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How to take sleeve measurements!In search of the perfect sleeve measurements... "Please tell me how to long the sleeves should be!"...It's a question that often comes our way. The mere thought of figuring out what a correct sleeve length is can cause frustration - especially if you have to do it yourself. Why not ask a friend to help you with the measurements? Using a fiberglass measuring tape [they don't stretch] and someone's help, measure from center back neck, with your arm relaxed at your side and slightly bent, over the shoulder bone and along the outside of the arm to the protruding wrist bone on the outside of your wrist.Definitely a tricky feat and best accomplished in "steps":
The Importance of Shoulder WidthWhen the shoulder width is too narrow, the shoulder seams are pulled up onto the shoulders. The sleeve becomes too short. When the shoulder width is too wide, the shoulder seams hang down over the top of your arm. The sleeves become too long. Ever tried on your Dad's sweater? The shoulder seams falls over the top of your arm, right? The sleeve length may be just right but the shoulder width is too wide.A simpler method which involves far less wrestling with the tape is to measure for the sleeve length by beginning at the shoulder bone, along the outside of the arm to the wrist bone, over a slightly bent arm.Better yet and no guessing involved - if you a have sweater that fits you well, measure the sleeve from the shoulder seam to the edge of the cuff.How To Take Sleeve Measurements 101Thinking of knitting your own sweater...or ordering one of our standard or custom-sized sweaters? You can use the sleeve measurement [and the shoulder to shoulder measurement]to help you select the correct size to order or whether any knitting pattern needs to be adjusted. When thinking knitwear and "sweater", do not measure sleeve length as you would for a man's shirt. This type of sleeve measurement incorporates the half the back shoulder width plus the arm length. As noted above, the standard shoulder width measurement used to construct a man's shirt [made in a stable fabric] may not correspond to your actual shoulder width.
 For example, I need a 25" sleeve. If I were to take sleeve measurements as given for a shirt, the sleeve length is usually identified as a 33/34 or a 33 but the combined measurements may still not fit correctly when applied to knitting. Why? Because my shoulder width is wider than the standard measurement for that size. Here is another fact which affects sleeve length in sweaters - the weight of the sleeve! Yes, the weight. Shirts are constructed of stable, woven fabric. Sweaters are constructed of knit fabric with varying amounts of stretch. Over time, while worn, a sleeve will "grow" and lengthen depending on the weight of the entire sleeve. In fact, when drafting custom knitting patterns, we actually deduct 10% from the shoulder width to compensate for this drooping. In this way, the sleeve seam sits squarely on the shoulder rather than off the shoulder. This is particular true in ribbed knit sweaters where you can use as much as 30% to 70% more yarn than for a plain stockinet stitch sweater.We firmly believe that a correct sleeve length, in coordination with the correct shoulder width are the key to a properly fitting sweater. When the shoulder seams sit at the shoulder line, you've got it made! If you have any questions, drop us a line and we will help you in any way we can.
DisclaimerHobbie's House of Wizard Wear collection of custom knit sweaters, scarves, vests and cardigans are neither official nor licensed Harry Potter© products. These heirloom quality knits are merely reproductions of our own design. We strive to make these, and other costuming pieces, as authentic looking as possible with the use of high quality materials, accurate colors, attention to detail and superior workmanship. |
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Measurement A-B is important if you plan to knit your own sweater. When figuring out the shoulder width - shoulder point to shoulder point - think of your shoulders as nearly 2/3 of the framework which support your sweater. The remaining third? the back neck width.
