The picture above is a guide on how to take measurement. So there is no need for me to break it down. These are the measurement areas:

1. Neck width: Bust divided by 12 – 0.5”. This is a guide. It can be altered to your desired choice. But, 3” is ideal.
2. Neck depth: Your desired choice or 3” + 0.5”
3. Shoulder to bust (length) + 0.5”
4. Bust circumference: Divide by 4 + side seam allowance
5. Shoulder to underbust (length) + 0.5
6. Underbust circumference: Divide by 4+ side seam allowance
7. Shoulder to waist (length)+ 0.5”
8. Waist circumference: Divide by 4 + side seam allowance
9. Waist to hip/ hip length + 0.5”
10.Hip circumference: Divide by 4 + side seam allowance
11. Blouse length
12. Armhole width: Divide by 2
13. Arm width: Divide by 2
14. Sleeve length: Your desired length

Important note: Your true waist or front half length is the narrowest part of your torso. For accuracy, tie a sling around your waist and measure the width. You can also go up 2 inches above your navel. If you have a big tummy or folds, take it to your underbust.

You can choose to add side seam allowance while drafting your blocks or you can add it when you want to cut on fabric.

For all the listed measurement areas above, the 0.5” added will be taken at the shoulder all at once.

I am going to teach you what I call the beginner’s bodice block which is often used in freehand and misinterpreted as actual pattern drafting. But it is not. Some fashion schools erroneously teach this bodice block drafting method as pattern drafting. Drafting the actual bodice block is technical, the back and front blocks are measured separately and the waist reduction is evenly distributed.

Since, this is a beginner’s class, the beginner’s bodice block will be easy to understand. In this method, the front bodice block and back bodice block are the same. The only difference is dart placement, the zip allowance, the neckline and the armhole. I will tweak it a little though for a good fit.

Orotsekor:
God bless you for this.

Amen dear. God bless you too.

Sleekbaby:
Nice job you are doing, keep it up bcoz I know dt I will learn a lot from you, hope you will not stop on the way.

No, I won't stop.

amicable09:
Hi Metrowoman, nice job!
You have a loyal student in me.

Permit me also to give this thread as my e-gift to a friend whose birthday is today.
Welcome to this thread nwakegoabisola, I know you will love this
My first gift to you today. Expect more

Thank you dear. Happy birthday to your friend.

Thank you all for following.
There are four methods of designing clothes. They include:

1. Freehand: The freehand method is done directly on the fabric. It is faster but its disadvantages are waste of fabric, limitation of design choices and fitting problems.

2. Draping: This is done on dress form with a particular size by pinning fabric to create designs and transferred to fabric. Some experts believe it is better than pattern drafting because the possibilities are endless.

3. Lutterloh system: This is a German method of designing clothes and it is for home sewing. A straight line is drawn on paper or fabric and the measurements are distributed on either side.

4. The pattern drafting: This is a 2D method of creating designs on paper and transferring to fabric. Through the use of dart manipulation. contouring and accurate measurement, perfect fit and shape can be realized.

If there is any other method you are aware of, kindly let me know. We learn everyday.

How to take measurement

To achieve proper fit and shape, you have to know how to take proper measurements. When measuring a client, make sure the person is wearing fitted clothing. One more thing, it is important that you have a book to record ‘required measurement’ so that you don’t forget to measure a particular area.

@ Sleek baby, you can download E-books from 4shared and slideshare.

Are you interested in fashion design? Do you want to attend a fashion school but can’t afford to. Would you like to make your own clothes? Make cute outfits and sell them? Then you are in the right place.

First, to be a good designer, you need to have passion so that when the going is tough; your passion will keep you going. You need to be hungry for knowledge. Ask questions, read textbooks, visit DIY fashion blogs, attend workshops and online trainings, be teachable, research online and learn new methods. Let’s start this wonderful journey together on this platform.

Since I don’t want to talk to myself, encourage me by commenting.