How to take standard body measurements

1) Waistline. Tie a string or piece of elastic around your middle and allow it to roll to your natural waistline. Measure at this exact location with tape measure. Leave string in place as a reference for measuring hips and back waist length.

2) Hips. Measure around the fullest part. This is usually 7" to 9" (18 to 23 cm) below the waistline, depending on your height.

3) High bust. Place tape measure under arms, across widest part of back and above full bustline. Pattern size charts do not include a high bust measurement, but this measurement should be compared with the full bust to choose the right size pattern.

4) Full bust. Place tape measure under arms, across widest part of the back and fullest part of bustline. Note: If there is a difference of 2" (5cm) or more between high and full bust, select pattern size by high bust measurement.

5) Back waist length. Measure from middle of the most prominent bone at the base of the neck downn to waistline string.

6) Height. Measure without shoes. Stand with your back against a wall. Place a ruler on top of your head and mark the wall. Measure from the mark to the floor.