How Do You Measure Sleeve Depth?
Measuring sleeve depth is a critical step in pattern making and garment fitting, ensuring a comfortable and well-fitting sleeve. While the standard measurement for sleeve depth or armhole depth is typically a vertical one, understanding related horizontal measurements is also vital for achieving the correct fit and dimension of the armhole, which directly impacts the sleeve.
- Sleeve Depth: This often refers to the vertical distance on the sleeve pattern from the highest point of the sleeve cap down to the underarm level (the deepest curve of the sleeve head).
- Armhole Depth: This is the vertical distance on the bodice pattern from the shoulder seam down to the underarm point. The armhole depth on the bodice directly influences the required sleeve cap height and thus the overall sleeve fit.
Measuring the Width at the Underarm (As Shown in Reference)
The provided reference, related to measuring armhole depth and sleeve cap height, illustrates a specific horizontal measurement that is essential for garment construction and understanding armhole shape. It describes measuring the width across the back of a garment at the underarm level.
Steps from the Reference
To perform this measurement as shown in the reference:
- Place the Blazer Back Body up: Position the back of the garment flat.
- Clear both underarm points: Ensure the fabric is smooth and the points where the side seam meets the underarm seam are clearly visible.
- Place a ruler underarm point to the underarm: Use a ruler to measure the straight horizontal distance between the left and right underarm points across the back of the garment.
This measurement captures the horizontal span of the back at the level of the bottom of the armholes.
Why This Measurement Matters
Although the measurement described in the reference is the horizontal width at the underarm rather than the vertical depth of the armhole or sleeve, it is a crucial dimension for pattern making and ensuring proper sleeve fit. This measurement contributes to defining the circumference and shape of the armhole, which dictates how the sleeve head (the upper part of the sleeve pattern) must be shaped to fit smoothly without pulling or gapping. Understanding this horizontal width is as important as understanding the vertical depth for creating a well-fitting armhole and sleeve.
In summary, while sleeve depth is typically a vertical measurement, related dimensions like the horizontal width at the underarm, as shown in the reference ("place a ruler underarm point to the underarm" on the back body), are integral parts of the overall armhole and sleeve fitting process.
