Ordering handmade clothing can feel daunting if you're unsure which size to choose. While age-based sizing can be a useful starting point, measuring your child (or yourself) gives the best chance of achieving a comfortable fit. In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to measure your child for UK handmade clothing, the common mistakes to avoid, and which measurements matter most.
Do I need to measure for my child's Handmade Clothes?
Measuring can really be the key to ensuring you get the right size clothing for both your little ones and yourself.
Whilst of course you can go by age or dress size, it is always best to refer to the measurement guide too - for instance my twins are the same age (obviously!) but the height difference is around 5cms. It means they wear different sized clothes.
Here are my top tips for measuring your child:
Check your measuring tape.
Firstly, make sure you use a flexible measuring tape. No grabbing your tape measure from your toolbox!
Over time flexible measuring tapes can stretch - especially if little hands like to grab them and use them as a play toy pr skipping rope! Get yourself a solid rule (Wood, Metal, Plastic - you know the types) and check that the measurements on your tape are the same as on the ruler.
If they are out - you'll need to invest in a new tape. Fibreglass tapes can be a good option as they are less likely to stretch.
Get a helper
If you are trying to measure yourself it can be hard to get the tape in the correct position and level so its a good idea to grab a family member or friend to help you. If thats not possible make sure you have a large mirror nearby that you can check for positioning on yourself.
You may be thinking that if you are measuring your child that you don't need a helper. That may well be true, but it can be handy to have someone else.
They can assume the role of "Primary distracter" if you have a wriggly one who is trying to make a break for freedom - or they can simply be another pair of eyes to make sure the tape is level or the book used for their height is level!
Take some breathing space!
Its not a competition - sucking everything in to get a different number is not going to help.
When measuring your waist take a deep breath and make sure you are comfortable and relaxed. If you aren't comfortable when measuring, then your clothing isn't going to be comfortable either. No pulling it to get it at its tightest - ensure you can comfortably slide a finger between yourself/ little one and the tape. There are no prizes for being uncomfortable!
Level playing field
When standing to measure - make sure where possible that you/they are standing on a flat level surface. Uneven floor can mean the hips are not level and in line and this can put out the height measurements as well as the waist measurements and even the chest!
While I think of it too - when doing the height, please take shoes off!
Where is my waist?!
This isn't a silly question - often we think of it as where we wear our trousers but think about it. Trousers can sit high, low, or anywhere in between. A good test is if you bend to one side where your body creases at the side - that is your waistline. It is normally around your belly button or the narrowest part of your trunk - this can be a good place to measure if you are unable to bend to the side or its a bit too tricky to get your kids to do this!
Quick Check Guide for Measuring your Child
- Remove Shoes and Bulky Clothing
- Measure Height from floor to top of head - make sure it is level and they aren't on tip toes!
- Measure chest around the fullest part
- Measure waist at the natural waistline (see above)
- Check measurements with the size guide rather than rely on age alone (or just height).
FAQ
What can I use instead of a measuring tape?
Whilst it isn't ideal sometimes we may not have a measuring tape to hand and be in a rush. In this instance if you can some ribbon or string that doesn't have any stretch (this is important!) then you can use that. Use as you would a tape and make a mark where it crosses across when measuring. You'll then need to use a normal straight ruler or metal tape measure to measure it. Make sure it is laid out flat and straight and you are not stretching it at all. It may not give the most accurate measurement but it its all you've got and you are in a pinch it might be ok!
Please don't be tempted to use a metal measuring tape that you would use for DIY - they don't bend and contour to the body!
Can't I just order using mine of my child's size?
You can but its much better to use the size guide. We all come in different shapes and sizes and especially with children's ages their heights can be so different! You are always best to check because also sometimes difference pattern drafters use slightly different average measurements for their sizes.
Do I need to do all the measurements?
That depends. My top 3 measurements when measuring children are Height, Waist, Chest. I would always do the height as this will affect every piece of clothing and waist as this affects many of them. However if you are looking to buy leggings you may not bother doing a chest measurement as it isn't that relevant to the item you are buying. For adults I would always do height, waist, hips, chest and for women I would do the bust and high bust (Obviously depending on the garment - if you are buying leggings you won't need your bust measurement!) The more measurements you look at the better idea of a true size you will get. If you already have the tape out - you might as well do them all!