How to use Metric System of measurement in

Dress Making
Dress making is like cooking, you may have your own
unique style of taking the measurements and may be quite
successful at it.
I have even seen some amazing people using their hands for taking measurements and go by
their guess work and still they get to be accurate with the size and get the dress right.

These different methods of taking measurements exist but unfortunately not all of us are that
God gifted and experienced to take accurate measurements with our sixth sense.

For people like us, there is a universal system of measurement, which is called metric system.
Metric system is an alternative system of measurement used in most countries.
While we go along with our projects on this site and on my youtube channel, we’ll be using
Metric measurements with imperial values in bracket to facilitate the change to metric system.

In this system 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters or 2.5 cm (i.e.Inch X 2.5 = cm)and

1 yard(36 inches) = 91.5 cm and

1 meter (100 cm) = 39.57 inches.

The values given in this system are not exact but nearly equal, e.g. 60 cm is equal to 23.5″ but
the value taken is 24″. In the same way 36″ = 91.5 cm, but here it is taken as 90 cm, in order to
make 1/2, 1/4, 1/6, 1/8,1/12 divisions easier.

I have added here conversion table for your ready reference to make things easier for you.

CONVERSION OF INCHES INTO CENTIMETERS

 Inches Cm. Inches Cm. Inches Cm.

¼ = 0.6 4 = 10.0 22 = 56.0

½ = 1.3 5 = 12.5 24 = 61.0

¾ = 2.0 6 = 15.0 26 = 66.0

1 = 2.5 7 = 18.0 28 = 71.0

1 ¼ = 3.2 8 = 20.5 30 = 76.0

1 ½ = 3.8 9 = 23.0 32 = 81.5

1 ¾ = 4.5 10 = 25.5 34 = 86.5

2 = 5.0 12 = 30.5 36 = 91.5

2 ¼ = 5.7 14 = 35.5 38 = 96.5

2 ¼ = 6.5 16 = 40.5 40 = 101.5

2 ¾ = 7.0 18 = 46.0 42 = 106.5

3 = 7.5 20 = 51.0 44 = 112.0

Linear Measure
a.
General.
Linear measure is the measurement of line distance.
In
machine shop calculations, it is important to know how to convert linear
measurements from the English to the metric system and vice-versa.
Subsequent paragraphs provide an explanation of both these systems and how
to convert from one system to another.
b.
English System.
This system consists, basically, of the inch, foot,
yard, and mile.
The foot is the basic unit of measure.
The inch is a
subdivision of the foot, while the yard and the mile are multiples of the
foot. Table 2 below depicts the English system.
TABLE 2.
ENGLISH SYSTEM LINEAR MEASUREMENTS.
12 inches (in)
=
1
foot (ft)
3 feet (ft)
=
1
yard (yd)
5280 feet (ft)
=
1
mile
1760 yards (yd)
=
1
mile
c.
Metric System. This system is based on the decimal system, just like
the United States dollar (10 cents equals a dime, and 10 dimes equal one
dollar). The meter is the basic unit of measurement, as depicted in Table 3
below. As shown in this table, units that are multiples or fractional parts
of the meter, such as the millimeter, are designated as such by prefixes to
the word meter.
TABLE 3.
METRIC SYSTEM LINEAR MEASUREMENTS.
10 millimeters (mm)
=
1
centimeter (cm)
10 centimeters (cm)
=
1
decimeter (dm)
10 decimeters (dc)
=
1
meter (m)
1000 meters (m)
=
1
kilometer (km)

Next time, if you have any confusion and you are not clear about the method of conversion, you
may simply refer to this table and get along with your taking measurements and cutting with no
hassles.

Metric and English Systems

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Metric System:
The metric system is an internationally agreed decimal system of
measurement created in France in 1799. The International System of
Units (SI), the official system of measurement in almost every
country in the world, is based upon the metric system.
In the metric system, each basic type of measurement (length, weight, capacity) has
one basic unit of measure (meter, gram, liter). Conversions are quickly made by
multiplying or dividing by factors of 10. It is as simple as moving the decimal point to
the right (for smaller prefixes) or to the left (for larger prefixes).

To remember the proper decimal movement, arrange the prefixes from largest to
smallest:

Convert 10.25 kilometers to meters.

Notice in the listing above that meter is three places to the right of the prefix kilo. This
tells us to move the decimal point three places to the right. The answer is 10,250
meters.

Convert 650 mL to daL. [mL is milliliters and daL is

decaliters].
Notice in the listing above that the prefix deca is four places to the left of the
prefix milli. This tells us to move the decimal point four places to the left. The answer
is 0.0650 daL. (Note: dL is deciliters, daL is decaliters.)

Convert 750 grams to milligrams.

Notice in the listing above that the prefix milli is three places to the right of gram.
This tells us to move the decimal point three places to the right. The answer
is 750,000 milligrams.

English System:
While the metric system was lawfully accepted for use in the United States in 1866,
the US has not adopted the metric system as its "official" system of measurement. The
US English System of measurement grew out of the manner in which people secured
measurements using body parts and familiar objects. For example, shorter ground
distances were measured with the human foot and longer distances were measured by
paces, with one mile being 1,000 paces. Capacities were measured with household
items such as cups, pails (formerly called gallons) and baskets.

Obviously this system allowed for discrepancies between measurements obtained by

different individuals. A standard was eventually set to ensure that all measurements
represented the same amount for everyone.

Length: Weight: Capacity:

1 foot (ft) = 12 1 pound (lb) = 16 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 3
inches (in) ounces (oz) teasponns (tsp)
1 yard (yd) = 3 feet 1 ton = 2000 pounds 1 cup (c) = 16 tablespoons
1 mile (mi) = 5280 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces (oz)
feet 1 pint (pt) = 2 cups
1 mile = 1760 yards 1 quart (qt) = 2 pints
1 gallon (gal) = 4 quarts

Conversion Ratio (or Unit Factor): While the Metric System simply moves
the decimal point to convert between its measurements' prefixes, the English System
requires a conversion ratio (or unit factor)to move between measurements. In the
Metric System, the prefix itself gives the needed conversion ratio.

A conversion ratio (or unit factor) is a ratio equal to one. This ratio carries the names
of the units to be used in the conversion. It can be used for conversions within the
English and Metric Systems, as well as for conversions between the systems. The
conversion ratio is based upon the concept of equivalent values. In the example
below, one foot is substituted for its equivalent measure of 12 inches.

Convert 84 inches to feet.

A proportion can be set up using the appropriate
conversion ratio. In a proportion the product of the
means equals the product of the extremes. Use this ANSWER: 7 feet
"cross multipy" concept to find the answer.
 Find the number of
cups in two gallons.
There is no stated conversion for cups to
gallons, so we have to be a bit more creative. ANSWER: 32 cups
Since there are 4 cups in 1 quart, and 4 quarts in
1 gallon, we can set up the conversion ratio
based on "quarts". Two gallons is 8 quarts.

Convert 16 tons to
pounds.
Set up the conversion ratio and solve for the
missing value. ANSWER: 32,000 pounds

NOTE: As with all mathematical problems, there are other ways to arrive at these
answers. Most other methods utilize the concept of the conversion ratio, but may be
written in a different manner or calculated mentally.

Taking Measurements
There is a proper way to take measurements to give the best fit when making a garment. You should keep an

accurate record of all your measurements, and check them each time you start to prepare a new pattern.

Be aware of manufacturer's sizes. Keep in mind that different manufacturers sizes are different. One retailers size 14

is anothers 16, and yet anothers 12. Knowing your size doesn't mean knowing your measurements. Keep track of

your own measurements. This is the whole idea of customization used in our patterns.

It is also important that you take your measurements accurately to be sure the garment will fit you.

Taking an accurate set of measurements is not difficult, but takes care. We suggest that you ask your relative or

friend to help you.

Measurements should be taken over your usual undergarments. Do not pull the measuring tape snug too tight. Let
yourself breathe!
We strongly recommend you use the metric system. Metric measurements are more accurate and easier to use than

imperial. Regular measuring tape has both inches and centimeters on it.

Please round your metric measurements to whole numbers (e.g. 102 cm). Don't round measurements in

inchesthough, or you'll end up 1.27 cm over or short your actual measurement.

Basic measurements

 Height: Stand straight (not too straight, just as usual) with your back, your head and your heels against

the wall. Ask a Measurer to mark a spot at the wall using a ruler that goes on top of your head

perpendicular to the wall. Measure the vertical distance from the floor to the mark.

 Bust: Take this measurement over the fullest part of the bust and across the widest part of the back. The

measuring tape should go horizontally all around your body.

 Waist: To locate your waistline, tie a narrow string around the waist and let it settle into the natural

waistline as you bend to the left and to the right. Take the measurement along the stringline.
  Hips: Take the measurement around the fullest part, which is usually 18cm (7") to 23cm (9") below the

waist.
Advanced measurements (in addition to all mentioned above)

 Shoulder length: Measured from neck base to shoulder point. To locate neck base, circle tape

horizontally around your neck under thyroid. To find the shoulder point, raise the arm to shoulder level. A

dimple will form at the shoulder bone thats the shoulder point.

 Waist height from floor: Distance from waist to the floor. Place a ruler or book between your waist and

the wall, make a mark on the wall. Measure height of the mark from the floor.

 Front waist length: Measured from the prominent bone at back neck to the neck base point, over bust

point, and vertically down to waistline. (To find the back neck bone, bend the head forward so you can

feel the neck bone, or vertebra. For neck base point see Shoulder length measurement.).

 Back waist length: From prominent bone at back neck down along the spine though a ruler of 1 width

put at the projecting scapulae points to the tape tied at waist line.

Before you start measuring, remember to:

1. Use a non-stretchable tape

2. Make sure the tape measure is level around your body and parallel to the floor
3. Keep tape close to your skin without depressing it.

Measurements:
o Bust: Measure all the way around your bust and back on the line of your nipples.
o Chest: Measure directly under your breasts, as high up as possible.
o Waist: Measure at its narrowest point width-wise, usually just above the navel.
o Hips: Measure around the widest part of the hipbones.
o Midway: Measure midway between the widest part of your hips and your waist.
o Thighs: Measure around fullest part of upper leg while standing
o Knees: Measure immediately above the knee.
o Calves: Measure around fullest part.
o Upper arm: Measure above your elbows – around fullest part.
o Forearms: Measure below your elbows – around fullest part.

Re-measure yourself every couple of weeks and record you measurements, so that you
can chart your progress. This is a great motivator! It can be discouraging to see your
measurements at the start of the program, but once you begin to see results, the feeling
of accomplishment is incredible. Even if you have already commenced your program, it
is not too late to get measuring (body fat percentage or body measurements), as it is
wonderful and rewarding to watch your body continue to change. If you want, plug your
vital statistics into the body fat calculator to get an estimate of your body fat percentage.

Women: Hip-To-Waist Ratio

An interesting fact about body measurements is that research has shown that it is not so
much a woman’s weight that determines her attractiveness, as it is her waist-to-hip ratio
(WHR). It seems that women with a WHR of 0.7 (i.e. a waist circumference that is 70%
of the hip circumference) are consistently regarded as more attractive by men –
regardless of culture or body type. Diverse beauties such as Sophia Loren, Marilyn
Monroe, Beyoncé Knowles, Kate Moss, Alessandra Amrosio and Salma Hayek have
waist-hip ratios of around 0.7.

Common Body Measurements

Bust: Place the measuring tape across your nipples and measure around the largest
part of your chest. Be sure to keep the tape parallel to the floor.

Chest: Place the measuring tape just under your breasts/pecs and measure around the
torso while keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

Waist: Place the measuring tape about a 1/2 inch above your bellybutton (at the
narrowest part of your waist) to measure around your torso. When measuring your
waist, exhale and measure before inhaling again.

Hips: Place the measuring tape across the widest part of your hips/buttocks and
measure all the way around while keeping the tape parallel to the floor. You can use
your waist and hip measurements to calculate your Waist-to-Hip ratio, an assessment
that can help determine your health risk. Use SparkPeople's Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Calculator to determine your ratio.

Thigh: Measure around the largest part of each thigh.

Calves: Measure around the largest part of each calf.

Upper arm: Measure around the largest part of each arm (above the elbow).

Forearm: Measure around the largest part of each arm (below the elbow).

Neck: Measure around the largest part of the neck.

Tips for Measuring

 Use a flexible measuring tape, such as plastic or cloth.
  When taking measurements, stand tall with your muscles relaxed and feet
together.
 Apply constant pressure to the tape (so it doesn't sag) without pinching the skin.
 Measure under the same conditions each time, such as wearing the same
clothes (or none at all).
 Measure yourself in front of a mirror to make sure the tape is positioned correctly.
If possible, have someone else do the measuring for you.
 To ensure accuracy, remember to take measurements in the same place on your
body each time.

Don't let the scale get you down! Losing inches can be even more impactful than losing
pounds.

How to Take Body Measurements

Taking accurate body measurements is one of the keys to great fit. Whether you choose
to make your pattern block from a commercial fitting pattern or draft it from
measurements, having accurate measurements is critical to the success of your
block. (And a well-fitting block is critical to the success of everything you make!)
All you need is a tape measure! While it's easiest to have someone else take your
measurements, it can be done by yourself. Just stand in front of a mirror so that you
can see that you have the tape in the right position.

Ideally, you should be measured wearing only your undergarments. However, a leotard
or close-fitting clothing will be fine. Do NOT measure yourself wearing jeans,
sweats, or other bulky clothing. It DOES make a difference!

Because the body is made of soft tissue, it can be a bit difficult to know exactly how tight
to pull the tape around the body. The tape should be a bit snug, but not tight - it should
not "dig in" or make an indentation in the body. It should not be loose, either! Just
wrap the tape around the area of the body being measured and hold it in place. You
should be able to put a finger behind the tape, but no more than that.

Measuring the body

 A - Bust - Measure the bust at the
fullest part. Measure all around the
body (total circumference).

B - Waist - Measure the waist where

the body bends. It helps to bend side
to side to identify exactly where to
measure. You can put an elastic band
around the waist to mark the correct
placement.

C - Hip - Measure the hips at the

fullest part, usually around the seat.

D - High Hip - Measure around the

fullest part, about 3 - 4" below the
waist. This is helpful when fitting a
slim skirt or pants (to get an accurate
idea of the shape of the hip, or the
belly).

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E - Front Waist Length - Start at the shoulder (right next to the base of the neck), and
measure to the waist, measuring over the fullest part of the bust.

F - Back Waist Length - Measure from the base of the neck (in the center, not the side),
to the center of the waistline.
G - Arm Length - Measure from the top of the arm (find the bone at the shoulder/top of
arm) to the wrist (find the bone at the side of the wrist), WITH THE ELBOW BENT. It's
important to keep the elbow bent to allow for movement when you make a sleeve.

See? It's not hard, and you don't need a lot of measurements to get started. You could
also measure from the waist to the knee and/or the ankle for skirt length, but I usually
just try on the garment at that point to decide where I want the hem.