Page:A complete course in dressmaking, (Vol. 1, Introduction) (IA completecoursein01cono).pdf/111

 around the form loosely. Hold it between the thumb and first finger of the right hand at the center back and with the left hand slip it down in the front over the fullest part of the bust. Bring it well up under the arms and high across the back over the fullest part of the shoulder blades. Draw up the tape snugly but it ought not to be really tight.

Note what the measurement is in inches.

The Neck Measure.—Also take this measurement from the back, passing the tape around the base of the neck. Draw it snugly.

The Width of Chest.—Measure across the chest at a point that would be about two-thirds of the way down the armholes of the finished garment. Do not continue the tape under the arm but take the measurement from arm muscle to arm muscle.

The Width of Back.—Measure across the back at a point about half way down the armhole. This gives you the narrowest point across the back and is the width that the garment ought to measure across the back.

Length of Arm.—The best way of determining the length of the arm, is to place the yard stick or a tailor’s square under the arm and note the length to the wrist. If a square is used, place the short arm of the square across the armpit and let the long arm extend along the inside of the arm. The sleeve