How to Measure Yourself for our Sewing Patterns (And Choose the Right Size)
How to Measure Yourself for Sewing Patterns
(And Choose Your PE Size with Confidence)
Getting a beautiful fit starts before you even cut your fabric. It starts with knowing your measurements.
Measuring properly removes guesswork. It gives you clarity. And it makes choosing your size feel straightforward instead of slightly stressful.
In this short series, I’ll walk you through exactly when to measure, where to measure, and how to hold the tape so you’re getting accurate numbers. We’ll cover upper bust, full bust, waist and hip — all the key areas that influence how your garment will sit on your body.
And while measuring is the foundation, it’s also important to remember that every pattern is drafted with a particular fit in mind — fitted, easy fit, relaxed or oversized. Understanding your measurements helps you choose your size; understanding the pattern description helps you understand how it’s meant to feel.
Each pattern has a Size & Fit page in the tutorial with it's own set on instructions to help you find the best size for that pattern. Just follow the sizing steps, one by one.
Now let’s measure properly.
VIDEO 1: When to Measure & Choosing Your Size
Before you even touch the tape measure, timing matters. Measuring straight after a big meal (or when your body is reacting to something it doesn’t love) will absolutely change your numbers. Especially around your waist and hips.
In this video, I talk about when to measure, what to wear, why “sizing up just in case” doesn’t help, and how to actually use the Size & Fit page properly. Shop sizes mean nothing here — your measurements are what matter.
Press play below and I’ll walk you through it properly.
VIDEO 2: Measuring Your Upper Bust & Bust
Now we get into upper bust and full bust.
These are two different measurements, and understanding both helps you choose your size with much more confidence. Your upper bust measurement is about your frame — your shoulders, rib cage and upper chest. That’s what helps a garment sit nicely across the top of your body.
Your full bust measurement is taken around the fullest part, wearing the bra you would normally wear under a fitted top. Nothing fancy — just how you’d realistically wear the garment.
In the video below, I show you exactly where to place the tape and how firmly to hold it. I also briefly explain how size differences between upper bust and full bust can influence your size choice.
For any pattern-specific adjustments, always refer back to that pattern’s Size & Fit page in the tutorial. It will guide you through the exact steps for that design.
Press play and I’ll walk you through it.
A note about Full Bust Adjustment (FBA)
If your bust size is a larger size that your upper bust size, you may need a full bust adjustment. But it differs from pattern to pattern so make sure you read the tutorial sizing steps properly.
- Stretch knit patterns - You can view our easy (FBA) full & small bust adjustment how-to here. Remember to follow each patterns advice on when an FBA is suitable.
- Woven patterns - these pattern either contain instructions to do your own FBA or extra pieces are included in the pattern. Each pattern will outline which option it has.
VIDEO 3: Measuring Your Waist
Waists are funny things. Half the time people think it’s their belly button. It’s not.
Your waist is where your body bends — that little indentation when you tilt side to side. Think “I’m a little teapot”. That’s your spot.
In this video, I show you exactly how to find it and how to measure it properly. We also talk about where garments actually sit. If a skirt or pair of pants sits lower than your natural waist, then that’s where you measure. Comfort wins every time.
And here’s the reassuring bit: being different sizes across your body is completely normal. Very few of us are the same size at bust, waist and hip. Multi-sizing isn’t advanced sewing — it’s just smart sewing.
If waistbands have ever confused you, this one will make it click.
VIDEO 4: Measuring Your Hip / Seat
Now we measure the hips — or what I call the seat.
For Pattern Emporium patterns, I ask you to measure 20 cm (8") below your natural waist. In the video, I show you exactly how I find that point on my body so you’re not guessing.
This is also where shape really comes into play. Hip dip, fuller tummy, narrower hips — we’re all built differently, and that affects how a garment behaves, especially if it’s more fitted. If something is too tight across the hip, you’ll spend the whole day pulling it down. We don’t want that.
In this video, I talk about how I check my measurement properly and how I decide what size to cut depending on the style I’m making. It’s not about chasing a number — it’s about understanding your shape.
Press play and I’ll show you exactly what I mean.
Measuring isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about understanding your body and using that information to sew clothes that feel good on you.
Take your time. Follow the Size & Fit page.
And if you’re unsure — ask. All sewing, pattern, printing, size & fit support for our patterns is provided in our free community on Facebook. Pop in anytime for tips, advice, and support! https://www.facebook.com/groups/patternemporium
