Before you can sew comfortable pajamas or shorts, you must prepare your tools, take accurate body measurements, and understand what a pattern really is. In this lesson, you will see how body measurements, ease, fit, and seam allowance work together to turn a person’s size into a clear pattern plan. You will also review safety precautions for handling scissors, pins, tapes, and rulers while working with a partner. As you read, check, and reflect, you will build confident habits that make later drafting and sewing easier, safer, and more successful.
🎯 Learning Goals
By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
- Define key terms such as pattern, body measurements, fit, ease, and seam allowance and explain why they matter before drafting.
- Identify and describe at least five essential body measurements and tools for drafting simple pajamas and shorts.
- Follow a clear checklist of safety precautions and preparation steps when measuring and getting ready to draft a basic garment pattern.
🧩 Key Ideas & Terms
- Pattern – A paper or cardboard template that shows the exact shape and size of each garment part to be cut from fabric.
- Body measurement – The size of a body part, usually taken in centimeters, using a flexible tape measure.
- Fit – How closely a garment follows the body; can be tight, regular, or loose depending on style and purpose.
- Ease – Extra allowance added to body measurements so the wearer can move and breathe comfortably.
- Seam allowance – The extra space between the cutting line and the stitching line where seams will be sewn.
- Waistline – The natural narrowest part of the torso where the waistband of pajamas or shorts often rests.
- Hipline – The fullest part around the hips and seat; important for drafting bottoms like pajama pants and shorts.
- Grainline – A line on the pattern that shows how to place the pattern piece in the correct direction on the fabric.
- Measuring tape – A flexible tape used to take body measurements accurately.
- Head pins – Small sharp pins with heads used to hold fabric and patterns together before cutting or sewing.
- Safety precaution – A careful action that prevents accidents or injuries while working with tools and equipment.
- Workbench / Work area – The table, floor space, or desk prepared for measuring, drafting, or cutting garments.
🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge
Connect this new pattern-drafting lesson to what you already know about clothes and simple tools.
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Name at least three sewing or garment tools that you have seen at home, in school, or in a shop.
Show Answer
Possible answers: measuring tape, fabric scissors, sewing shears, pins, pin cushion, needles, tailor’s chalk, ruler, French curve, sewing machine. -
Have you ever helped measure someone for clothes or a school uniform? What part of the body did you measure?
Show Answer
Sample ideas: measuring chest for uniforms, waist for pants or skirts, hips for jeans, length of pants or shorts, or no experience yet but has seen others do it. -
Recall one safety rule you already know when using sharp tools like scissors or pins.
Show Answer
Examples: do not run while holding scissors; always pass scissors handle first; keep pins in a pin cushion; avoid leaving tools on the floor; focus while cutting. -
Why is it important that clothes fit properly and feel comfortable?
Show Answer
Possible reasons: comfortable clothes prevent rashes or marks, allow easy movement, help maintain good posture, and increase confidence in school, at home, or in public.
📖 Explore the Lesson
Checkpoint 1 – What Is a Pattern and Why Do We Use It?
Mini-goal: Understand what a pattern is and how it helps produce well-fitting garments.
Before any fabric is cut for pajamas or shorts, a pattern is prepared. A pattern is a guide, usually made from paper or cardboard, that shows the exact shape and size of each garment part. Instead of guessing where to cut, the dressmaker or learner places the pattern on the fabric and traces or cuts around it. This reduces mistakes, saves fabric, and helps the garment match the body measurements correctly. A good pattern is like a map; it gives clear directions from “idea” to “finished garment.”
Patterns can come from many sources. Some are commercial patterns bought from stores, already printed with sizes, grainlines, and instructions. Others are drafted patterns, made by taking a person’s body measurements and drawing the shapes step by step on pattern paper. For school projects like simple pajamas and shorts, drafted patterns are very useful because you can adjust them to real measurements and add the right amount of ease and seam allowance.
Every pattern piece includes important marks and lines. The grainline arrow shows how to align the pattern with the threads of the fabric. The waistline and hipline marks remind you which body parts the piece will cover. Notches, darts, and fold lines show where pieces must match or be folded. If you ignore these marks, even a well-drafted pattern can lead to a twisted or uncomfortable garment.
When you understand patterns, you are not just following instructions. You are learning to control the shape, fit, and style of the garment. Later, you can reuse the same pattern to make new designs, change lengths, or add details, saving time and effort. Patterns help you work smarter, not harder.
Real-life tie-in: Think about uniforms in your school or community. Many learners wear the same style, yet each piece fits an individual body. This is possible because patterns are used and adjusted to different sizes while keeping the same design.
Mini-summary: A pattern is a paper guide that transfers body measurements and design ideas onto fabric. It includes marks like grainline, waistline, and notches that help produce garments that are neat, consistent, and comfortable.
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Why is it risky to cut fabric without using a pattern or guide?
Show Answer
Without a pattern, it is easy to cut the wrong size or shape, waste fabric, and end up with a garment that does not fit or hang properly. -
How can one drafted pattern be used many times?
Show Answer
You can reuse it to cut several garments, adjust it to slightly different sizes, or modify parts (like length or leg width) while keeping the basic shape. -
What information on a pattern tells you how to place it on the fabric correctly?
Show Answer
The grainline arrow, fold lines, and labels such as “center front,” “waistline,” and “hipline” guide proper placement on the fabric.
Checkpoint 2 – Knowing the Body: Key Measurements for Pajamas and Shorts
Mini-goal: Identify the main body measurements needed for drafting simple bottoms.
To draft patterns that fit, you must first understand body measurements. A body measurement is the size of a body part, taken with a flexible measuring tape. For pajama pants or shorts, some of the most important measurements are waist, hips, and length. The waistline is usually the narrowest part of the torso. It might not be at the same level as where you normally wear low-waist jeans, so you should feel for the natural curve between the ribs and hips. The hipline is taken around the fullest part of the hips and seat area.
For length measurements, you may measure from the waistline down to the knee or to the ankle, depending on whether you want shorts, capri pajamas, or full-length pajama pants. You may also measure the thigh or leg width to help decide how loose or fitted the garment should be. Every measurement must be taken with the tape snug but not tight. The tape should be level and not twisted. The person being measured should stand straight, relaxed, and looking forward, not holding their breath or pulling in their stomach.
It is useful to record measurements in a table where each line has the name of the measurement and its value, usually in centimeters. Leaving space for notes such as “wants loose fit” or “prefers below-knee length” helps you remember preferences when you later draft the pattern. Keeping measurements neat, clear, and updated prevents confusion, especially when working with more than one client or family member.
Real-life tie-in: When you buy ready-made shorts or pants, you usually choose a size like S, M, L, or a number. Those sizes are based on typical body measurements for a group of people. By knowing your own measurements, you can choose sizes more wisely or ask a dressmaker to adjust the garment for you.
Mini-summary: Correct body measurements for waist, hips, length, and leg width are the foundation of a good pattern. They must be taken carefully and recorded clearly to guide drafting decisions.
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Why should the tape measure be snug but not tight when taking body measurements?
Show Answer
If it is too tight, the garment will be uncomfortable; if too loose, the garment may become baggy or fall down. -
Which two measurements are most important when drafting shorts or pajama pants, and why?
Show Answer
Waist and hip measurements are critical because they control how the garment fits around the body’s narrowest and fullest parts. -
How can a simple measurement table help you later when drafting the pattern?
Show Answer
It keeps all key measurements in one place, reduces mistakes, and reminds you of special notes such as preferred length or looseness.
Checkpoint 3 – Fit, Ease, and Seam Allowance: Turning Numbers into Comfortable Garments
Mini-goal: Explain how ease and seam allowance help turn body measurements into wearable garments.
If you used body measurements alone to draft a pattern, the garment might cling too tightly and feel uncomfortable. That is why dressmakers add ease. Ease is the extra space added to body measurements so that the wearer can walk, sit, and breathe easily. For pajama pants and shorts, more ease is usually added because they are meant for rest and movement. If the hip measurement is 90 cm, for example, you might add a few centimeters of ease so that the finished garment measures a little more than 90 cm around the hips.
Another important addition is the seam allowance. When you cut fabric, you do not cut exactly on the stitching line. Instead, you cut a little outside it so there is space to sew. This gap, often 1 to 2.5 cm wide, is the seam allowance. Without it, the garment would become smaller once seams are stitched. Seam allowance must be marked clearly on the pattern or included in its measurements. It should be consistent so that seams meet correctly at corners and curves.
The combination of body measurement, ease, and seam allowance creates what we might call the working measurement for the pattern. If you skip ease, the garment may feel tight. If you forget seam allowance, the garment may shrink after sewing. If you add too much of both, the garment may look oversized and untidy. Learning to balance ease and seam allowance is part of becoming a skilled, health-conscious learner who cares about comfort as well as style.
Real-life tie-in: Think about times when your shorts or pants felt too tight after washing, or when you could not bend comfortably. Often the problem is that there was not enough ease or seam allowance, or the fabric shrank. Knowing this helps you choose better garments in the future.
Mini-summary: Ease adds comfort space to body measurements, while seam allowance provides sewing space. Together they help transform raw numbers into garments that are both wearable and durable.
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Why is ease especially important for sleepwear and casual shorts?
Show Answer
These garments are used for resting and moving freely; they need extra comfort space so the wearer does not feel restricted. -
What might happen if you draft a pattern with no seam allowance?
Show Answer
The garment will become smaller when sewn, may feel tight, and some seams might not meet properly. -
How do ease and seam allowance show that you care about the health and comfort of the wearer?
Show Answer
They prevent garments from cutting into the skin, blocking movement, or causing discomfort, supporting good posture and overall well-being.
Checkpoint 4 – Safety First: Working Carefully with Tools and Partners
Mini-goal: Identify safety precautions to follow while measuring and preparing to draft patterns.
Pattern drafting and measuring may seem simple, but they involve tools that can cause accidents if not handled properly. Fabric scissors are sharp and should only be used for cutting fabric and paper patterns, not plastic or metal. They should be stored with the blades closed and passed to others with the handle facing the receiver. Pins and needles should never be left scattered on tables or the floor. They belong in a pin cushion or a small container, and should be counted before and after use.
When measuring another person, respect and communication are essential. Always ask permission before touching any part of the body. Explain which measurement you will take and why. A learner measuring a classmate should avoid making jokes about body shape or size. Everyone has a different body, and the role of the dressmaker is to support comfort, health, and confidence, not to judge. This attitude is just as important as technical skill.
Your work area also affects safety. The floor should be dry and free from loose threads or scraps that could cause slipping. Tools should be arranged neatly on the table, not at the very edge where they can fall. Bags and chairs should be placed so that people can walk without tripping. When you are tired, stop and rest for a moment rather than forcing yourself to continue cutting or measuring. A clear mind and body help prevent careless mistakes.
Real-life tie-in: Many accidents in homes and shops happen not because tools are very dangerous, but because people are in a hurry or not paying attention. By practicing safety now in TLE, you learn habits that protect you, your family, and future clients.
Mini-summary: Safe drafting begins with careful handling of scissors and pins, respectful measuring of others, and a clean, organized work area. These habits prevent injuries and show professionalism.
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Why should you never leave pins and needles on the floor or loose on the table?
Show Answer
They can prick feet or hands, get lost in fabric, or cause someone to panic if they sit or step on them. -
How can you show respect when taking a classmate’s body measurements?
Show Answer
Ask permission, explain what you are doing, avoid making comments about their body, and handle the measuring tape gently and professionally. -
Give one example of how to arrange the work area to avoid accidents.
Show Answer
Place scissors and tools in a tray at the center of the table, keep the floor free of scraps, and ensure bags or chairs do not block the walking path.
Checkpoint 5 – Getting Ready to Draft: Your Personal Preparation Checklist
Mini-goal: Organize a simple, practical checklist for measuring and drafting sessions.
Now that you understand patterns, measurements, ease, and safety, you are ready to prepare for actual drafting. A good way to stay organized is to use a preparation checklist. Before you begin, gather your tools: measuring tape, pencil, eraser, ruler or L-square, pattern paper or manila paper, and if available, a French curve. Check that your scissors are sharp and clean, and that you have pins or paper clips if you need to hold the pattern in place.
Next, prepare the person who will be measured. Ask them to remove bulky items from their pockets and to stand in their usual comfortable posture. If they are wearing very thick clothing, you may ask them to wear something lighter or adjust your measurement slightly. Reassure them that measurements are private and used only for drafting the garment. Write their name at the top of the measurement sheet to avoid mixing up records.
Finally, prepare yourself as a learner. Tie back long hair, trim long nails if needed, and roll up loose sleeves. Review the list of measurements you must take so you do not forget any. Decide in advance where you will add ease and seam allowance for the planned garment. This mental preparation helps you work smoothly, rather than stopping and guessing at every step.
Real-life tie-in: Professionals often follow written checklists to avoid missing important steps. Pilots, doctors, and engineers all use checklists. As a young dressmaker or garment worker, your checklist shows that you take your work seriously and respect the time and safety of others.
Mini-summary: A simple checklist that includes tools, client preparation, and self-preparation makes your measuring and drafting session more efficient, respectful, and safe.
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What three groups of items should appear on your drafting preparation checklist?
Show Answer
Tools and materials, client or partner preparation, and your own personal preparation as the learner or dressmaker. -
Why is it helpful to decide about ease and seam allowance before you start drafting?
Show Answer
It prevents confusion, helps you follow consistent measurements, and reduces the chance of making a pattern that is too tight or too loose. -
How does using a checklist show responsibility and professionalism?
Show Answer
It shows you plan ahead, care about accuracy and safety, and value the time and comfort of those you are working with.
💡 Example in Action
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Example 1 – Reading a Measurement Sheet
A learner records these measurements for a classmate: waist – 70 cm, hips – 90 cm, shorts length (waist to knee) – 45 cm. Explain how these three measurements will guide the drafting of a basic shorts pattern.Show Answer
The waist measurement guides the top width of the pattern and the waistband; the hip measurement controls the width around the seat for comfort; the length shows how far down the shorts will reach from the waist, helping place the hemline on the pattern. -
Example 2 – Adding Ease to the Hip Measurement
A hip measurement is 92 cm. The teacher recommends adding 4 cm of ease for comfortable sleepwear. What is the new working hip measurement for drafting the pattern, and why is this addition important?Show Answer
The working hip measurement becomes 96 cm. Adding 4 cm of ease allows more movement when sitting or lying down, preventing the garment from feeling tight or pulling at the seams. -
Example 3 – Understanding Seam Allowance
A pattern piece shows a hip width of 24 cm for the front half of a shorts leg (one quarter of the overall hip). The learner adds 1.5 cm seam allowance at each side. What will be the total width of the fabric piece at the hip line after adding seam allowances?Show Answer
There are two sides (left and right), each with 1.5 cm seam allowance, so 1.5 + 1.5 = 3 cm added. The total width becomes 24 cm + 3 cm = 27 cm. -
Example 4 – Spotting Safety Problems in the Work Area
In a classroom, one learner throws pins back onto the table, another leaves scissors open on the edge of the table, and scraps of paper are scattered on the floor. Identify at least two safety problems in this situation.Show Answer
Pins thrown on the table can fall and prick someone; open scissors at the edge can fall and injure a foot or hand; scraps on the floor can cause slipping. Tools and scraps should be stored properly and the floor kept clear. -
Example 5 – Creating a Simple Measuring Checklist
A learner writes this checklist: (1) Prepare tools, (2) Measure client, (3) Draft pattern. What two more specific items could they add under “Measure client” to make the checklist clearer?Show Answer
Examples: “Check that the client stands in natural posture” and “Take waist, hip, and length measurements in order, recording each immediately.” This makes the process more organized and less likely to miss steps.
📝 Try It Out
Answer the tasks in your notebook. Then compare with the suggested answers.
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Copy a simple measurement table and fill it with your own waist, hip, and desired shorts length. Label each clearly.
Show Answer
Look for a neat table with headings (e.g., Measurement, Value, Notes) and correct placement of waist, hip, and length in centimeters, plus brief notes such as “wants above-knee length.” -
In 3–4 sentences, explain the difference between a body measurement and a working measurement for drafting.
Show Answer
Sample: Body measurements are the actual sizes of body parts. Working measurements are the numbers used on the pattern after adding ease and seam allowance. Working measurements are slightly bigger so the garment fits comfortably and can be sewn properly. -
Draw a small sketch of a shorts pattern piece and mark where waistline, hipline, grainline, and seam allowance might be placed.
Show Answer
Look for a basic rectangular or slightly shaped piece with labels showing the top as waistline, a lower horizontal line as hipline, a vertical arrow for grainline, and a narrow border around the edges for seam allowance. -
List four measuring tools or materials you would prepare before starting a drafting session.
Show Answer
Possible answers: measuring tape, ruler or L-square, pencil, eraser, pattern paper, French curve, and fabric scissors (for later cutting). -
Write three respectful phrases you can use when measuring a classmate’s body.
Show Answer
Examples: “May I measure your waist now?” “Please stand relaxed and look forward.” “Tell me if you feel uncomfortable so we can adjust.” -
Create a short reminder card about ease. Include a definition and one reason why it is important.
Show Answer
Look for a definition such as “Ease is the extra space added to body measurements for comfort and movement” plus a reason like “so the wearer can sit, walk, and breathe easily.” -
Describe a situation where lack of safety in the work area might cause an accident while drafting or cutting.
Show Answer
Example: A learner steps on a pin left on the floor and falls, or someone bumps into a chair and knocks scissors onto the ground where they cut someone’s hand or foot. -
Write a five-step personal checklist you can follow before measuring someone for shorts or pajamas.
Show Answer
Possible steps: (1) Wash hands, tie back hair. (2) Prepare tools on table. (3) Clear floor and chairs. (4) Ask permission and explain the process. (5) Take measurements in order and record them immediately. -
Explain how knowing your own measurements can help you when buying ready-made shorts or pants.
Show Answer
Answers may mention that it helps choose the correct size, avoid too-tight or too-loose garments, and decide whether a piece might need alteration. -
Complete this sentence: “When I prepare carefully before drafting, I show that I value ______ and ______ in my work.”
Show Answer
Encourage values such as “safety and respect,” “accuracy and responsibility,” or “quality and health.”
✅ Check Yourself
Answer the questions, then reveal the answers to check your understanding.
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(Multiple Choice) Which statement best describes a pattern?
a. A type of printed fabric used for pajamas
b. A paper guide that shows the shape and size of garment parts
c. A kind of decorative design on clothing
d. A machine used to sew garmentsShow Answer
Correct answer: b. A paper guide that shows the shape and size of garment parts. -
(Multiple Choice) Which measurement is most important when drafting shorts or pajama pants?
a. Neck
b. Wrist
c. Waist and hip
d. Shoulder widthShow Answer
Correct answer: c. Waist and hip. -
(True/False) Ease is the extra space added to body measurements so a garment will not be too tight.
Show Answer
True. Ease gives comfort and freedom of movement. -
(True/False) Seam allowance is the space between the stitching line and the raw edge of the fabric.
Show Answer
True. Seam allowance provides room for sewing the pieces together. -
(Short Answer) Why should the person being measured stand in a natural, relaxed posture?
Show Answer
Because pulling in the stomach or standing stiffly can change measurements and cause an inaccurate, uncomfortable fit. -
(Multiple Choice) Which tool is best for taking body measurements?
a. Metal ruler
b. Measuring tape
c. Tailor’s chalk
d. Pin cushionShow Answer
Correct answer: b. Measuring tape. -
(Short Answer) Give one reason why we keep pins in a pin cushion instead of leaving them on the table.
Show Answer
To prevent them from rolling off, getting lost, or accidentally pricking someone’s hand or arm. -
(Short Answer) What is the purpose of the grainline arrow printed on a pattern piece?
Show Answer
It shows how to align the pattern with the fabric’s grain so the garment hangs and stretches correctly. -
(Multiple Choice) A learner adds 3 cm of ease to a hip measurement. This is done mainly to:
a. Save fabric
b. Make the garment too big
c. Allow comfort and movement
d. Shorten the garmentShow Answer
Correct answer: c. Allow comfort and movement. -
(True/False) It is acceptable to joke about a classmate’s body size while taking their measurements as long as you are friends.
Show Answer
False. Measuring should always be done with respect and without comments about body size or shape. -
(Short Answer) Name two sharp tools that must be handled carefully during drafting and cutting.
Show Answer
Examples: fabric scissors, paper scissors, pins, needles, or rotary cutters where available. -
(Multiple Choice) Which of the following is a good safety habit?
a. Leaving scissors open on the edge of the table
b. Walking quickly with scissors pointing forward
c. Placing pins directly onto the floor
d. Passing scissors handle-first to another personShow Answer
Correct answer: d. Passing scissors handle-first to another person. -
(Short Answer) Why should you write the name of the person at the top of the measurement sheet?
Show Answer
To avoid mixing up measurements, especially when working with several people or projects at the same time. -
(Short Answer) How does careful preparation before drafting show that you value health?
Show Answer
It reduces the risk of accidents, avoids physical strain from poor posture or tight garments, and creates comfortable clothing that supports well-being. -
(Reflection Check) Which step in your own drafting preparation do you still need to improve?
Show Answer
Answers will vary. Learners might say they need to organize tools better, measure more confidently, or remember to add ease and seam allowance consistently.
🚀 Go Further (optional)
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Measurement Observation Task – At home, observe a family member’s shorts or pajama pants and guess what measurements were important.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Ask learners to note where the waistband sits, how loose or tight the hips and thighs are, and how long the garment is. Use their observations to review which measurements were needed and how ease was used. -
Healthy Fit Interview – Interview a relative or neighbor who wears a uniform (e.g., security guard, nurse, factory worker) about fit and comfort.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Guide learners to ask questions about tight or loose areas, ease of movement, and any discomfort. Connect answers to the idea that correct measurements and ease support health and work performance. -
Safety Poster – Create a mini poster showing at least five safety rules for the drafting and cutting area.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Encourage clear drawings and short phrases like “Pins go in the pin cushion” or “Pass scissors handle-first.” Display posters in the TLE room as reminders. -
Checklist Challenge – Design a colorful “Drafting Day Checklist” card that you can clip to your notebook.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Ask learners to include items for tools, client preparation, and self-preparation. They may laminate or cover the card with tape for long-term use in later lessons. -
Math and Measurements Link – Practice converting between centimeters and meters using sample body measurements.
Show Answer
Teacher guidance: Provide several measurements (e.g., 70 cm, 95 cm) and ask learners to write them in meters (0.70 m, 0.95 m). Connect this to accurate reading of tape measures and pattern instructions.
🔗 My Reflection
Notebook prompt:
In a short paragraph, describe how you feel about taking body measurements and preparing to draft patterns for pajamas or shorts. Which part do you feel most confident about, and which part do you want to practice more so that you can work safely and accurately?
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