Knitting the Natural Way
Standard Size Charts
While everyone's shape and size is different, the Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA) has defined a set of standardized measurements, which can be used a general guide in designing knitted items. The numbers listed below coincide with CYCA standards.
How to Measure:
Chest/Bust:
Measure snuggly around the fullest part of the chest/bust.
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Center of Neck to Cuff:
With arm barely bent, measure from the back base of the neck to across the shoulder, around bend of elbow to wrist.
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Back Waist Length:
Measure from the most prominent bone
at base of neck to the natural waistline.
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Crossback:
Measure from shoulder to shoulder.
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​Sleeve Length:
With arm barely bent, measure from armpit to cuff.
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Upper Arm:
Measure around widest section of upper arm above the elbow.
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Armhole Depth:
Measure from top outside edge of shoulder down to the armpit.
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Waist:
Measure the waist at the smallest circumference of natural waist (usually just above the belly button)
​Hip:
Measure widest part of hip.
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Head:
Place tape across forehead and measure the full head circumference, keeping tape tight.
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Foot Circumference:
Measure around widest part of foot.
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Sock Height:
Measure from where the heel turn begins to the top of the sock cuff.
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Total Foot Length:
Measure from back of heel to end of longest toe.
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