Measure the lady you are going to fit with an inch measure. First, under the arm, down the seam of the shoulder, across the chest from seam to seam, I mean the seam under the arm. Length from throat to waist. Length of back to waist. Across the back the same way as the front. Now measure your paper patterns. Cut in common lining the paper pattern nearest your measure. Leave turnings, or cut your pattern larger in any part (if required) half an inch. In making up your lining to fit, pin the body together on shoulder and under the arm. Tack the pleats or run them up with cotton. Take the lady's measure over her gown, but fit it on without it. Before you begin to cut, have a piece of paper ready written in the following manner, detailing in inches the respective measurements; for instance, a middle size would be something near these proportions:--
Under the arm . . . 8
Shoulder . . . 7 1/2
Chest . . . 19
Length of front . . .17
Length of back . . .15 1/2
Across the back . . .15
Created by Hope Greenberg. Last updated: 11 March 1997. Go to Mrs. Damas' Hints for Dressmakers: Complete List of Topics.