How to take Body Measurements

By taking accurate measurements, you will be able to determine the correct size of the garment to knit. We will add ease to these measurements to have the garment fit as you would like. The ease allowances are at the bottom of this page. Some of these measurements are hard to take by yourself - have someone help you so that you get accurate measurements.

Bust/Chest (1)

Measure around the fullest part. Make sure that the tape measure doesn't slip down in the back

Waist (2)

Measure the smallest part where a belt would be worn.

Hip (3)

Measure the fullest part, usually 9 to 10 inches (23 to 25.5 cm) below the waist. Make sure that the tape measure doesn't slip down the back.

Back Length (4)

Measure from the neck bone that protrudes at the bottom of the neck to the waist. Put a belt on and measure to the middle of the belt, this way you don't go too far down the small of the back.

Back Width (5)

Measure across the back from one shoulder bone to the other.

One Shoulder (6)

Measure from the center back bone to the edge of the shoulder bone.

Waist to Underarm(7)

Measure from the middle of the belt to about one inch below the underarm crease. This measurement will let you know where to begin the armhole shaping.

Wrist to Underarm (8)

Measure from the wrist bone along the inside of the arm to about 1 inch below the armhole crease. This is for determining where to begin the sleeve cap shaping for a set in sleeves.

Center Back Neck to Wrist (9)

Measure from the center neck back bone, across the shoulder bone and down across the elbow to the wrist bone with the arm held slightly out to the side with the elbow slightly bent. Subtract the "One Shoulder" measurement and you will have the sleeve length.

Upper Arm Circumference (10)

Measure the fullest part of the upper arm.

Wrist Circumference (11)

Measure around the wrist bone just above the hand.

Head Circumference (12)

Measure around the head at the forehead. This is for determining the size of a crew neck opening and for hats.

Sweater Ease Allowances

Finished Chest/Bust Measurement
Chest/Bust	Body Hugging minus 5-10%	Close Fitting plus 0-5%	Normal Fitting plus 7-10%	Loose Fitting plus 12-15%	Oversized plus 16-20%
31-33 in (79-84cm)	30in (76cm)	32in (81cm)	34in (86.5cm)	36in (91.5cm)	more than 36in (91.5cm)
33-35 in (84-89cm)	32in (81cm)	34in (86.5cm)	36in (91.5cm)	38in (96.5cm)	more than 38in (96.5cm)
35-37 in (89-94cm)	34in (86.5cm)	36in (91.5cm)	38in (96.5cm)	40in (101.5cm)	more than 40in (101.5cm)
37-39 in (94-99cm)	36in (91.5cm)	38in (96.5cm)	40in (101.5cm)	42in (106.5cm)	more than 42in (106.5cm)
39-41 in (79-104cm)	38in (96.5cm)	40in (101.5cm)	42in (106.5cm)	44in (112cm)	more than 44in (112cm)
41-43in (104-109cm)	40in (101.5cm)	42in (106.5cm)	44in (112cm)	46in (117)	more than 46in (117)

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