KATAPATA

Measurement Guide

MEASUREMENT GUIDE

How to Take Your Measurements

Accurate measurements are the starting point for a reliable sloper. Measure over close-fitting clothing or underwear, stand naturally, and ask another person to help whenever possible.

BEFORE MEASURING

Prepare for accurate measurements

CLOTHING

Wear close-fitting clothing

Avoid bulky garments and strongly shaping underwear. Measure over clothing that shows the natural body outline.

POSTURE

Stand naturally

Do not lift the chest, pull in the stomach, or change your usual posture. Face forward and breathe normally.

MEASURING TAPE

Keep the tape level

For circumference measurements, check that the tape remains parallel to the floor all the way around the body.

The measuring tape should rest against the body without digging in or hanging loose. Keep it flat and untwisted.
MEASUREMENTS USED BY KATAPATA

Measure the items required for your sloper

The exact measurements needed depend on the sloper pieces you plan to create.

Bust

BODICE

The full circumference around the fullest part of the bust.

How to measure

Wrap the tape around the back and across the fullest point of the bust. Keep the tape level, lower the arms naturally, and breathe normally.

  • Check the tape position across the back.
  • Do not compress the bust.
  • Wear the bra or undergarment you normally use.
Common mistake: checking only the front while the tape slopes upward or downward across the back.

Waist

BODICE / BOTTOMS

The full circumference around the natural waistline.

How to measure

Bend gently from side to side to find the natural crease. Wrap the tape level around that point and measure without pulling it tight.

  • Do not hold in the stomach.
  • Use the natural waist, not the waistband position of your clothing.
  • A narrow elastic tied around the waist can help mark the level.
Common mistake: tightening the tape to make the measurement smaller.

Hip

SKIRT / PANTS

The full circumference around the fullest part of the hips and seat.

How to measure

Stand with the feet together and wrap the tape around the fullest area. Check from the side that the tape remains parallel to the floor.

  • Empty pockets before measuring.
  • Avoid measuring over bulky clothing.
  • Do not tense or tilt the pelvis.
Used when creating skirt or pants slopers.

Back Length

BODICE

The vertical distance from the back neck point to the natural waistline.

How to measure

Start at the prominent bone at the base of the neck. Measure down the center back, following the body, to the elastic marking the natural waist.

  • Follow the back rather than holding the tape away from the body.
  • Mark the waistline before measuring.
  • Ask another person to take this measurement whenever possible.
Common mistake: measuring to the waistband of a skirt or pants instead of the natural waist.

Sleeve Length

SLEEVE

The distance from the shoulder point to the desired sleeve hem.

How to measure

Let the arm hang naturally and measure from the shoulder point down the outside of the arm to the desired sleeve length.

  • Confirm the shoulder point before measuring.
  • For a long sleeve, a slight bend at the elbow may be useful.
  • Choose the length based on the sleeve you plan to create.
Sleeve length is used when creating the sleeve sloper.
QUICK REFERENCE

Measurement summary

Measurement Where to measure Used for
Bust Around the fullest part of the bust Basic bodice sloper
Waist Around the natural waistline Bodice, skirt, and pants slopers
Hip Around the fullest part of the hips and seat Skirt and pants slopers
Back Length Back neck point to natural waistline Basic bodice sloper
Sleeve Length Shoulder point to desired sleeve hem Sleeve sloper
FINAL CHECK

Check before entering the numbers

Good measurement habits

Check that the tape is level, your posture is natural, and each number has been read correctly. Repeat any measurement that seems uncertain.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not pull the tape tight, measure over bulky clothing, hold in the stomach, or ignore the tape position across the back.

Measurement entry can be completed on a smartphone or tablet, but a PC is recommended for reviewing the full sloper and making detailed adjustments.
RELATED GUIDES

Continue with KATAPATA

HOW TO USE How to Use Follow the workflow from measurement entry to PDF export. View the guide → EXAMPLES Examples See how the different sloper options can be used. View examples → FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Find answers about devices, saved data, printing, and planned paid features. View FAQ →
READY TO START?

Create your custom sloper.

The basic bodice and sleeve sloper workflow, including adjustment, saved working data, and PDF export, is free.

Open the Sloper Tool