Measuring is the first step to sewing. It must be done accurately otherwise your dress would turn out to be Zombie size and we definitely don't want that.

First things first, make sure you have a friend to help you take the measurements.
Secondly, a measuring tape has both inches and centimetres (one on each side). While using your measuring tape, be sure to take your measurements using the 'inches' (") rather than the centimetres (cm) as it will be more easy to mark on your cloth.
Finally, while measuring do breathe! Don't stiffen up your body and don't tighten the tape. Take relaxed measurements.

BASIC MEASUREMENTS:

Across Shoulder: From one shoulder point (the point of dimple at shoulder bone when arms are raised to shoulder level) to the other.
Bust: Measure all around the body over the bust.
Waist: Measure the narrowest part of your waist.
Hips: Measure the widest part; just below the waist.

ADVANCED MEASUREMENTS:

Waist height from floor: Measure from waist to the legs touching the floor.
Shoulder length: From neck base (the area where you circle measure the neck) to shoulder point.
Front waist length: Measure from the neck base over bust and vertically down to waist.

If you feel like I've missed anything, please do leave them in the comments. Please follow me if you like my blog and enjoy The Sew Show.

basic measurements sewing sewing measurements take measurements tape measure

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I've recently entered the Sewing World and I'm unfamiliar with many of the tools just like you. There are sewing tools which I know well while there are some which I vaguely know and finally there are ones which I absolutely have no idea how to use.

Of all the sewing tools out there, there are some essential ones. The following tools can help if you are a beginner. They will ease your sewing and give you an almost-perfect results.

1. TAILOR'S CHALK:

Used for: Marking and tracing measurements on cloth.

Pros: Temporary and can easily be rubbed off from the cloth without damaging it. Can be used on the right side of the cloth.
Cons: Easily smudged and hence markings often need to be remarked.
Details: Available in different colours (use light coloured chalks on dark coloured clothes and dark coloured chalks on light coloured clothes for better visibility of markings).

2. THREADS:

Used for: Sewing the clothes.
Details: Available in millions of colours. Choose the thread according to your cloth's colour (try to match them as close as possible).

3. SEAM RIPPER:

Used for: Ripping the wrongly stitched seams from cloth.
Pros: This is definitely the most handy tool you need while sewing. Undo your wrong stitches with this one.
Cons: Seam ripper is quite sharp, so care must be taken (not only with your hands) but also with our cloth as it can easily tear and damage clothes.
Details: Sharp! Sharp! Sharp!

4. PINS:

Used for: Keeping your clothes together till you finish sewing them.
Pros: Another handy tool. Without it you'll find it hard to keep your cloth pieces together.
Cons: Not as sharp as seam ripper, but still sharp. May damage some clothes if not used properly.
Details: Wide range of colours and sharpness to suite your needs.

5. PIN CUSHION:

Used for: Pinning your pins for quick use.
Pros: Will keep your pins at one place without you losing them one after the other. They will also keep your pins from blunting.
Details: Pin-saver...Who doesn't like these fluffy things? You can always make your own and stare at these beauties.

6. SCISSORS:

Used for: For cutting of course!
Pros: Both the bigger one and the smaller one are necessary. Mommy shear is for cutting the cloth piece accordingly while the baby is for snipping threads or small pieces of cloth.
Details: I like to use both, but you can do the work with just one. Using smaller one for snipping will avoid any uneasiness from using the bigger and heavier one.

7. RULER:

Used for: Joining markings.
Pros: An important tool if you are measuring and cutting your cloth instead of tracing.
Cons: Completely useless if you are tracing your measurements.

8. MARKER PENS:

Used for: Permanent markings.
Pros: Your markings will stay on. You can keep your fear of smudging at bay.
Cons: Never use this tool on the right side of the cloth as it cannot be removed unlike tailor's chalk.

9. TAPE MEASURE: 

Used for: Taking your body measurements and also other details.

These are the sewing tools I really recommend if you are a beginner. If you feel like I've missed some important ones, please do leave them in the comments. Please follow me if you like my blog and enjoy The Sew Show.

beginners marker pens pin cushion pins ruler scissors seam ripper sewing tailor's chalk tape measure threads tools

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