How To Measure Shoulder To Hem

Have you ever faced problems in sewing or hemming for not taking measurements? Well, measurement is an essential criterion to look for while buying or sewing your clothes. If you purchase clothes with the correct measurement for your body, you will enjoy comfort in wearing them.

Similarly, it is crucial to know the correct measurement of the different parts of your garment for efficient sewing and hemming. However, the other parts of your garment have different procedures of measurement. So, to get the best fit of your garment, you will need to measure each part of your garments, such as the waist, chest, or shoulder.

In this article, you will learn how to measure the shoulder to the hem of your garment. You will get to know about the tips and steps to measure your clothes perfectly. This knowledge will help you to make better seams, hems, and edges of your clothes.

So, fill up your vessel of knowledge with measurement tips for your garments.

How To Measure Shoulder To Hem?

The shoulder of your dress or garment is the top line between the arm and neck. In contrast, the hem is the bottom line of your clothing, jacket, shirt, or t-shirt. This top to the bottom line of your garment plays a vital role in enhancing the outlook of wear. So, measuring them is crucial for your cloth alignment and seam adjustments.

The shoulder to hem measurement includes the total length of the clothes from the shoulder down to the hem at the bottom waist or side edges. If you want to take this vertical measurement of your piece of cloth, then start from the top.

how to measure shoulder to hem

You have to take the measurement from the top of the shoulder seam to the hem of the cloth design. You can use a simple measuring tape at your shoulder to find out where precisely the hem will fall.

However, you can also use an appropriate inch mark on your shoulder and determine the end reach where the hem falls. This way, you can work for the back or front of your garment and identify any bumps or bulges.

But, if you want to measure the shoulder to the hem of your garment, you will need the proper equipment. With the right set of equipment in your hand, start following the simple steps for your measurement.

Equipment Needed For Measuring Shoulder To Hem

With the right equipment, measuring your shoulder to the hem will become an easy and fun task. You won’t have to put much effort into measuring your garment, as the equipment will make your job much more efficient and fast. So, check if you have the following equipment on your list or not.

1. Garment/Fabric

If you want to measure the shoulder to the hem of a shirt, then keep that piece of garment ready. Whether it’s a shirt, jacket, t-shirt, or dress, you will need the particular garment or fabric prepared for your measurement purpose.

2. Measurement Tape

measurement tape

The essential equipment for measuring the shoulder to the hem of a piece of cloth is a measuring tape. You can use a measuring tape whose scales of inches and centimeters are clearly visible and understandable. Moreover, you can get these tapes from any stationery shop.

3. Ruler

At some point, you will need a ruler to hold down the mark and double-check the measurement you take. Any regular use ruler can do your job efficiently. 

4. Pins

If you want to mark the exact points of measurement on your garment, you can use pins. So, you can pin down the spot where you want to start measuring the shoulder. Then, you can pin down the hem to measure perfectly without any inconvenience.

Measuring the shoulder to the hem of your garment is easy to accomplish the task if you do it flawlessly. You must ensure to take the proper measurement of your clothes to get the best fit for further alterations and purchases. So, follow these few steps to measure the shoulder to the hem precisely and efficiently.

Step 1: Lay Your Garment

You have to lay your garment flat on a surface with its back facing up. You have to ensure that the garment is laid on an even flat surface with a neat and clean cover. Also, make sure that the garment is tight and stretched to get accurate measurements from shoulder to hem.

place your measuring tape

Step 2: Place Your Measuring Tape

Now, you have to place your measuring tape on the garment. Take any measuring tape that has clear marks of metric scale in inches and centimeters. Then, place this tape at a point that is on the bottom seam of the yoke or garment. You have to put the tape on the shoulder point that’s attached to the sleeves at the top.

Step 3: Measure Vertically To The Bottom Point

Now, you have to extend your measuring tape till the end of your garment’s bottom line, that is, the hem. You have to place down your tape vertically from the shoulder point to the hem of your garment.

Moreover, you have to see if there’s any unraveling in your garment or measuring tape or not. If not, then you will enjoy an accurate measurement of your garment. Also, make sure that you hold the tape vertically straight to avoid any mistakes. 

Step 4: Measure From Start To Finish Edges

As mentioned in the above step, you must measure straight across the garment. You have to look for the top seam of your garment’s shoulder and place your tape there. This will be your starting point or edge till the finishing edge or hem to measure the garment. 

Step 5: Pin The Shoulder Point And Hem Line

pin the shoulder point and hem line

If you’re uncomfortable in taking the measurement correctly all by yourself, then use the ball pins. Your everyday ball pins will help you to take measures much more quickly and efficiently.

Now, first, you have to place the garment on an even flat surface. If possible, iron the garment to smoothen the fabric for accurate measurements. Then, look for the seams on your shoulder line and use a pin on that spot. Also, look for the seam or hemline of your garment at the bottom to place a pin over there too.

After pinning, you can place the measuring tape and take the measurements in a few seconds. 

Step 6: Check For The Measurement

Finally, if you’re done taking the measurement from shoulder to hem, you have to check it once more. The key to the successful fit of garments after purchase or sewing is the right measurements. So, take your measuring tape and double-check if the measures are coming the same all the time or not.

Why Do I Need To Measure Your Garments From Shoulder To Hem?

why do i need to measure your garments from shoulder to hem

If you’re making a custom-made dress, then you must take the correct measurements as an essential step. Whether you measure the shoulder to hem or the waistline or sleeves, you must pay attention and take small details into account while measuring your garment. Apart from being a necessity, there are several other reasons for taking the correct measurements.

Although, the procedure to take measurements for different body parts has different techniques. The accurate measurement of your garment will help it to alter to the best fit for your body. And a well-fitted garment like a jacket or suit will enhance your overall look and personality.

However, the attire for measurement depends on the style and type of the garment. The fabric material used in alterations, sewing, and tailoring for garment construction doesn’t come free of cost. So, if you don’t take measurements of any of your existing well-fitting garments or body, you will face fabric material issues.

The wrong measurement can lead to a shortage or excess supply of fabric material for your garment construction or tailoring. So, it is crucial to take measurements for your garments to save money, energy, and fabric materials. In addition, your correct measurement of garment will help you to buy or tailor new clothes with the best fit and outlook.

How Can You Measure A Hemline?

If you want to measure the hemline of your garment, then follow a few simple steps along with proper tools. You have to start placing your measuring tape under the armpit of your dress/garment.

In addition, you have to keep your arms relaxed and follow the side edges of your body shape. Now, you can go down to the hem of your garment. However, you can include your shoes for the accurate measurement of your hemline.

How Can You Measure Shoulder Point To Point?

You have to place the garment-facing up on an even flat surface. Then, take your measuring tape and measure straight across one shoulder point to another at the seam line or the natural fold of your shoulder.

You can measure from the center back of your neck, across the point where your shoulder meets the sea, the top armhole, and the exterior edge to the bottom of your sleeve, including the cuff.

So, finally, your measurement from the shoulder point to point will be done efficiently.

Jessica

Jessica

I'm Jessica Flores, a professional fashion designer and an expert seamstress. Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years. I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills. It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.

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