UNIT 1: BODY MEASUREMENT

Unit 1:       Body Measurement                                                          

 LEARNING  OUTCOMES

Demonstrate and practice the proper procedure of taking body measurement ( NTS  p14 2c, p15 3a,3c,3e,3g,3h)

LEARNING INDICATORS

1. Discuss the importance of taking body measurement
2. identify points to consider while taking body measurements
3. List tools and equipment required for measuring
4. Identify body parts measurements that are needed for pattern making
5. Discuss and practice how to take body measurements
6. Correct handling of tools for measurement taking
7. Locations for taking upper body measurement

• Locations for taking lower body measurement

 IMPORTANCE OF TAKING BODY MEASUREMENT

• Accurate body measurement is essential for a well fitted garment
• It is also vital for obtaining best results in clothing construction
• It contributes towards saving time in constructing a garment
• It helps in choosing appropriate size of garment/for buying already made garments
• It helps to determine the amount of fabric needed to prevent waste and save cost

NB: Measurement can be taken directly on a person or a standard dress form of intended sizes

POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN TAKING BODY MEASUREMENT

• Use a well marked flexible tape measure
• Take measurement over properly fitted garment. This is done to give exact and accurate body measurement
• Another person is needed to take measurement. Basic lines of the body are to be considered
• Before body measurement is taken, a cord or tape is fastened around the waist and left until all measurements have been completed
• The accuracy of several measurements depends on the exact waistline location
• The amount of ease needed varies with the type of fabric used. More ease is needed for woven fabrics than knits
• A proper order and certain sequence should be followed in taking the measurements to make it more systematic
• TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR MEASURING
• A fibre tape measure: This can be easily wrapped around the curved part of the body
• Ribbon/ cord/tape/String
• Marking pencil
• Metric stick/ Metre rule
• Gauges: This comes in various depth for hems, seam width, turning during clothing construction.
• Pencil and paper for writing down accurate measurement.

  BODY PARTS NEEDED FOR PATTERN MAKING

1. Upper Body measurements

High bust: measure around back and chest just above bust; Keep the tape parallel to the floor

Chest: Measure the chest  7cm down from the neck point, from armhole to armhole

Bust: Measure the fullest part of the bust.

Centre front bodice length : Measure centre front from base of neck to waistline tape/cord

 Front shoulder to waist: Measure from the front of the front shoulder over the bust point to waist

 Neck size: Measure the base of the neck touching the front collar bone

Shoulder : Measure from the base of neck to the shoulder bone

Back width: measure the back width 15cm down from the neck bone at the centre back, measure from armhole to armhole

 Length from centre back neck to waistline/ Nape to waist:   measure from neck bone  at the centre back to the cord tied around the waist.

1. B. SLEEVE MEASUREMENTS

Upper arm circumference : With arm bent, and fist clenched, measure around fullest part of the upper arm

Arm length –shoulder to wrist: with arm bent ,measure from arm socket over elbow to wrist bone.

Wrist circumference: measure around wrist below wrist

C.LOWER BODY MEASUREMENTS

Waistline– measure waist circumference . Allow ease for comfort in wearing finished garment

High hip: measure 3 inches/7.5cm below waistline tape/cord. Keep the tape measure parallel to floor

Hip at fullest part: measure around the fullest part of the lower body about 18/23cm from waist .

Thigh : Slip tape down to largest measure of thighs, keeping tape parallel to the floor

Body rise / Depth of crotch : The subject sit on a hard chair . Take measurement at the side from the waist to the seat / chair

Pants length : Measure from waistline along side seam to desired length for pants

Skirt length: measure from waist to floor at centre front ,centre back, right side and left side. Add hem allowance as needed

High Ankle: measure  around the leg just around the ankle

Summary

Accurate body measurements are of vital importance for obtaining best results in cloth construction.  Besides good fitting, correct measurements can also contribute towards saving time in constructing a garment. Taking body measurements is a responsible task, which should be undertaken with great care.  Measurements can be taken directly on a person for whom the pattern is to be developed or on a standard dress form of intended sizes

ASSIGNMENT ONE

Discuss any five points to be considered when taking body measurement

Discuss five reasons why accurate body measurement is necessary in garment construction

Record a video on how you have practiced the various body measurements. Mention each part and how you measured that part.

Thank you