As i could recall correctly, my very first baju kurung made by myself was when i was 13 years old. At those times, it is hard to find school baju kurung in departmental store.... So My mom taught me the very basic way of making baju kurung using an old newspaper as a template to make pattern. Now 37 years later, I am able to make my daughter her first baju kurung.... and the joy seeing her wearing one is indescribable.
Aleesya's first baju kurung at 5 months old
In order to make baju kurung, it involves multiple steps and methods.... As you all know I am not a professional dressmaker... so what i'll be showing you here is a collective of my own self learning experience that I learnt from my mum, websites, youtube and recently from a professional dressmaker. So if you all have better tips and suggestions, you are more than welcome to post a comment...
What do you need?
Tape measure
pen
a piece of paper
How?
I personally like to use inches over the metric system since it works better with the pattern's formula. However, if you prefer the metric system, it also works as long as you have a calculator on side :)
Shoulder Length: Measure from the back and not from the front so that you will take the shape of the shoulder into account i.e. alcove in the neck area. Measure from one end of the shoulder where you could feel a bony protuberance to other side of the shoulder.
sleeves length: start from the end of the shoulder (at the point of bony protuberance on your shoulder) to the point slightly past the wrist area.
sleeves circumference : circle the wrist with tape measure to get the circumference of the sleeves.
chest: circle the chest with the tape measurement. If you are taking measurement for children's dress, add 2 fingers into the circle.
waistline: Circle the waist ( the smallest part of your body) with the tape measurement. If you are taking measurement for children's dress, add 2 fingers into the circle.
hip : circle the widest part of your body with the tape measurement. If you are taking measurement for children's dress, add 2 fingers into the circle.
length of dress: measure from the shoulder to the knee point or for some below the knee level depending on personal favourite.
length of skirt: Measure from the waist to the ankle or slightly below the ankle level.
I have been trying to put a video on this blog... unfortunately am unsuccessful after thousands of attempts... maybe next time... sigh....insya-Allah...
till then.....ta..
