Body measurements

Sewing patterns from Threads by Caroline are based on an international standard. Meaning: I don't guess when I make my patterns, they're based on very detailed measurements. That's why I can include a size chart in all patterns. It helps you to choose the size that will fit best, as long as you can take the measurements of the one who will wear the garment.

I recommend you to ALWAYS measure yourself/the child or other person who will wear the garment before choosing a size.

Tip! If you don't have a tape measure at hand you can use a piece of string. Use the string to measure around your body and mark it or cut it where your measurement is. Afterwards, lay the string on the floor and measure it with a ruler or yardstick.

A1: CHEST WIDTH ON A CHILD

The chest width is measured directly on the body, no garments in the way. Ask the child to lift their arms so you can bring the tape measure around her/his body, over the nipples. Then let the child bring the arms down and stand relaxed. Don't hold the tape measure too tightly or too loosely.

A1: FULL BUST ON A WOMAN

Wear a bra when measuring. Measure where the bust is largest, over the nipples. 

A2: UPPER BUST ON A WOMAN

Wear a bra when measuring. Measure around your upper chest and just under the armpits.

In general: Breath normally when taking your measurement and don't measure directly after a big meal. Measure directly on the body. Don't hold the tape measure too tightly or too loosely.

 

B: WAIST WIDTH

On a child: Measure directly on the body. Place the tape measure around the body, just above the belly button. Don't hold the tape measure too tightly or too loosely.

On a woman: The waist is located above the belly button and under the chest, it's at the smallest part of your torso and right underneath your rib cage. If you bend your upper body to the side, your waist is where the body bends. Breath normally when taking your measurement. 

 

C: LOWER WAIST

On a woman: this point is found about 5 cm (2") lower than the waist, above the belly button. This measurement is seldom needed for choosing your size.

D: HIP WIDTH

On a child or woman: Measure directly on the body. Place the tape measure around the body at hip level, where the child/yourself is widest. Keep in mind that this point is probably lower than you think. It's not around the top of your hip bone but actually around the largest part of your hips/bottom.

On a grown woman the hip is often located about 20 cm below the waist, but of course there can be large variations.

E: INSIDE LEG

Measure from the crotch down to the floor.

If you're taking your own measurement it's often easier to take the inside leg measurement on a pair of pants that have a good length.

 

F: HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE

Bring the tape measure around the head, from the forehead to the neck, where that measurement is largest.

G: HEIGHT

Let the child (or yourself) stand with the back against a wall. The feet should be touching each other and the heels should touch the wall. Stand relaxed and look straight ahead. Use a book or similar to measure straight from the wall to the top of the head.
 

CHOOSING SIZE

Each pattern from Threads by Caroline includes a size guide. You can find it in the included Sewing Instructions and on my website (at each pattern's product page). Always choose size based on your current measurements. If you're between sizes, I recommend you to size up.

Do you want to blend sizes?
If for example your bust measurement points to one size, but your height to another, you can blend between sizes. This is one of the many benefits of sewing vs. buying ready to wear garments.
Check out my guide for blending sizes here.