LESSON 1 3.

See-through ruler - It usually measures

TOOLS, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT IN about 12 or 18 inches and allows you
CLOTHING CONSTRUCTION to see your previous markings. It is
great for marking straight edges and
In today’s fashion era, well-fitted parallel lines, buttonholes, tucks, and
comfortable garments are given greater pleats. It can also be used to check the
importance. Garments construction starts grain line of the fabric.
with the accurate measurements on hand 4. Seam Gauge- It is a small ruler
used in drafting patterns, cutting, and about 6 inches long with a sliding
stitching the fabric. Each of these processes marker. It has
requires the use of tools and equipment for
quick and accurate work. Knowledge of the
tools and equipment is very important to
communicate effectively in the workplace
and minimize errors.
A machine used to stitch fabric and
other materials together with thread is called
a sewing machine. Since its invention during
the First Industrial Revolution, the sewing
machine has vastly improved the efficiency
and productivity of the clothing industry.
Sewing machines can be seen at home
and in the bigger industry. Home sewing
machines are designed for one person to sew
individual items while using a single stitch
type. Industrial sewing machines, by
contrast, are larger, faster, more complex,
and more varied in their size, cost,
appearance, and task.
Nowadays, sewing equipment range from
simple hand sewing to more advanced
machines and accessories. A collection of
items that are used in sewing is called a
sewing kit.

CLASSIFICATION OF TOOLS
Clothing construction requires a variety of
tools that can be classified into the following
categories: measuring tools, marking tools,
cutting tools, fitting tools, sewing tools,
finishing tools, and general tools. Using the
right tool will help make garment
construction easier. These tools help
increase the accuracy of the finished output,
save time, and simplify tasks.

A. MEASURING TOOLS/DRAFTING TOOLS

These tools are required for measuring the
fabric or in making a pattern to construct a
specific dress you need. The tools have
different uses that will help you to ease your
work, it is important to use the right tool for
the right job too. Proper use and
maintenance of these devices will produce
worthy output.
1. Tape measure - It usually measures
about 60 inches long and %½ inch
wide, and is reversible, with inches on
one side and centimeters on the
other. It is used for taking body
measurements. It can be made of
fabric or plastic. It is more flexible
than a ruler as it can go around
curves.
2. Ruler- It is more important for
measuring and making straight lines in
the fabric. It can be made of plastic,
metal, or wood. It comes in various
lengths.
 inches on one edge and centimeters force in cutting thicker fabrics
on the other edge. It is used to Care Guidelines While Using Shears and
measure and mark distances such as Scissors
hem tucks, and seams. 1. Take long strokes using the length of
5. Yardstick/Meter Stick - A yardstick is the blades.
made of smooth, shellacked 2. Do not use fabric-cutting scissors for
hardwood or metal. It is used for cutting paper or other non-fabric.
marking hemlines and checking grain 3. materials.
lines when laying out the pattern. It 4. Wipe scissors with a dry cloth after
has both inches and centimeters and each use. This is especially important
comes in handy to measure the grain after
line of the fabric when laying out the 5. cutting polyesters and other synthetics
pattern. since lint from these manmade
6. Hem marker- It is an accurate guide 6. fibers are abrasive and can dull the
for measuring and marking hemlines. blades.
A hem marker is used to measure
skirt hem lengths evenly from the
floor. It provides much quicker and
more accurate method of marking
hems than yardstick. It is available in
various types- Pin marker, chalk
marker and combination of pin and
chalk marker
7. L-square or Tailor's square - It is used
in drawing perpendicular lines and in
making corner squares. The tailor
square or “L” is using to transfer
measurement to the draft pattern. It
also divides the garment into the
desired measurement. It has perfect
squares and is useful in making
straight lines and numbers. It can
function as a tape. It has two arms
connected perpendicularly. The
longer arm is twenty-four (24) inches
long. The shorter arm is fourteen (14)
inches long.
8. Hip curve - It is used for shaping the
hips and the skirt hemline. This is
used to shape the curve edges in
drafting pattern.
9. French curve - It is used for shaping
the necklines, armholes, and
collars. This is used to shape the
depth of the neck hole and
armhole of the pattern.

B. CUTTING TOOLS
Cutting tools are tools used in cutting fabrics
and serve well if properly maintained. Sharp
cutting tools make clean cuts and well-
defined notches and they do not damage
the fabric. On the other hand, dull tools slow
the cutting process and make your hand
and wrist tire easily. The sewing-cutting tool
should not be used for other household
tasks.
Cutting tools must be sharpened regularly
and the joints are oiled occasionally for
better use.
1. Scissors- It is used for cutting fabrics.
It can also be used for cutting
threads, trimming seams, slashing,
and cutting buttonholes.
2. Shears - It is used for cutting thicker
fabrics. One pair has a small opening
in one handle for the thumb and one
larger opening in the other handle for
two or more fingers to provide more
 7. Keep the cutting blades sharp. Scissors color of tracing paper should be chosen
and shears may be sharpened using. that is close to the color of the fabric.
8. a professional-style electric sharpener
or they may be sent to a professional D. SEWING / PINNING TOOLS
9. sharpening service.
10.Occasionally oil the pivot screw with
a tiny drop of sewing machine oil.
11.Open and close the blades a few times,
then wipe the blades with a soft cloth.
12.Don't force a cut -this can deform the
blades or spread them permanently.
13.Store scissors or shear in a box or
pouch.
14.Never drop shears on the floor, it
loses its sharpness.

3. Pinking shears - It is used for finishing

the edges for seams and other raw
edges of fabrics. This is popular in
zigzagging or scalloped edge or for
seam finishes. This is used to finished
seams and raw edges and to create
decorative edges on many types of
fabric. It cuts a ravel resistant edge.
This is not for straight cutting.
4. Electric Shears - These are used in
most sample rooms. Electric shear is a
type of hand tool suitable for a variety
of cutting applications. They are
essentially battery- powered shears.
Electric shears are also known as
power scissors or cordless scissors.
They resemble a utility knife with dual
crossing blades on the end rather than
a single blade, but a few models are
designed slightly differently. Most
varieties are powered by alkaline
batteries, but a few are powered by
rechargeable batteries. They are ideal
for cutting silk, nylon, and soft, hard-
to-cut fabric. Basically, they produce a
notched cutting line.
5. Rotary Cutter- This tool helps in cutting
more than five layers of cloth at a
time. It is electrically operated having
a round circular shaped blade with a
guard in the front of the blade.

C. MARKING TOOLS
These tools are required for transferring
pattern markings to garment fabric pieces
and for making alterations to garments.
1. Dressmaker Pencil- This is available in
white or pastel shades. This chalk pencil
is used to make fine lines on the fabric. It
has an erasing brush at one end.
2. Tailor's chalk - It is used for marking
directly on the fabric. Sharpen the chalk
edge often to produce thin lines for better
accuracy in marking.
3. Tracing wheel - It is used for transferring
stitch lines or seam allowance from
pattern to fabric. The tracing wheel is
made up of a small, spiked wheel
attached to a plastic or wooden handle.
4. Dressmaker’s Carbon Paper- also called
dressmaker’s tracing paper is a specially
waxed carbon paper that transfer’s the
tracing wheel’s marking on the fabric. A
Sewing tools are essential in making a various foot-operated or electric machines
dress. A well organize and proper use of this for sewing or making stitches. Some
required safety measure to avoid accidents. machines can create embroidery-type
It is easy to sew a garment if these stitches.
materials are manipulated effectively.
1. Needles -These are used to take threads
in and out of the fabric when
making stitches. They are made of
stainless steel. They vary in size
according to their uses. Fine needles
are used while sewing on thin, light, or
fine fabric. Fine needles are used while
sewing on a thin, light, or fine fabric.
Thicker needles are used when sewing
on thick, heavy fabrics.
2. Pins - These are used to hold pieces of
fabric together when sewing or cutting
the fabric. Like needles, they are made
of stainless steel. They also vary in size.
3. Thimble - This is a cap-like object made
of metal or plastic that is worn over the
finger, usually the digit finger, to
protect it from being pricked by the
needle or pin when sewing by hand.
4. Pin cushion - This is a small cushion into
which pins are stuck until needed.
5. Emery bag - This is a small bag usually
attached to the pin cushion for
convenience. It is used to sharpen and
clean blunt needles and pins.

E. MATERIALS AND FASTENERS Materials

are the most important things used in
making different kinds of garments,
curtains, pillowcases, any kinds of household
decorations, personal belongings,
accessories like bags, shoes, and others
Fastener is a thing that serves as closure to
the placket. It can be attached hidden or
exposed to serve as decoration.
1. Fabric- Fabric is the cloth used in making
garments. Plain cotton fabrics, flour
sacks or catch a is the most appropriate
material for beginners’ because these
are very easy to handle.
2. Thread - The thread is used in assembling
or constructing the parts of the garment.
Threads vary in size. Heavy fabrics need
stronger threads.
3. Buttons- Made of wood, plastic, or four
metal or fabric covered. A flat button has
two (2) or four
(4) holes, this is attached to the garment
by cross stitching (4 holes), or by sewing
right through the hole.

F. TYPES OF SEWING MACHINE

A sewing machine but foot alone or
operated by electricity. If taken care of
properly, it can create quality garments in a
short period of time. Sewing is fun. Anyone
can sew for personal use, as a hobby, or for
commercial purposes. Deciding to become a
dressmaker will require you to have a basic
knowledge of the different sewing machines,
know how to operate and care for them is
important, so that you can easily construct
your dress/garment any time you want to.
The sewing machine is any of the
 Some have a work-holder frame. Some PARTS OF A SEWING MACHINE AND THEIR
have a working feeder that can move along a FUNCTIONS
curved path. Others have a working feeder
with a work clamp. Today, you see different
types and brands of sewing machines as Machine Part Function
enumerated below. A. Wheel Moves the needle up
and down.
1. Hand sewing machine - This is the type of B. Spool pin Holds the reel of the
sewing machine that is controlled by the thread for the up stitch.
hand. It is common because it is C. Thread guide Guides the thread in
affordable, readily available in shops, and the right direction.
is easy to transport from one place to D. Take-up lever Picks up the thread after
another. a stitch is made to
2. Hi-speed lockstitch sewing machine - This is release
a type of sewing machine equipped with tension.
an auto thread-trimmer and auto foot- E. Tension knob Controls thread
lifter, automatic thread cutter, thread- tightness.
wiper, reverse-feed, and foot-lifter F. Foot lever Raises and lowers
system. the presser
3. Electric sewing machine - This is powered foot.
by electricity. A basic electric sewing G. Needle clamp Holds the needle firmly
machine contains a motor in the body in place.
that drives the needle in the top part of H. Presser foot Holds the fabric down.
the sewing machine and controls a bobbin I. Needle Takes the thread in and
and feed dogs in the lower part under the out
needle plate. of the fabric, thus,
4. Computerized sewing machine - This making stitches.
sewing machine is controlled by computer J. Teeth/Feed Moves the fabric on
chips with the correct tension, length, and dog after each stitch is
width programmed in by the made.
manufacturer for each stitch style. This is K. Bobbin Holds the thread for
operated using a touchpad and computer the lower stitch.
screen, and you can download programs L. Bobbin case Holds the bobbin of
from your PC. The machine can memorize thread and controls the
past work and will also store hundreds of tension for
different stitches for you to choose from. the lower stitch.
5. Overlocker sewing machine - This is used M. Stitch Raises and lowers
to stop fraying and give a professional regulator the teeth.
finish to the seams of a garment. N. Bobbin winder Winds the thread to
6. Embroidery sewing machine - This machine the
is used in making different kinds of bobbin.
embroidery stitches on fabrics for the O. Storage box Stores small tools.
barong-Tagalog, pillowcases, linen, and
other novelty items.
7. Buttonhole sewing machine - This is used
in making buttonholes on fabrics.

Advantages of a Sewing Machine

1. Sewing is faster than if done by hand.
2. Stitches made by machine are
stronger and more even than those
made by hand.
Disadvantages of a Sewing Machine
1. It is expensive.
2. It needs special care.
3. It is maintenance and spare parts
cost money.
SUMMARY
 Clothing construction requires a variety
of tools that can be classified into the
following categories: measuring tools,
marking tools, cutting tools, fitting
tools, sewing tools, finishing tools,
and general tools. Using the right tool
will help make garment construction
easier.
  Measuring/Drafting Tools are required technically more detailed and exacting than
for measuring the fabric or in making a machine stitching, including for craft work.
pattern to construct a specific dress
you need. It is also an easy method of stitching
 Cutting tools are tools used in cutting hems, small sewing projects and mending
fabrics and serve well if properly clothing and other items. There are times
maintained. when you may not have access to a sewing
 Marking tools are required for machine or the job is simply better done by
transferring pattern markings to hand. Couture fashion is almost
garment fabric pieces and for making
alterations to garments.
 Sewing tools are essential in making a
dress. A well organize and proper use
of this required safety measure to
avoid accidents. It is easy to sew a
garment if these materials are
manipulated effectively.
 Materials are the most important
things used in making different kinds
of garments, curtains, pillowcases, any
kinds of household decorations,
personal belongings, accessories like
bags, shoes, and others Fastener is a
thing that serves as closure to the
placket. It can be attached hidden or
exposed to serve as decoration.
 A machine used to stitch fabric and
other materials together with thread is
called a sewing machine. Since its
invention during the First Industrial
Revolution, the sewing machine has
vastly improved the efficiency and
productivity of the clothing industry.
 The ability to use various sewing
equipment skillfully will help in taking
body measurements and drafting
patterns with accuracy and speed.
Sewing success necessitates having
the right tools at the right time. All
tools must be in the proper order and
used correctly to save time and
produce the best results.

LESSON 2
HAND STITCHES

HAND STITCHING

In order to become efficient in

garment construction, it is necessary to
become an expert in making the basic
stitches that are commonly used in garment
construction. Understanding garment making
and regular knowledge of basic sewing
techniques such as simple stitches, seams,
darts, gathers, and pleats would enable
appropriate application in garment
construction. Before learning to stitch seam
on the machine one must learn the basic
hand stitches which are used in garment
making.

Knowing how to sew by hand is not

only a valuable way of keeping alive an age-
old tradition but it comes in handy when
you're not able to access electricity or use a
sewing machine. Hand stitching is also
important for various stitches that are
synonymous with hand stitching as it gives
more precision and sometimes you can only 1. RUNNING STITCH - a simple
achieve a particular result by hand. Delicate needlework stitch consisting of a line
fabrics don't always agree with the sewing of small even stitches that run in and
machine and so must be hand-stitched. out through the cloth without
overlapping. To make this stitch, push
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR HAND STITCHING the point of the needle in and out of
1. FABRICS the fabric until you have several
● Fabrics are the cloth used in stitches on the needle. Hold the fabric
making garments. taut with your left hand, pull the
● Plain cotton fabrics, flour sacks needle through. Practice until you
or katcha is the most make fine stitches
appropriate material for
beginners because these are
very easy to handle.
2. THIMBLE
 A small hard pitted cup worn
for protection on the finger that
pushes the needle in
sewing.
3. THREAD
● Used in assembling or
constructing the parts of the
garment.
● Threads vary in sizes.
● Heavy fabrics need stronger
threads.
● Threads should have the same
color with that of the fabric
used
4. HAND NEEDLE
● Used in making temporary
stitches and buttonholes.
● Sizes of 7 to 10 are for general
hand sewing
5. STITCH HOOP
● A hoop or other fabric frame
serves an important purpose,
keeping your fabric taut while
stitching keeps your stitches
even and tension consistent.
● Choosing the best tool to do
that depends on the size of
your project and personal
preference.
● The most common, versatile,
and inexpensive is an
embroidery hoop.

6. SCISSORS/BENT-
HANDLED
DRESSMAKER’S SHEARS
● Made of quality steel and holds
a sharp cutting edge.
● Blades move easily and cut
smoothly along the entire
length and the points should
come together.
● Shears have the length of 7 to
12 inches and are satisfactory
for most apparel fabrics
7. PIN CUSHIONS
 a very small cushion that you
stick pins and needles into so
that you can get them easily
when you need them.

BASIC HAND STITCHES

 2. BASTING STITCH - Basting stitch is ● In garment construction, one of the
quite important in successful sewing. major steps is the joining of different
This is used to hold fabric temporarily sections by seam.
in place, until permanently stitched. ● Seams should be as inconspicuous
All basting is done with a single strand and flat as possible.
of thread. Often the thread is of a ● However, there are some seams
highly contrasting color to the which are used for decorative
surface. This provides an easy purposes.
visibility, since basting is always
removed before the garment is given
the final press.

There are four types of basting:

1. Hand Basting
2. Machine Basting
3. Pin Basting
4. Basting edges with an iron

3. BACK STITCH - The strongest hand

stitch is used to imitate machine
stitches. Make one running stitch,
then take a back stitch to the
beginning of the first stitch, thus
overlapping each running stitch.
Resembles machine stitching and is
used to strengthen a seam made by
hand.
4. BLANKET STITCH- A buttonhole stitch
used on the edges of a blanket or
other material too thick to be
hemmed. Put your needle in ¼ inch
from the edge of the fabric, put the
thread under the point of the needle
and pull through.
5. CATCH STITCH - Also called
herringbone stitch. This is used for a
flat finish next to fabric, such as seam
binding on a hem. Hold open hem
edge away from you, work from left to
right. Take a stitch in the hem, then a
tiny stitch to the right just beyond the
edge of the hem with the point of
needle to the left. This makes
diagonal lines that cross each other.

6. CHAIN STITCH - an ornamental stitch

in which loops are crocheted or
embroidered in a chain. Insert the
needle in and out of the fabric (as in
running stitch). Bring the thread
under the tip of the needle while still
in the fabric, then pull the needle
through.
7. OUTLINE OR STEM STITCH- This stitch
is similar to the back stitch but it is
slanted. Make one slanted back stitch
in front of another, letting each one
overlap the one before it just a little
bit, until the design is filled

LESSON 3
SEAMS AND FINISHES

● A seam is a method of joining two or

more pieces of fabric together,
usually using thread to form a row of
stitches. Seams can be stitched by
hand or sewn by machine.
 ● These are made conspicuous in the seam flat. Like the french seam, it is a
order to give the garment design double-stitched, closed seam.
and line. Seams can either be open 6. Welt seam. A welt seam is also frequently
or closed. used for jeans, as it is very strong, but it
● An open seam is one where the is less bulky
seam allowance, the piece of fabric
between the edge of the material
and the stitches, is visible.
● A closed seam incorporates the
seam allowance within the seam
finish, making it invisible.

Seams Used in Garments

Seams are an essential element to every

garment and fabric accessory, as they join
the material together to create the item.
● Seams are used for hems and to
finish necklines and edges.
● Seams add shape through elements
like darts, which are used to shape
hips, waists, and bustlines.
● Seams are used to gather fabric and
create pleats.
● Different types of seams can be used
to create a different look for a
garment and to finish and hide the
fabric edges for aesthetic and
practical purposes.

Different Types of Seams:

1. Plain seam. A plain seam is the simplest
type of seam and can be used on almost
any item. A plain seam is defined as any
seam that attaches two pieces of fabric
together with the wrong sides facing.
The wrong side is the side of the fabric
that doesn’t face outward when the
garment or item is completed. The stitch
length or type of stitch doesn’t matter,
as long as it is one stitch line and it
attaches two pieces of fabric.
2. Double-stitched seam. This type of seam
is just like a plain seam except there are
two lines of stitching attaching the fabric
for extra strength.
3. French seam. A French seam should
only be used on delicate, lightweight
fabric, like chiffon or organza, as the
seam uses a lot of material and can get
bulky with heavier fabrics. Since the
edges of the fabric do not show with
this technique, a French seam is also
great for garments where you want to
hide the seams, like an unlined jacket.
4. Bound seam. A bound seam looks like a
French seam on the right side of the
fabric. There are no visible stitches on
the right side of the fabric, and on the
opposite side, the fabric edges are
neatly enclosed.
5. Flat-felled seam. A flat-felled seam is an
extremely strong closed seam that is
often used for items like jeans. It covers
the fabric’s raw edges well and keeps
 than the flat-felled seam because it is not or edging machine. The raw edge is
enclosed and the raw edge of the fabric is stitched close to the edge without
visible. folding.
3. Double stitch finish -this can be done for
Type of Seam Should You Use a plain unfinished seam or pinked
The type of seam you choose depends on seam.
the type of fabric you’re using and the final -this is not suitable for bulky fabrics.
look of an item that you want to achieve.
● Some seams, such as French seams,
are better for lighter weight fabrics.
● Bulkier enclosed seams, like the flat
felled seam, are better for tougher
fabrics like denim.
● Be sure to pick the right stitch length
as well—the longer a stitch, the more
likely the material is to pucker, which
stitches that are too short can create
undesired plaits.

Various Factors to be used on Seam:

1. Texture and Durability of the Fabric
2. Design and use of the garment
3. Shape of the seam
4. Location of the seam
5. Current fashion
Seam Finishes and Its types
Seam finishes are made to prevent fraying of
the raw edges and thus make the seams
more durable.

4 Seam Finishing Techniques

In open seams, where the seam allowance is
exposed, the raw edges need to be finished
to prevent fraying. Here are ways to finish
your open seams.
1. Pinking shears. Pinking shears are
serrated scissors that create a zigzag
edge. Trimming a seam allowance with
pinking shears can prevent fraying.
2. Bias tape. Bias tape is a narrow strip
of fabric that can be folded over an
exposed seam to secure and hide the
edges. This is often used for unlined
garments and bags, and for the edge
of quilts.
3. Serger. A serger is a special type of
sewing machine that cuts the raw
edges of the seam and creates
overlocked stitches around the edge as
it is sewn. This is a very professional
way to finish a seam, and serged
seams are found on most store- bought
clothing.
4. Zigzag stitch. Zigzag stitching along the
raw edge of the seam will secure the
edges and prevent fraying.

Seam Finish - applied to or used on the

unfinished seam edge to prevent raveling,
curling, or rolling.
Types of Seam Finishes:
1. Pinked Finish -the quickest finish for
firmly woven fabric using a pinking
shears. If pinking shears is not
available, fold edge of fabric and snip
with scissors creating a “saw-tooth
effect”.
2. Edge stitched finish -done by a zigzag
 4. Overcast finish -this is a common
method used for both thick and thin
materials that fray easily.
-a strong finish for easy ravelling
fabric.
5. Herring bone finished seam -this
finish neatens the raw edges and
holds down the turnings making the
seam flat.
-this is suitable for heavy materials
like flannel
6. Bound seam edge finish -in this
method the seam is pressed open
and bias binding attached to both
the seam edges.

LESSON
4

BODY MEASUREMENTS

In clothing construction, it is vital to

know the accurate body measurements of
the client, from minor details to big ones
because correct body measurements will
affect the totality of the whole attire. Wrong
sizes can lead to clothing problems or will
affect the fitness or suitability of the shirt or
pants. In fact, body measurements can be
taken without assistance but for accuracy
and ease, have another person measure
you. Tabulizing an individual's body
measurement is a crucial job; that's why
there's a saying that "two heads are better
than one."

Taking of body measurement is a

skill that is acquired over time. The use of
the correct measurements is however very
crucial to getting a good block and garment
that fits correctly. Accurate body
measurements mark the beginning to the
making of well-fitted garments. Body
measurements are used for different
purposes.

Additionally, in measuring body

measurements, there's a wide range to be
considered, depending on what part of the
client's body you want to measure or what
type of clothing you want to produce,
whether a shirt (tops) or pants. It is
essential to know first what part of the body
you want to measure to obtain its accurate
measure. That's the first rule in doing body
measurements.

The last thing we must consider is

recording all measurements we gathered.
Importance of Taking Accurate Body with the type of fabric used. More ease
Measurement is needed for woven fabrics than knits.

 A proper order and certain sequence

 It prevents wastage of fabric. Your should be followed in taking the
body measurements can help measurements to make it more
determine the quantity of fabric systematic.
needed for making a particular
garment.

 It can be used to purchase already

made garment. Besides good fitting,
personal measurements are required
for buying readymade garments and
commercial patterns.

 Correct measurements can also

contribute towards saving time and
energy in constructing a garment. The
measurements taken will guide you to
cut what you want with ease without
imagining or thinking through how big
or small the garment will be for a
particular person.

 It helps to make garment that fits the

wearer. Taking your body
measurements guide you to use the
exact measurements you want to
achieve a perfect fit.

Points to Consider When Taking Measurement

 A good quality measuring tape should

be used for taking the body
measurement.

 Persons giving the measurement

should stand upright, but in a natural
pose and preferably in front of a
mirror.

 A well fitted foundation garments

should be worn while giving
measurements.

 Another person is needed to take the

measurement.

 Basic lines of the body are to be taken

into consideration while measuring the
body parts.

 Before body measurements are taken,

a cord or tape is fastened around the
waist and left until all measurements
have been completed. The tape should
be kept parallel to the ground while
taking girth measurement s like bust,
waist, hip, etc.

 The accuracy of several

measurements depends on the exact
waistline location. Add to these
measurements the suggested amount
of ease.

 The amount of ease needed varies

Tools and Equipment Required for  Measure from the middle of the
Body Measuring most protruding bone at the base
of the neck down to the desired
To enable you take accurate body length.
measurements, you need certain tools.
These tools are discussed below.
Shoulder
 Tape measure - the tape measure
should be clearly marked on both
sides and have brass tips at both
ends.

 Mirror (optional) - a full-length mirror

positioned behind the subject is
useful for checking circumference
measurements that need to be
parallel to the floor.
 Measurement form /Book - a
measurement form lists all the
measurement required in the
measuring sequence for various part
of the body.

Directions in Taking Body

Measurements (Shirt /
Tops)

Taking accurate body measurements for

shirt is the key factor for great fitting.
Besides, correctly measuring garments is
essential to achieve the high quality we
require.

Neck

 Start with the neck for shirts. Measure

around the base of your neck where the
collar generally falls. Place the end of
the measuring tape on the front of your
neck and wrap it around until the ends
meet or place the tape measure around
base of the neck and get the
circumference of the neck. Gently pull it
tight and take the measurement.

o Round up to the nearest half

inch or centimeter.

Bust/Breastline

 Place the tape measure around

the fullest part of the breast/bust
and the widest part of the back by
passing under the left arm to the
right arm, holding the end of the
tape with the left hand and
bringing the two ends together.
Pull the tape measure snugly but
not too tight. To give allowance for
ease of movement, insert two
fingers inside the tape measure.

o Pull it up against your skin but

don't pull it too tight.

Shirt length
 may need to use a measurement chart to
 Place the tape measure from one ensure that the fabric pieces that make up a
shoulder joint to the other joint shirt or pants are cut to the correct size.
passing the base of the neck. Using a measurement chart, the tailor or the
partner students can ensure the fabric pieces
o Find the measurement at the tip are cut in proportions to create a garment
of the other shoulder, making that fits properly.
sure the tape measure is flat
across your back first.

Sleeve Length

 Place the tape measure from the essential for creating clothes that fit well and
tip of the shoulder to the desired look good.
length of the sleeve. Measurement charts also help ensure the
garment is constructed correctly and the
o Make sure the tape measure fabric is cut to the correct size. For example,
goes over the top of your the tailor or even students
shoulder and along your
elbow to get the full length.
o If you need to take this
measurement yourself, try
taping the end of the
measuring tape in the
middle of your back and
then gently guiding it down
your arm.
o In a pinch, you could
measure from the middle of
your chest instead, though
the sizing may be off
slightly.
Sleeve Width

 Place the tape measure around the

fullest part of the arm or the bicep.

Armhole

 Curve the tape measure around the

front Armhole. Make sure that the
front of the shirt faces up. Position
the starting (zero) end of the tape
measure at the top of the Armhole
seam, then carefully adjust the
tape measure along the curve of
the seam until it reaches the
bottom.

MEASUREMENT CHART

Measurement charts are essential tools for

anyone involved in clothing construction.
Whether you are a professional tailor, a
home sewer or a fashion student, having
accurate and up-to-date measurements is
 In addition to helping with clothing
construction, measurement charts can also
be used to check the finished garment for
accuracy. By measuring the finished
product, the tailor or sewer can check that
the garment fits correctly and looks good
and ensure that the end product is of the
highest quality and that the customer is
satisfied with the result.

The above chart is intended to guide

us on the essential body parts we must
consider in knowing the body measurements
of our clients/ partners in creating cloth for
individuals. The stated parts of the body
above are the common and standard body
parts that we must know on measuring in
making clothes for clothing production.
Allowances for each size is optional; it is well
dependent on the client's personal choices.
Directions: The chart below will guide the
students in measuring their partner's body
measurements. They will have three
chances to get accurate measurements of
their partner's sizes in each part.

Indeed, measurement charts are an

essential tool for clothing construction. By
taking accurate measurements of a person's
body shape and size and using those
measurements to create a garment that fits
perfectly, measurement charts can help to
ensure that the end product is of the highest
quality.

Directions in Taking Body Measurements

(Pants)

The attire of an individual would not

be complete without their underpants. The
totality of the outfit was also considerably
dependent on the pants. No one can deny
the fact of how much pants contribute to
expressing oneself's. That's why it
never goes out of trend. In line with clothing 1. WAIST - This is taken around the smallest
construction, for us to create pants, there are part of the body just above the hip bone.
vital points that we must and need to know. 2. HIPS- This is taken by measuring
Pants come in various designs, sizes and around passing over the fullest part of
colors, and each pant expresses a different the buttocks.
personality, mood and taste of the person. 3. THIGH - This is taken by measuring
Pants are already considered a necessity in the circumference of the thigh.
this modern world, for it is not only needed in
school, sacred and public places but also in
applying for your dream jobs.

In measuring an individual's body

measurement in connection with pants, vital
points must be considered, just like the
following pictures:
Taking the Essential Body Measurements for
Pants
Taking the essential body
measurements accurately in drafting a pair
of long pants with front and back pockets is
necessary to achieve garment that fits well.
Accuracy of measurements leads to the
comfortability of the user in the wardrobe to
be worn. Pants are not only used for
single use because, most of the time, it is
used for years, but that's also why their
sizes must be considered depending on
their users. Some users/ customers
are infants, kids, teens or adults.

Here are things to remember when taking body

measurements:
These points guide us to get accurate
measurements of the person we are
responsible for their pants sizes; each
specific point must be measured rightly;
therefore, it would fit the users perfectly.
1. Get another person to take your
measurements.
2. Wear comfortable clothes.
3. Use a tape measure and pull it snug but
not too tight.
4. Maintain good posture while another
person is taking your measurements.
5. Measure the crotch by using a tailor's
square or a flat chair and a tape
measure. Waist first, hips second, hips,
thigh, knee, length of the pants, crotch or
seat measurement, bottom, and
circumference. Record all measurements

Body Measurements Used for a Pair of Long

Pants with Front and Back Pockets
The following are body measurements
for a pair of long pants with front and back
pockets:
4. KNEE - This is taken by
measuring the circumference of
the knee.
5. BOTTOM CIRCUMFERENCE OR LEG HOLE -
This is taken by measuring from the front
to the back crease of the lowest part
(hem) of the pants.
6. CROTCH, RISE OR SEAT MEASUREMENT-
This is taken by putting a tailor's square
between the legs up to the end of the
buttocks. Another way to take this is to
have the person sit on a chair with his or
her feet flat on the floor. Put the tape
measure on the waistline down to the
chair seat.
7. LENGTH OF THE PANTS - This is taken by
placing the tape measure from the hip
bone down to the desired length of the
shorts.

Measurement Chart
After knowing the points or parts of
the body that must be considered in
measuring body parts to produce pants, we
must understand the process or standard
features of the human body that must be
measured. These will serve as a guide for us
students or persons that wants to pursue
this clothing line.
The body parts below will be
measured through the use of measuring
tape. People come in different sizes, from
the waist to the latest features.
This measurement chart must be
understood fully; therefore, there won't be
any confusion on the sequence in measuring
the proper sizes of pants.
This chart can be an instrument for
the individual to write all the necessary
information about its patron/model.

Below is a measurement chart for a

pair of long pants with front and back
pockets.

LONG PANTS WITH FRONT AND BACK

POCKETS
(Measurements in Centimeters)
Name:
Date Token:
Measurements Taken by:
Checked by:
Bod Abbre Actua ½ of ¼ of
y v l the the
Part iation Measu Actual Actual
s s r Measur Measur
ement ements ement
s s
1. W 4
Waist
2. Hips H 4
 3. T 2
Thigh
4. Knee K 2

5. BC 2
Botto
m
Circu
mf
erence
6. C 2
Crotch
7. L
Length

The above chart will be

demonstrated one- by-one and serve as a
guide for the students in conducting and
performing measuring the body
measurements of an individual or clients for
pants.