The greatest possible care should be taken in measuring to obtain
correct lengths and widths, as only right measures will enable us, in
drafting, to define the size and position or attitude of the form
measured.
We must, therefore, take the measures from and to accurately located
points.
The height of the neck can be easily and correctly located by the eye,
and the front and bottom of the arm by the use of a small square; but
the waist line, which is a measuring station of the greatest importance,
must be defined as follows:
Place an elastic band around the waist, just above the hips, and adjust
it so that it is perfectly level.
_Whether the waist is to be long or short, the band must be placed as
directed; the actual waist length can then be increased or diminished
according to style or taste._
As the measures that terminate at the belt govern the balance of the
garment and indicate attitude, the importance of adjusting it accurately
_and always over the same part of the waist will be apparent_.
Having adjusted the belt, proceed as follows: