Intro to Body Measurements for Sewing Patterns with The Crafty Gemini

[@Bethmo9]

This is so great! It is so good to see someone who has realistic body measurements who is not afraid to share with us. I have taught sewing and the first big hurdle for students is to get over the fact that the size that fits them on the pattern envelope is sometimes 1 or 2 sizes bigger than ready-to- wear. Thank you for the great tutorial Vanessa!

[@landapanda1]

Oh my goodness I’m in the middle of watching and I had to stop to comment THIS IS SO GOOD such GOOD information for us beginners I have been sewing for a while but patterns are my struggle!!!! I’ve said this before but u are a natural TEACHER!!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I needed this

[@nancypollard4531]

I too stopped in the middle to leave a comment just like yours.

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Thank you SO much! I really appreciate your feedback!

[@grandmananners]

Thank you so much for your videos! I am 57 and I started to sew when a couple of years ago I made pj's for my grand children...I am still just learning and I am watching all of your videos and getting all the knowledge I can from you!!!

[@LizMcDon]

Vanessa, this is fantastic! I used to sew all my own clothes when I was younger but now that I am in my 60s, no longer. Oh, how my body has changed. I appreciate you showing us a “real” person’s body. We have to accept the way we really look and if we don’t like it, try to change but appreciate what we have now. After seeing your video, I think I’m in the mood to start sewing again. Set aside the quilting for a while and make myself so clothes. Really looking forward to your next tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing all this information with us.

[@janewolfe890]

hope you will be showing how to alter patterns

[@Ione1916]

Vanessa - my mom made most of my clothes so I am familiar with commercial patterns and sizes from back in the day. I was born in 1952. I sewed a few clothing items but I was not as practiced as my mom. As I left my teens I wore ready to wear. This video and the way you patiently walked through measuring and sizing was extraordinarily good. Brava!

[@tfrankum01]

I loved this! I’ve been sewing garments since I was 11...I’m now over 50. It’s just been in the last 5 years or so that I finally got this through my thick head!! It hurts for us women to go to the store and have to buy a size 16 when we wish we were a 10. But it REALLY hurts when you read the pattern measurements and it says you have to make a size 20!!! I’ve learned to get over my embarrassment and make the size it says I need. Hope the new ones watching will take this to heart. I’ve thrown away more garments than I care to admit because of being stubborn. Great intro to this new series. Can’t wait to sew with you.

[@fayemarant3862]

Thank you! When you are educated about the measurements the confidence come into play. I always have enjoyed sewing, but with your very clear and honest presentation in this series there is no limit to what I will sew for myself now. Excellent!

[@bbrown8353]

Vanessa thank you again for another great informative video ! And for embracing your body and encouraging all of us to do the same!!! I have been sewing for years but NOT for myself. It's time to do that again - I'm almost 65 and I quilt make bags and sew for the grandchildren. Time to sew myself some clothes. Thanks for the inspiration, I,m looking forward to more in this series and I'm ordering that tape measure now. Genesis! It will even help with measuring wiggly 4 year olds

[@jeanetteholmes4591]

you are a GREAT teacher, I like how you make people feel and how you explain everything.I just love you thanks so much for having your tube channel without you I would never be abe to sew quilt or make anything...Again thank you.

[@brendak5486]

I just ordered your measuring tape and am excited to use it in my sewing with your patterns. I am 68 yrs old, 4'11" and have a short and full grandma body. Thank you for being honest about your measurements, which in turn, makes me realize that I need to do the same. I no longer have the young and lean body that I once had before real life got in the way and I've kinda lost my sewing mojo. I am so very glad I 'found' you to get it back. Like another poster said: I needed this! Thank you!

[@kathymota9857]

Thanks Vanessa. This really highlights the differences in body measurements used by the manufacturers and designers of garment patterns. The trick is to find your measurements without fudging. ; )

[@kaylaing9595]

Hi Vanessa! I am so happy you are doing this! When my kids were growing up, I made all their clothes, made my husband and son'pants, and even made all my clothes, including bras, panties, and slips. Then I started working 10 hour days, and was too tired to do anything when I got home, so didn't sew at all for about 15 years. Now when I try to sew clothing, nothing fits. I have really large arms, but very thin shoulders. I really would like to get back into making my own clothes, so maybe this will encourage me. Thank you, I love your tutorials.

[@msslanders]

I’m so super excited that you are starting this series but couldn’t be more timely for me. My daughter will be going to her first prom, a senior, and I’m going to make her dress. We picked a Vogue Vintage pattern. While I have sewn clothes before, I know that I will have to do some tailoring to fit her figure, a new skill for me. Her shape is similar to yours. I want to do a good job and this series will be so helpful. Many thanks!

[@tamarakarlin2758]

Thank you being so brave with showing how to do accurate measurements. I have a high waist & long legs (35" inseam) too, so looking forward being new to garment sewing with knits & wovens to learning how to make pattern adjustments for a better fit. I will Never understand how pattern companies come up with their "sizes". It's been so discouraging about the actual sizes up until seeing this, so thank you!!! Hope you find time to show us tips for making knit & woven garments!

[@suelemay]

This is so helpful. I have been sewing my own garments for over 30 years and learned some new things today, Vanessa. I look forward to your next video! Thank you for doing this.

[@RoseCurran1]

I can't wait to see more of this series. I purchased this just now as it will most definitely come in handy in my sewing room. I have so been wanting something like this for years. Thank you for sharing.

[@deligirl5657]

I haven't been sewing very long, and most of my problem is confidence....but your videos make trying new things so easy to understand! Just wanted to say thank you.

[@susaneddins4299]

First, thank you for being so vulnerable online and sharing all the information you shared. I have tried off and on for YEARS making clothes, always failing to achieve a properly fitting garment. So I don't consider myself a beginner but feel as though I really am. I thought I would clear my head of all information and just start at the beginning again. Thank you for the clear explanations of differing pattern companies. I always seem to fall between sizes. I look forward to seeing at more videos teaching how to blend these different sizes together to achieve a wearable garment.

[@suzannearthur2295]

This is wonderful information! I thought that I had to pick the size closest to my measurements. No wonder I was not happy with the fit....You are opening up a whole new world of making garments, for me. Thank you, Vanessa. I can't wait to see your future videos.

[@RoseOriginals]

I love your videos! It's like being with your bff for a sewing lesson.

[@dianamay6017]

Thanks so much for posting this Vanessa, I was a confused enthusiastic beginner before I watched this. I actually bought a pattern and fabric and then came to a complete stop because I didn’t know how to figure out my size. You explained it really well and I’m going to follow your advice

[@ciara6309]

This video was amazing, I love your honesty and the encouragement you give to women! I am learning how to sew and I'm definitely struggling with patterns; as a newbie to sewing, I was indeed trying to pick a pattern based on my "store bought sizes". This video helped me determine my true measurements and pick the right pattern size for me. This is a great video for beginners. Thank you:)

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Thanks, Chary! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Happy sewing!

[@JoyKOz]

Thank you. Absolutely the best 'size fitting' sewing tutorial yet!! Thank you, thank you. ❤️ 💛 💚 💙 💜

[@belindadarnell965]

I'm so glad you posted these videos. It's exactly what i need to get started on sewing apparel.

[@LBFavorites]

Thank you. I'm a quilter & home decor sewer who would like to start making simple tops. Your mention of shaving off a few inches when measuring made me smile. My problem is adding inches to oversize clothes in an effort to hide my body. I cheat myself doing that too. No more false measurements for this tall, broad shoulders girl. Thanks!

[@pdfaulkner1517]

Thanks for the tutorial...and for keeping it real! I tried to make a dress...simple tank top shift...years ago. I didn't know how to size the pattern for my body and made a dress that two of me could fit into. This gives me courage and motivation to revisit that pattern and try again! Thanks so much for your honesty and transparency and your sincerity! I look forward to making my own clothes...that fit!!

[@karenmcpherson9221]

I love your videos and teaching style, direct and easy to follow. I especially appreciate these learning how to sew videos. I used to sew all the time but got away from it. Now that I'm semi-retired I'm getting back into it, but I was kind of depressed over all the things I have forgotten. But this series has given me hope:).

[@LondonLL]

watched lots of videos, but now find you are such a lovely person, showed so many examples of commercial patterns' choise. I was born in china, not so many examples videos from my birth country. Well luckily I can still learn a lot from your video. Yesterday I bought 2 pieces of fabrics with dots, so exciting and urgent to make my first piece shirt. need more confidence to dare cut the fabric.. thank you so much. love your video

[@r.a.y.1704]

I have had this saved in my Textiles Playlist for some time now because it is a really good introduction to measuring and choosing pattern sizes. I will be showing it to both my Textiles classes over two days next week and adding the link in both my class Teams. Thank you for this very informative video and as others have mentioned...you are brave. Your advice to accept your body is something that teens need to hear more. Thank you again.

[@msdeedee1808]

I usually follow the finished size information on the back of some patterns, It gives me an idea of how it will fit with my body measurements. Sometime they list the finished info on the pattern website. A good series Vanessa and I really appreciate your taking the time to educate us, both newbie and experienced!

[@sandramadaris7814]

Thank you for such a great video! Your upbeat, clear, and honest presentation truly helps anyone wanting to make a garment!

[@cgbyfran9697]

Thank you for this tutorial. I never realized the companies varied in sizes so drastically. I knew, however, that my clothing size was not the same as the pattern size, but now u know why I would not get the right results when ourchadung different companies" patterns. As always, you are super informative and a breath of fresh air. I look forward to your sew alongs. I am definitely going to look into purchasing four measuring tapes for myself, my daughters, and my sister-in-law. TTFN.

[@meanie2422]

You are awesome on sooo many levels! Thank you for being genuine.....I believe you are REALLY going to teach us how to make clothes! I'm so excited about this series! I've got three patterns (two years old) that I've never even opened because I have no idea how to even read the pattern. I have been searching you tube for help with no luck....until now!

[@cbranson8604]

Thank you! I am learning so much and am truly inspired by your videos. You are making things seem logical and easy to follow. Thanks so much! You are amazing!

[@pbl4him]

I love that you are doing these videos. I wish there had been something like this when I was learning to sew. I can't wait to see how you address the altering of patterns to fit your own measurements and the ease that is built into patterns. I also have a short torso and very long legs. I agree the high waist is most comfortable for this body type.

[@susanstaley6408]

Wow! Thank you so much for your tutorial. I always used to sew for myself all the time & loved it but became very despondent when the clothes wouldn’t fit properly. I never knew that commercial patterns were not a true size fit!!! I can’t wait to give it another try. Looking forward to your next tutorial on re drafting patterns to fit my measurements. 😊

[@marymurphy3578]

Can't wait for the next video. This is a tutorial which a must for all garment sewers. Thank you Vanessa

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Thank you!

[@mirjamkluijver3774]

Totally agree!

[@Blupegasus]

I love, love , love this measuring tape. I had a problem getting correct measures. I mostly did it alone. I think this tape measure is awesome!! thank you so much Vanessa!!

[@breehall4300]

Like you I am high waisted and fall cross the same sort of sizes -can't wait for you to show your skills of what you can do to fix this!! Thank you so so very much for showing this for beginners👏👏😘

[@monicadavis4564]

Your just amazing ! I sure wish i liver near you! You being so out there and truthful is just great! Every video i have watched from you are so uplifting! Thanks so muchfor all your dedication . Blessings

[@Blupegasus]

I love this video series, Vanessa I can't say it enough I am making things I couldn't before your teaching is very clear and easy to understand.

[@annafrazier2438]

Thanks for the info on the different pattern sizes. I did not know the tip about the size on the pattern was not anywhere close to a purchased item, and I have sewn for a long time! I also loved the tape measure you used. I went over and ordered one. I love the way you explain things so easy to understand.

[@leticia-rl7yj]

Oh boy did I learn! I would’ve gone by the size I wear. this is an eye-opener. I don’t sew, but I was hoping to start sewing very simple tops. I’m glad you did a video on measurements. Thank you.

[@helenlouise1737]

Great instructions and can't wait for future videos! I ordered the tape measure...this will definitely come in handy. And you are so right --- a lot of us sew when we can which means we can't pull someone in to measure us at our convenience.

[@Tanya99503]

Thanks, so clear and informative. I will be embracing my body and rewarding myself by making my clothes more. I am new to sewing and enjoy it. Thanks for making me appreciate that I can do this. Looking forward to doing this and following your tips, tricks, and guidance for getting better.

[@sharonrich829]

Would love to see how you cut out the pattern to adjust sizes. I'm new at patterns and my size is usually in 3 different columns also. Very informative video as is all your videos!

[@apriljackson4435]

Thank you, all the info you have given has been so helpful. I have a high waist and a big bum.Being 4'9" it does not help finding something off the rack.

[@annettechildress3163]

Loved your tutorial.You broke it down to where I could understand it.Looking forward to seeing the next step.Thank You.

[@laurencef4678]

Yesssss!!!!! Thank you thank you. I love your teaching style. I just bought a sewing machine and I'm very interested in garment sewing. This video was great.

[@laurie5659]

I love your channel!! You explain things in such an easy way to learn and follow. I can’t wait to see how to adjust the patterns to fit across the different sizes to fit my body! Thank you 😊

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@smoore004]

Hi Vanessa, I’m new to your channel. Your videos are amazing. You are a great teacher. I have subscribed. I’ve decided to get back into sewing after decades long hiatus. I will be following this series. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge.

[@tonimcdaniel5388]

Very informative. I was definitely looking at the pattern sizes as a way of choosing my size. Can't wait to see how you account for all of the different sizes when cutting out the pattern.

[@luvpugz9659]

I quit sewing my own clothes year ago cuz I could never get the fit right. Then I outgrew even the largest size! Looking forward to this series because some of the independent patterns are actually larger! Thank you! Your videos are awesome 👏

[@matsprincess]

Thank you Vanessa for finally starting this series. i have been waiting!!!

[@marianita420]

I see this video was made 3 years ago and I love it! So helpful!

[@lindamattson6281]

Very good tutorial. I never got the right size pattern because I would use the size of clothing that I purchased in a store. Just ordered your tape measure. Never have anyone around to help me measure. Thanks for sharing your tips.

[@brieokieb4890]

I had actually watched another of your videos and liked how you did things so I went to see your other videos. I was so glad to see this video because I had been looking for one just like it. I'm just starting to make my own clothes (and cosplays) so this was super helpful. I can't wait for the next installment!

[@pamelatabor8839]

My measurements are all over the map also. Depending on the pattern, I could be a 14 or 16 and a large or extra large. I'm so glad you are helping us with garment sewing.

[@k.martin9596]

Love your breakdown of measurements and pattern knowledge. Halfway through your video you not only gained a new loke but a new subscriber. Great content! Thank you for what you do.

[@moonglow1948]

Just what every sewer needs to learn, thank you and looking forward to the next detailed fitting video....

[@scoobydoo9088]

I love your video tutorials. I also have a short torso but I have short legs. I also wear high waist jeans and pants, no hip huggers for this momma/grandma. lol. It's hard to find garments that fit perfect at the stores and I've been contemplating back and forth on the idea of sewing my own clothes but I've always been to intimidated to get started, then I see your wonderful video. You've explained things in such an easy way to learn and follow. I've always been to timid to try and sew my own clothes I struggle with patterns, but all the tips that you gave on this video, You've given me the confidence that I needed to take the next step in sewing my own clothes. I do have a video suggestion, Could you please make a video on how to adjust the patterns to fit across the different sizes to fit my body. Thank you Vanessa You're an excellent teacher . Thanks for sharing this video.

[@juliefox77]

Yay! I'm excited to follow this series and attempt making a few garments!!!

[@CraftyLoops]

This video is essential and invaluable to newbie sewers. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video. I know I'll certainly appreciate it when Im working out my pattern size. Lee :)

[@annehartley2327]

Thank you so much for your really informative tutorial. I'm the same as you, very high waisted and hourglass figure. Like you I can go through many different sizes when looking for patterns. Am really looking forward to following along on your dressmaking tutorials. Thank you!

[@marywhalen364]

Thank you! I’ve always struggled with exactly how to measure myself. You are always so clear.

[@melissasteiner9039]

I have been looking forward to this new series. I can't wait to get sewing.

[@Brantfordgirl26]

Very well done ! clear and very easy to follow. Looking forward to next video.

[@alishaghai1940]

Hi Vanessa! Thank you for another great video! Looking forward to your dress making series. Take care!

[@oddrunhaland]

Lots of useful information that I have never thought about before. Thank you!

[@joannegorman1839]

Excellent video. Making measuring easy.

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Thank you!

[@1229Jen]

My Clip & Slide Measuring tape just came in the mail and I love it! I highly recommend it! Thank you.

[@rondabergeron4414]

Thank you so much for helping us with this. I am looking forward to the next part......cannot wait.

[@karenmcdonner983]

Thank you. That was a wonderful and informative tutorial. Can't wait for the next one.

[@meshab6049]

This is the only explanation that has made sense. Good job.

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@ncwwmom]

Vanessa, Thank you so much. I learned a lot from this video and I'm super excited to continue with you to learn how to make my own clothes. You Rock! :)

[@susanpolivka5588]

Very good info... I hope to make some summer t-shirts & shorts for summer, when we are finished with this series! Thank you!

[@annebentley3656]

Thank you Vanessa. I tended to be at the end of each and sometimes off the scale. I can't wait to find out how I can grade a pattern to fit me,

[@bethk7648]

This is such helpful information! I love this series and appreciate the effort you are putting into it!

[@JV-od7wv]

Thanks for such a great tutorial! I had no idea that the pattern companies define their own measurements. No wonder the sizes in retail are never the same between manufacturers.

[@jacquelineround5667]

Just loved this video, brilliant, can not wait for the next one, i have learned so much already x

[@michellehedgcock8924]

Love this! Such great information for a beginner!!

[@melaniehefner1098]

Excellent review for me. Thank you for your clear info. You are an excellent teacher..

[@paulawyatt3872]

Thanks so much for this!!!! Anxiously awaiting next installment! You are the best.

[@mariacrodriguez617]

Great teaching video 💝

[@ccgnoix]

Just want to say I love your videos! I first found you when I looked up how to bind quilts, and I have enjoyed your many videos! What got me to comment on this video was your remark about making your own bra around the 7:00 mark! Say what?!?! Please do a tutorial on that! I hate bra shopping, and would LOVE to make my own that actually fit me!

[@dijones2441]

Thank you...Very clear informative tutorial..looking forward to the next step 👍

[@TheCraftyGemini]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@helgy2009]

Great tutorial! i'm looking forward to the next one. I took a sewing class that taught how to sew pj pants and that was a while ago, so I'm glad you're giving this info!

[@agb6330]

Thank you oh so much! I just finished copying a sundress pattern for my grand daughter and she doesn’t “fit” in any of the sizes. Looking forward to your next lesson 👍 Thoroughly appreciated your comments on accepting our real measurements 😀

[@dadeedum1232]

Thanks for this video. You are a great speaker.

[@SuperBettyboop23]

Thanks for sharing all the information on patterns I hope to see more for tops that are that are loosely fit but yet elegant! ❤️

[@judystevenson6313]

Very informative. Can hardly wait for the next video. Very much need to know how to cut patterns between sizes. Thank you for sharing. Really like your teaching style.

[@merxsa]

Thank you for making this video,it clears a lot of confusion.

[@cecil4560]

Hi Vanessa I’m so happy for this tutorial. Thank you so much..... life saver!

[@dianeschmidt1193]

Thank you. Your video is such a help to me (as a beginner).

[@TandZAptLife]

I just found your channel because I'm starting to sew again. I've made two wedding dresses and I made some dresses, but I want them not to look so sack like, but I still want to be modest. We have similar body shapes so that's why I'm very interested in your video and this tape measure that you have. 🙏🏼

[@happyshopper570]

yeah!! looking forward to learning more from you! thanks Vanessa!!

[@debbiepascoe4128]

Thank you for this great video. I have learn so much. I can’t wait to watch more.👏🏻

[@Cee1505]

As always great tips and information. Thank You!

[@christines1924]

You're bold, girl! Putting your stuff out there!

[@jamiebianco]

Great information and teaching style! I am excited to learn! Thank you. 😊