Standard Body Measurements-22-8-21

Standard Body Measurements/
Sizing
To ensure that a finished garment will fit properly, it is important
to take the following body measurements, so that you can
determine what size you should make. It is always better to
have someone else do the measuring. If that is not an option,
you can measure a garment that fits you the way you want, and
use these measurements as a guide. Most crochet and knitting
pattern instructions will provide general sizing information, such
as the chest or bust measurements of a completed garment.
Many patterns also include detailed schematics or line
drawings. These drawings show specific garment
measurements(bust/chest, neckline, back, waist, sleeve length,
etc.) in all the different pattern sizes. (See more about
Schematics p. 25) To insure proper fit, always review all of the
sizing information provided in a pattern before you begin.
Following are several sizing charts. These charts show Chest,
Center Back Neck-to-Cuff, Back Waist Length, Cross Back,
Sleeve Length, Upper Arm, Armhole Depth, Waist and Hip.
THESE ARE ACTUAL BODY MEASUREMENTS FOR
BABIES, CHILDREN, WOMEN, and MEN in both inches and
centimeters.
When sizing sweaters, the fit is based on actual chest/bust measurements, plus ease (additional
inches or centimeters), sometimes referred to as "negative ease" (less than the actual bust/chest
measurement) or "positive ease" (more than the actual bust/chest measurement). The chart entitled
“Bust/Chest Fit and Ease Chart” recommends the amount of ease to add or subtract to bust/chest
measurements if you prefer a close-fitting garment, an oversized garment, or something in-between.
Bust/Chest Fit and Ease Chart
Very close Very tight fit, smaller than your

fitting, actual bust/chest measurement.
negative ease: Approximately 2" to 4” (5 to
10cm) less than your actual
bust/chest measurement
Close fitting, Body skimming, your actual

zero ease: bust/chest measurement.
Classic fit, Comfortable fit slightly larger than

some positive actual bust/chest measurement.
ease: Approximately 2" to 4” (5 to
10cm) more than your actual
Loose fit, Slightly oversized fit, larger than

more positive your actual bust/chest
ease: measurement. Approximately 4"
to 6” (10 to 15cm) more than your
actual bust/chest measurement
Oversized, Very loose fit, much larger than

generous your actual bust/chest
positive ease: measurement. Approximately 6+”
(15+cm) more than your actual
The Length Chart provides average lengths for

children’s, women’s and men’s garments.
Both the FIT and LENGTH charts are simply guidelines. For individual body differences, changes can
be made in body and sleeve lengths when appropriate. However, consideration must be given to the
project pattern. Certain sizing changes may alter the appearance of a garment.
Length Chart
Back Waist Length Hip Length Tunic Length
Child Actual body measurement 2"/5cm down from waist 6"/15cm down f
Woman Actual body measurement 6"/15cm down from waist 11"/28cm down
Men Men’s length usually varies only 1–2"/2.5–5cm from the actual “back hip length”
How to measure
1. Chest/Bust - Measure around the fullest part of the
chest/bust. Do not draw the tape too tightly.
2. Center Back Neck–to-Wrist- With arm straight, measure
from back base of neck, across shoulder, and along arm to
wrist.
3. Back Waist Length- Measure from the most prominent bone
at base of neck to the natural waistline.
4. Cross Back- Measure from shoulder to shoulder.
5. Arm Length- With arm slightly bent, measure from armpit to
wrist.
6. Upper Arm- Measure around the widest section of the upper
arm located above the elbow.
7. Armhole Depth- Measure from the top outside edge of the
shoulder down to the armpit.
8. Waist- Measure your waist at the smaller circumference of
your natural waist, usually just above the belly button.
9. Hip- Measure at the widest part of your lower hip.
10. Head Circumference- For an accurate head measure,
place a tape measure across the forehead and measure
around the full circumference of the head. Keep the tape snug
for accurate results.
11. Sock Measurements- The following measurements are for
crew-style or dress socks, which usually come several inches
above the ankle and below the calf.
11a. Foot Circumference- To determine the foot
circumference, measure around the widest part of your foot.
11b. Sock Height- To determine the height of the sock,
measure from where you start to turn for the heel shaping to
the top of the sock.
11c. Total Foot Length- To measure the total length of your
foot, place a ruler or tape measure on the floor. Position the
back of your heel at the beginning of the tape and the measure
to your longest toe.
12a. Hand Circumference- Measure around the palm of your
dominate hand, which is usually just below the knuckles.
Exclude the thumb.
12b. Wrist Circumference- Measure around the widest part of
the wrist.
12c. Hand Length- Measure from the wrist to the the base of
the hand to the tip of the middle finger or to the top of the
longest finger.

Standard Body Measurements-22-8-21

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What body measurements are described?

What are the different types of fit described for sweaters?

Standard Body Measurements/

Very close Very tight fit, smaller than your

Close fitting, Body skimming, your actual

Classic fit, Comfortable fit slightly larger than

Loose fit, Slightly oversized fit, larger than

Oversized, Very loose fit, much larger than

The Length Chart provides average lengths for

Back Waist Length Hip Length Tunic Length

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