Think Like a Patternmaker: The Importance of Measuring a Pattern Before You Sew

Measuring patterns before cutting and sewing bridges the gap between the patternmakers’ intent and your personal preferences. Precise pattern measuring brings you a step closer to sewing success, allowing you to create garments that reflect your unique style. Let’s see 2 reasons why you should always measure your sewing patterns before starting any project.

Reason 1: Selecting the right pattern size. While it’s true that patterns provide the finished garment measurements, there are significant differences among brands and patternmakers. Even well-known patternmakers can position measurements differently, so it’s super important that you always measure your patterns yourself.

Reason 2: A pattern’s suggested ease may not always align with your personal preferences. For instance, a pattern may suggest a determined amount of ease for the bust area, but it may not align with your preferred standards. If that were your case, you’d measure both the above bust and bust positions separately and write down these numbers.

To measure your patterns, mark your seam allowances and join the pattern pieces together. Establish reference lines like the above-bust line and armhole positions, and ensure everything is aligned well. Finally, and this is super important: always measure to the seam line.

Once you’re done measuring, you can then determine your ease amounts. To do this download your FREE Wearing Ease Calculator now. This tool allows you to compile your measurements, body stats, and ease preferences to customize your ease standards. Fill out the form above to get it right now!

Master Garment Ease: Make Pattern Corrections Before You Cut & Sew a Fitting Sample.