Measurements for a Sewing Sloper
How to Measure Bust, Waist, Back Length, and More
Accurate measurements are the starting point for creating a sloper that reflects your body. Measuring to the correct points, in the same posture and under the same conditions, is more important than trying to record extremely precise numbers.
What to prepare before measuring
Use a soft sewing tape measure that can follow the shape of the body. It is also helpful to tie a narrow elastic or string around the natural waist so you can use the same waist position for every measurement.
- a soft sewing tape measure
- a narrow elastic or string to mark the waistline
- a note or device for recording measurements immediately
- light, close-fitting clothing that makes body lines easy to see
Main measurements used for a sloper
Depending on the sloper you are creating, KATAPATA uses measurements such as bust, waist, hip, back length, and sleeve length. Check the measuring position first and keep the unit consistent when entering your values.
Bust
The circumference around the fullest part of the bust.
Waist
The circumference around the natural waistline.
Hip
The circumference around the fullest part of the hips and seat.
Back Length
The vertical measurement from the back-neck reference point to the waistline along the center back.
Sleeve Length
The measurement from the shoulder point along the arm to the desired sleeve-end position.
How to take each measurement
Bust
Pass the tape around the fullest part of the bust and keep it level across the back. Do not pull the tape too tightly; measure while breathing naturally.
Waist
A useful guide to the natural waist is the point where the torso folds when you bend gently to the side. Tie an elastic at that level and measure around the body without holding your breath.
Hip
Measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat. Check from the side that the tape is level and is not rising or dropping at the front or back.
Back Length
Measure from the reference point at the base of the back neck, down the center back to the elastic marking the waistline. Keep the tape close to the body without changing your posture.
Sleeve Length
Measure from the shoulder point along the arm to the sleeve-end position you want. Keep the arm in a natural position rather than locking it completely straight.
If you would like to check the measuring positions visually, see the KATAPATA Measurement Guide.
Common measuring mistakes
- pulling the tape too tightly and recording a smaller measurement
- measuring over thick clothing
- letting the bust or hip tape tilt instead of staying level
- changing the waistline position during the measuring process
- twisting the body to read the tape
- mixing centimeters and inches when entering measurements
Tips for entering measurements in KATAPATA
Enter your body measurements, not the measurements of a finished garment. The sloper calculation and adjustment steps determine the basic shape and the ease included in the sloper.
Posture, shoulder slope, bust-point position, and other three-dimensional characteristics cannot always be represented by measurements alone. After creating the sloper, use the on-screen adjustment tools to review the shape and fine-tune it as needed.
Rather than searching for a “perfect” number before you begin, take your measurements carefully, create the sloper, and then review the areas that need adjustment.
Create a basic sloper from your measurements.
Measurement entry, adjustment, data saving, and PDF export are all free.