How to Take Measurements for Drafting a Custom Fit Bodice

I hope you enjoyed the skirt series and the knit t-shirt series and are ready to move on to something a little bit more challenging. The next series will cover shirts. We're going to draft a basic bodice from measurements and then move into how to adjust it for different types of shirts and blouses. So, we'll go from a very basic t-shirt to a button-down blouse perfect for jeans or paired with the skirt you made. In between the drafting and construction of our shirts, I'll show you how to alter the key problem areas to ensure a perfect fit. We'll also be looking at how to construct the blouse to ensure it is well made. In today's video and blog post, I'll cover the measurements for drafting a custom fit bodice.

Taking Bodice Measurements

The first thing we need to do is draft our basic bodice. That means you'll need to grab your measuring tape, a well-fitting bra or undergarment you normally wear with your shirts and a pencil or pen. Having accurate measurements is the key to a well-fitting garment so you will want to get help with taking your bodice measurements. It's always a good idea to slip into something that fits close to the body to take measurements. I like to wear a close-fitting tank top with a supportive bra underneath. Before taking Measurements:

Bodice Measurements

1. High Bust: _______
2. Full Bust: _______
3. Front Bust: _______ (subtract your front bust from your full bust to get your back bust)
4. Back Bust: _______
5. Waist: _______
6. Across Shoulders: _______
7. Neck to Waist (front): _______
8. Nape to Waist (back): _______
9. Shoulder to CF at elastic: _______
10. Shoulder to CB at elastic: _______
11. Armscye to Waist (side seam): _______
12. Armscye Depth: _______
13. Neck: _______

Do the following math for the Front Bodice

Example: My under bust is 32” ÷ 4 = 8
quarter measurement)
1. Under Bust ÷ 4 = ________ (we are using the final quarter measurement)
2. Full Bust ÷ 4 = _________ (we are using the final quarter measurement)
Place elastic around your waist before taking the following:
3. Waist ÷ 4 = _________ (we are using the final quarter measurement)
4. Full Front Length: Shoulder to Elastic at Waist: _______ (measure from high shoulder point, which is at the shoulder closest to your neck)
5. Center Front Length: ________ (measure from the center front to the elastic)
6. Underarm Length: _________ (measure 1” below your underarm to your elastic at waist)
7. Shoulder Length: _______

Printable version of the measurement sheet. 

If you have any questions about the measurements for drafting a custom fit bodice let me know in the comments section.

Join the Private Facebook Group

I'm always happy to answer questions left in the comment section but did you know Let's Learn To Sew has a Facebook group? The Facebook group is a private group where you can ask questions and share what you're working on. It's also an easy way to share pictures of your project while you're working on it and when it's complete. Hop on over and join today!