Get a Custom Fit: How to Take Measurements for a Knitting Pattern
My knitting patterns use shaping tables to customize the instructions to your body measurements, making it easy to create a sweater that’s tailored to your proportions instead of relying on standard sizing. Learning how to measure for a knitting pattern is the first step towards a sweater that truly fits.
This guide explains how to measure for a knitting pattern using every measurement required by the shaping tables.
For the most accurate results, wear a close-fitting top and the undergarments you plan to wear beneath your finished sweater. Stand naturally throughout each measurement and avoid pulling the measuring tape too tightly.
How to Measure Your High Bust for a Knitting Pattern
Measure around your chest just below your armpits, keeping the measuring tape level all the way around your body.
Relax your arms while taking this measurement to avoid artificially increasing your high bust circumference.
How to Measure Your Full Bust
Measure around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring the measuring tape remains parallel to the floor.
Keep your arms relaxed at your sides for the most accurate result.
How to Measure Your Front Bust Arc
The front bust arc measures the width of the front of your body between your side seams.
To find the correct starting points, locate the centre of your torso beneath each arm. An existing shirt or bra seam can sometimes help identify this location, but use your judgement if those seams don’t align with your body.
Measure straight across the front of your body from one side seam to the other, keeping the measuring tape parallel to the floor.
How to Measure Your Upper Arm Circumference
Measure around the fullest part of your upper arm while allowing your arm to hang naturally in a relaxed position.
This measurement helps ensure your sleeves have enough ease for comfortable movement.
How to Measure for Bust Darts
If your knitting pattern includes bust darts, you’ll need a few additional measurements to customize the shaping.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather:
- Masking tape
- A pen or pencil (or a makeup pencil)
- A piece of elastic
Tie the elastic snugly around your natural waist. It should sit level all the way around your body at the point where your torso naturally bends.
Next, place a piece of masking tape where your neck meets your shoulder. Mark your high shoulder point on the tape with your pencil. This mark will serve as the starting point for both your front and back length measurements. You can also use a makeup pencil directly on your skin.
How to Measure Your Front Length
Starting at your shoulder mark, let the measuring tape hang straight down over the fullest part of your bust.
Measure to the point where the tape reaches the same height as the elastic around your waist.
This is a vertical measurement—it should not follow the contours of your body.
How to Measure Your Back Length
Starting at the same shoulder mark, allow the measuring tape to hang vertically down your back.
Record the measurement where the tape reaches the same level as the elastic marking your waist.
How to Measure Your Point-to-Point Measurement
Measure the distance between the fullest points of your bust.
For many people, this is nipple-to-nipple, but depending on your body shape, the fullest points may be located elsewhere. Use the points of greatest fullness rather than assuming a standard position.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Learning how to measure for a knitting pattern allows the shaping tables to generate sweater instructions that match your proportions rather than relying on standard sizing. By accurately measuring your high bust, full bust, front bust arc, upper arm, body length, and bust position, you’ll be able to knit garments with a more comfortable fit and more accurate shaping.
Once you’ve taken your measurements, you can use them with the shaping tables to generate the custom instructions for your sweater and confidently knit a garment that’s made to fit your body.