How to Measure Fabric Lengths for a Jacket

Dressmaking Tips

This video explains in detail measuring the required fabric lengths for a jacket.

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"How do you measure the lengths of fabric for a specific garment type?

It’s a common question when ladies come in, whether they sew for themselves and they need the help, or if we’re referring them to one of our seamstresses They ask the question: how do you know how much fabric you need for a particular garment? Today, we’re going to show you how we measure for a simple jacket.

Now most suitings are wide, which means that they’re ample to cover you for one body length and one sleeve length. When measuring, you start off with the top of the shoulder and measure approximately how long it’s going to be. For example, the measured length is 80 centimetres. To cover the hems and seams, we add another 10 centimetres, which takes it to 90 cm. After that, we do a sleeve length. We always bend the elbow when measuring, as it allows for the slack that you need for when you bend your elbow. We start at the top of the shoulder, and measure on the outside as it will be the longest path down and then measure past the wrist. For example, the measurement comes to about 65 centimetres. Again, we add another 10 centimetres for a total of 75 centimetres. Then, we add the two measurements up - 90 plus 75, which equals to 165 centimetres. This is the length that we recommend for a simple jacket based on the person’s measurements. Now of course if you’ve got a design for a really big showing collar, or if it’s a double breasted jacket, this will change and you’ll need a bit extra. However for the example given above, adding the body length and the sleeve length, plus allowance, is ample for a simple jacket." - Suzanna from d’Italia and her assistant Melissa

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