How to determine your size

Standard Body Measurements/Sizing

Most crochet and knitting pattern instructions will provide general sizing information, such as the chest or bust measurements of a completed garment. Many patterns also include detailed schematics or line drawings. These drawings show specific garment measurements (bust/chest, neckline, back, waist, sleeve length, etc.) in all the different pattern sizes. To insure proper fit, always review all of the sizing information provided in a pattern before you begin.

On this website are several sizing charts. These charts show Chest, Center Back Neck-to-Cuff, Back Waist Length, Cross Back, Sleeve Length, Upper Arm, Armhole Depth, Waist and Hip. THESE ARE ACTUAL BODY MEASUREMENTS FOR BABIES, CHILDREN, WOMEN, and MEN in both inches and centimeters.

When sizing sweaters, the fit is based on actual chest/bust measurements, plus ease (additional inches or centimeters). The chart entitled “Fit” recommends the amount of ease to add to body measurements if you prefer a close-fitting garment, an oversized garment, or something in-between.

How to measure

bust measure1. Chest/Bust
Measure around the fullest part of the chest/bust. Do not draw the tape too tightly.

2. Center Back Neck–to-Cuff
With arm slightly bent, measure from back base of neck across shoulder around bend of elbow to wrist.

back measure

3. Back Waist Length
Measure from the most prominent bone at base of neck to the natural waistline.

4. Cross Back
Measure from shoulder to shoulder.
5. Sleeve Length
With arm slightly bent, measure from armpit to cuff.
6. Upper Arm
Measure around the widest section of the upper arm located above the elbow.
7. Armhole Depth 
Measure from the top outside edge of the shoulder down to the armpit.
8. Waist 
Measure your waist at the smaller circumference of your natural waist, usually just above the belly button.
9. Hip 
Measure at the widest part of your lower hip.
head measure10. Head
For an accurate head measure, place a tape measure across the forehead and measure around the full circumference of the head. Keep the tape snug for accurate results.

foot measure
11. Sock Measurements 

The following measurements are for crew-style or dress socks, which usually come several inches above the ankle and below the calf.
11a. Foot Circumference: To determine the foot circumference, measure around the widest part of your foot.
11b. Sock Height:
To determine the height of the sock, measure from where you start to turn for the heel shaping to the top of the sock.
11c. Total Foot Length: To measure the total length of your foot, place a ruler or tape measure on the floor. Position the back of your heel at the beginning of the tape and the measure to your longest toe.

Fit Chart
Very-close fitting:
Actual chest/bust measurement or less
Close-fitting:
1–2″/2.5–5cm
Standard-fitting:
2–4″/5–10cm
Loose-fitting:
4–6″/10–15cm
Oversized: 6″/15cm or more
The Length Chart provides average lengths for children’s, women’s and men’s garments.
Length Chart
Waist Length
Hip Length
Tunic Length
Child
Actual body measurement
2″/5cm down from waist
6″/15cm down from waist
Woman
Actual body measurement
6″/15cm down from waist
11″/28cm down from waist
Men
Men’s length usually varies only 1–2″/2.5–5cm from the actual “back hip length” measurement (see Man Size Chart)

Both the FIT and LENGTH charts are simply guidelines. For individual body differences, changes can be made in body and sleeve lengths when appropriate. However, consideration must be given to the project pattern. Certain sizing changes may alter the appearance of a garment.

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Source: Craft Yarn Council of America’s www.YarnStandards.com