subject: Sweaters & Vests Crochet Patterns - How To take accurate measurements? [print this page] Sweaters & Vests Crochet Patterns - How To take accurate measurements?
To ensure that the finished garment you're crocheting actually fits, you must first take correct body measurements. This isn't difficult or time consuming; you just have to know where to measure. To take accurate measurements, make sure to have a fabric tape measure on hand.
When taking your measurements, it's easiest (and more accurate) to ask someone else for help! Also, be sure to take your measurements often; don't just rely on numbers from a few years back.
Most garment patterns give specific finished measurements for things such as bust, waist, back length, and sleeve length. These finished measurements, in most cases, are designed to be a few inches larger than your actual body measurements. This concept is called ease. So, to select the right size, think about how you want the sweater or vest to fit.
Do you want it fairly close to your body? If so, selecting a size an inch or so larger than your actual chest measurement is the way to go.
If you'd like a bit more room, select a size 24 inches larger than your actual measurement.
Is the garment supposed to be quite oversized? Go for even more ease.
What you plan on wearing underneath impacts sizing too. If you're wearing the top over a close-fitting camisole, you'll need less ease than if you plan to wear it over a heavy turtleneck.
If you match up your measurements to the corresponding size in the pattern, your finished sweater or vest will fit just the way you want (assuming your gauge follows the pattern specifications).
Chest or bust (1): Measure around the fullest part of your model's chest or bust. Don't draw the tape too tightly or measure while inhaling or exhaling.
Center back, neck-to-cuff (2): With the model's arm slightly bent, measure from the back base of the neck, across the shoulder, and around the bend of the elbow to the wrist.
Back waist length (3): Measure from the most prominent bone at the base of the neck to the model's natural waistline.
Sleeve length (5): With your model's arm slightly bent, measure from her armpit to cuff.
Back hip length (6): Measure from the top of the model's shoulder to the top of the hip.
