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The Butterick® brand was founded in 1863 by Ebenezer Butterick. It changed the face of home sewing forever with the first graded sewing pattern. Butterick continued to lead the way all over the world in make-it-yourself fashions for the next 150 years. Now part of the McCall Pattern Company, Butterick is taking this expertise further by launching a new range of sewing machines and accessories to market, exclusively available at Create and Craft.
Shop All Butterick®The following directions will teach you how to correctly measure yourself or whoever you are making a garment for. Before deciding on your pattern size from one of the Standard Body Measurement Charts, it’s strongly advised you read the below instructions.
You will only require to know basic body measurements to determine your pattern size and type. It is important to remember that appropriate undergarments and footwear are to be worn when measuring. Also, ensure that your tape measure is held firmly and securely against your body (But make sure it doesn’t feel tight) for circumference measurements, it must always be parallel to the floor.
Chest - Measure above the fullest part of the bust, around the body. (2)
Bust - Measure straight across the back and around the fullest part of the bust. (1)
You will need to acquire two measurements in order to determine your cup size
• High Bust - Lift arms and measure high up underneath, across the top of bust and across the back.
• Bust - Measure over the fullest part of the bust, straight across the back.
Next, you need to deduct these two measurements (high bust from bust) to demine a difference.
Then, use this difference measurement to find your cup size on the below chart.
| Difference | Cup Size |
|---|---|
| Up to 1" (2.5cm) | A |
| Up to 2" (5cm) | B |
| Up to 3" (7.5cm) | C |
| Up to 4" (10cm) | D |
Height - Without wearing shoes - take this measurement while standing against a wall.
Hip - From the fullest part, measure around the body (usually 18-23cm or 7-9" below waist. (4)
Waist - Measure from natural waistline around the body. (3)
Back Waist Length - Measure at base of neck from the most prominent bone to the natural waistline. (5)
You will be required to take the measurements as above, but exclude the Chest measurement.
Height - (Without wearing shoes) take this measurement while standing against a wall.
Neckband - The best way to get this measurement is around the base of neck or simply buy a shirt pattern with ready-made size. (1)
Shirt Sleeve - Measure from the base of neck (from back), across shoulder around corner of elbow down to wrist. (5)
Chest - Measure around the fullest part of the chest. (2)
Hip - Around fullest part of hip or seat. (4)
Waist - Measure over shirt from natural waist. (3)
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Select your size category by matching your body and height measurements to the measurement charts.
A pattern size is acquired by the circumference (width) measurements which you’ve determined. Select the closest measurements to decide size by matching the Bust, Waist and Hip measurements that you’ve taken - refer to the Measurement Charts for guidance. To make your size selection easier, there are helpful tips below to help you make this decision.
Select according to your measurements before pregnancy.
Select an appropriate size which matches your Waist measurement. The HIP measurement can be adjusted if desired, however if your hips happen to be larger than your waist, you can still achieve a size by selection the size closest to your HIP measurement and simply just adjust the Waist measurement.
Select a corresponding size using your Bust/Chest measurement. The Hi and/or b can be adjust if required, but if you differ between your Chest and Bust measurement by more than 2"(5cm) you can just select a pattern size by your Chest measurement, this way you will be able to adjust the Bust if necessary while still achieving a better fit through your shoulders, chest and upper back.
If you purchase a pattern which includes a Jacket, Blouse, Trousers and/or Skirt – Use your Chest/Bust measurement to select a size by your Bust/Chest measurement and simply just adjust the Hips and/or Waist if needed.
Your measurements may fall between two sizes during the size selection process. If this is the case for you, make a decision based on your bone structure, if you have a small, slender frame, choose the smaller options of the two sizes, or if you have a broader frame, and big-boned, you may find the larger size to be the best choice. However, take into account your personal preference as this may influence your size selection, you may favour a looser or a closer fitted garment.
