lines. It is 34

5/8 inches.
 There are several parts of the body to be measured. These are
taken in:
a. Vertical
b. Horizontal measurement
c. Circumferential measurement

The vertical measurement is taken from the top of the body

figure to its base.

1. Figure Back – taken from the nape down the waist of the back
bodice .
2. Figure Front – taken from the neck point passing over the
bust down the waist.
3. Bust Height – taken from the neck point down to the highest
point of the bust.
4. Length of the Blouse – taken from the nape down to the
desired length, before or a few units after the
waist.
5. Length of Sleeve – taken from the shoulder point
down to the desired length in the arms.
6. Length of Skirt – taken from the waist down to the
desired length.
The horizontal measurement is taken from the left of the figure to
the right.
1. Shoulder – taken from the shoulder point across the back
to the other shoulder point.
2. Front Chest – taken from one’s front beside the armpit to
the other armpit.
3. Bust distance – taken from nipple to nipple.
4. Back width – taken beside the armpit to the other armpit at
the back.
The Circumferential measurement is taken around the body.
1. Bust – taken around the fullest part of the bust and slightly higher
at the back.
2. Waist – taken around the smallest part of the torso.
3. Hips –first hip is taken ten (10) centimeters or four (4) inches from
the waist. Place the tape measure around to get first hip.
4. The second hip – taken around the fullest part of the hips.
5. Armhole – taken around the armhole.
6. Arm girth – taken around the arm.