Cloth tapes can stretch with lots of use, so measuring isn’t as accurate as it could be. Tired of always grabbing the wrong end of the tape measure? Find out the easy way to read a tape measure, even if you are not good at math. A second tape measure design is what is called the long tape. The tape will be horizontal at your back and front, and diagonal at your side. Record that measurement as the waist measurement. These are much easier to use than other types of tape measures as they're specifically designed for sewing. Indygo Junction To sew or buy anything that fits, you first must take measure of yourself. Meter or 1m: The one-meter marking is located at the one 100th centimeter marking or 10th decimeter marking. When most people think of a tape measure, they are thinking of the pocket tape measure. These are bust, waist and hip. Thanks! These are typically marked by long, thin lines and fairly large numbers. Tape Measure for Body, Measurements Tape Retractable Measuring Tape for Cloth, Sewing, Tailor, Fabric, and Crafts, Small Tape Measure with Push Button (Retractable Dual Sided Black) 4.7 out of … Most common tapes display both metric and imperial measurements on opposite sides of the blade, to facilitate readers across the world. (5m pocket tape measure by Stanley) Long measure tapes: designed mostly for engineering and industrial work, they can be as long as 500 feet in length (around 150 metres). There are various trusted brands that provide measurement tools on the market, whether you need a cheap tape measure for everyday use, or you are on the look for a specialist one suitable for professional purposes. Several projects also have free planning templates. The place to start is with a measuring tape. Download them to keep handy at your sewing station as quick reference tools. SHOULDER. The longest tape measure in the world was a 600 feet (183 metres) gold-plated tape created by Justus Roe, an American surveyor and tape-maker, in 1956. The place to start is with a measuring tape. Dritz How to take: Wrap a standard flexible tape measure around the area to be measured. Place your seam guide at the end of the tape measure, making sure it is perpendicular to the end of the tape measure. 0 bids. Share the process with a friend! Every 12 inches, there will often (but not always) be a foot marking. Sewing for Men - How to Measure: Measurements. Antique Sewing Tape Measure Celluloid Red Basket of Flowers with Ladybug. Whether you're a sewist, quilter or home decorator, our blog will get you headed in the right direction. It will really aid you in obtaining accurate measurements. Despite the variety of shapes and functionalities, most tape measures share a common basic structure, which includes a plastic, steel or fabric strip onto which measurement graduations are marked. (50m long open case tape measure by Lufkin). Your personal measurements make you unique. A tape measure is extremely valuable when you are sewing. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in touch. $6.00 shipping. This is your shoulder seam length. A tape measure is one of the essentials when it comes to sewing. Most items a person may choose to make involves a specific size. They are normally encased in a reel, which can be either closed or open. If you are new to sewing or have been sewing for a while, you’ll have noticed that most sewing patterns list three basic measurements to help you choose the size to sew. Measuring isn’t difficult. Our educational info is a great resource for beginners and skilled crafters alike. In fact, the first rudimental tape measures date back to the Roman era, when marked strips of leather were used as measuring instruments. When it comes to precision work, tape accuracy is a key factor and is determined by standards set by the European Committee, which divide the category in three classes according to their level of accuracy. May 24, 2015 - Tape measures are important tools around the house. Choose a tape measure like this one that has a starting point of 1-inch at each end. Standards: Common measurements needed for pattern sizing are bust, waist, hip and length. Tape measures are made from a variety of materials, including fiber glass, plastic and cloth. Measure from the base of your neck right in the middle of your shoulder (from a bird's eye view) and along to the tip of your shoulder. You will use a sewing tape measure to take measurements of people for whom you wish to sew clothing. Where to buy: A flexible tape measure can be purchased at your local quilt shop or here on line. We found that the most common measuring tapes are either divided all the way down to sixteenths… … or broken down by eighths. Dive in and plan your next DIY! Measure until the left front meets the right front where you began. Take a tape measure and measure your sitting height and then go to the store to measure the different tables until you find one that fits. Take your body measurements and choose the right tape measure, too. Reading 1/2-inch measurements is the same principle as reading one inch: simply locate the second-longest mark between the longer inch marks. Omnigrid We'd like to help you make something. Imperial: a system that dates back to the Middle Ages and named after the British Empire. Did you know…all measuring tapes are not created equal? Pocket tape measures have a tape 1 to 15 feet (0.30 to 4.57 m) in length and 1 ⁄ 4 to 3 ⁄ 4 inch (6.4 to 19.1 mm) across. Source: Amazon If you are going to be measuring extensive distances on open land and need to be able to accurately tell how far away places or locations are then you need to have a surveyor measuring tape. A tape measure is a flexible instrument used for measuring lengths and distances; an essential for many industries and applications. Normally, marks are black and red on a yellow background, as this is the best colour combination to make it easy to read. On a tape measure labeled with imperial units, the most prominent marks are usually the one-inch marks. How to store your tape measures? Need some inspiration for your next sewing project or DIY makeover? Knowing what they are will help you sew or choose clothing that fits … To measure the back width, measure horizontally between your arm attachment points (underarm). It comes in fun pink and green colors, too! Download our PDF for specifics on how to take 13 different body measurements. Let’s learn about all the Dritz® tape measure options you have! Similar to reading rulers, the large numbers on a standard tape measure are the inch marks.That number is usually in bold, black type, easy to read and refers to the longest of the markings along the edge. Jot down the measurement, then add that number to the number on the back of your housing for the exact interior measurement. Place the measuring tape over the top of your bust and underneath your armpits. It is still used throughout the UK, USA and Canada. Measurements are easy. Most surveyor’s tapes feature a hook that folds around an item or anchors on the ground, to easily keep track of the starting point, especially when measuring longer distances. What measurements should I take? Taking precise measurements with a sewing tape measure is important for the fit of a garment. These are, of course, key features in the choice of the best tape measures for surveying and construction, as in those industries it is highly likely to be used in non-optimal environments. Use one of these links to view popular product areas: Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better service while searching or placing an order, for analytical purposes and to personalise our advertising to you. Hold the measuring tape snug against your body but not too tight and don’t forget to breathe normally! Check out our Dritz lookbooks. Whether you're a sewist, quilter, or home decorator, we'd like to help you make something! You’ll feel better, too (no more binding waistlines)! As you know industrial sewing machine tables will come in a variety of sizes. 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There are two measuring charts below: one showing the eighth breakdown and another showing sixteenths. Want to stay updated with our Make Something products, learn new techniques or learn how to use our products? Surveyor’s tape measures, on the other hand, are normally made of rigid materials, such as fibreglass and steel, which ensure durability, impermeable properties and resistance to use and damage. Do not assume that just because you sucked your breath in, the garment will turn out to be perfect.