DIRECTIONS FOR TAKING MEASUREMENTS
When drafting a foundation pattern for the human figure,
it is not only important to take the necessary measurements, but also to take them correctly.
For best results, students should first practice taking measurements of the dress form (for drafting purposes; before taking measurements of the human figure.
First have the person wear a plain dress or blouse, with a high neckline, regular armhole, and plain set-in-sleeve; then arrange a tape or thin cord around bust and waist-line rather closely, as illustrated,
Before taking the measurements, place pins pn the garment at the positions indicated on figures I and II, as follows:
IAn image should appear at this position in the text.IIAn image should appear at this position in the text.
I
- – Center back at neck.
- – Center back at waistline.
- – Shoulder seam at armhole.
- – Shoulder seam at neck.
- – Side seam at armhole.
- – Side seam at waistline.
II
- – Center front at neck.
- – Center front at waistline.
Use a standard tape measure to take all the measurements on the figure; use the tailor's square or triangle to draft the pattern. when taking the front and back measurements (from side to side it bust line), have the person take a deep breath. This will provide the fitted waist with the necessary ease allowance around bust. For example: A size 16 model measures 34" around bust, but after taking a deep breath she will measure between 36" to 36-1/2". All dress forms have the chest expansion allowance.
Therefore the fitted waist pattern should include the chest expansion allowance or else the side seams will tend to rip.
Illustration above shows the relative positions between the figure and the waist pattern, it also illustrates some of the important corresponding points at waistline, neck and armhole depth, as follows:
WAISTLINE – According to the present style trend, the waistline slopes at a slight angle, making the waist-line 1/2" lower at center front, and 1/4" lower at side seam than at center back, as indicated at points A, 8 and C.
NECK – The posture of the figure brings the back of neck, point D, about 1" higher than front of neck, point E, (measuring from the floor level).
ARMHOLE DEPTH – Point F at armhole is located about 1" below the arm-pit of the human figure. This applies to a dress with or without sleeves.
SHOULDER SLOPE – The normal slope of the shoulder brings the point at armhole about 2" lower than at neck.
WAIST DARTS – The darts in front and back give the garment a smooth and close fit at the waistline.
THE USE OF THE TAILOR'S SOUARE
I
Diagram shows important construction lines in the draft of the back. It demonstrates the use of the square in miniature forms.
When drafting the back, the first line to be drawn is the center back line.This serves as the backbone of the draft just as the center back is the backbone of the figure.
All other points in the draft must be located by ruling squared lines with great precision. Mark a noticeable dot at the end of each drawn line.
II and III
These diagrams show separate relative positions between the figure and the pattern of the back and front sections.
For the normal figure, only half of the pattern is needed, (from center back to center front).
For a noticeable difference between the left and right side of the figure, an entire front and back pattern is required.
